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The Day the Clouds Went Away
The Day the Clouds Went Away, by Richard Rieman, is a charming and heartwarming tale set in a whimsical kingdom where Princess Claudia, a visually impaired and strong-willed young girl, learns the importance of clouds and the natural balance they bring to her world. With the help of her guide owl, Iris, and the bumbling but well-meaning wizard, Fumbledore, Claudia navigates the challenges brought by the disappearance of clouds, ultimately discovering their vital role in her ecosystem.
What struck me immediately about this book was its enchanting storytelling and vivid illustrations. Rieman masterfully combines a captivating narrative with educational elements, making the story both entertaining and informative. The characters are delightful, each contributing to the plot in meaningful ways. For example, Fumbledore’s clumsy magic and the various clouds like Cyrus McCirrus and Chrissy the Cumulus Cat Cloud add both humor and depth to the story. The author’s ability to personify the clouds makes the science behind them engaging and accessible to young readers.
One of the standout aspects of this book is its underlying message about the environment and the interconnectedness of nature. Claudia’s initial desire to banish the clouds for a sunny birthday party leads to unintended consequences, highlighting the importance of every element in our ecosystem. This theme is gently woven into the story without feeling didactic, making it an excellent conversation starter for parents and educators about environmental stewardship and the natural world. The pacing of the book is well-suited for its intended audience, with enough action to keep young readers engaged while also allowing for moments of reflection and learning. The resolution is satisfying and reinforces the book’s positive messages. The introduction of various types of clouds and their functions, complemented by beautiful illustrations, makes this book not just a story but a learning experience.
The Day the Clouds Went Away is a delightful read that I would highly recommend for children and parents alike. Its blend of charming storytelling, educational content, and beautiful artwork makes it a standout in children’s literature. This book is perfect for young readers who enjoy magical tales and for parents looking for stories with positive messages about the environment and appreciating nature.
Pages: 39 | ISBN : 978-1639390045
Strong and Independent
The Day the Clouds Went Away follows a bold and independent young princess with low vision who commands the clouds to disappear, only to face unintended consequences, leading her to learn an important lesson about the value of clouds and rain. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I founded a Nonprofit, Imagination Storybooks, to make illustrated books more accessible to all children, including those who are blind or low vision. My books include rich descriptions of the pictures in audio and video formats. There are very few books with blind main characters that are not about blindness. I want to create fairy tales where children with a disability can see themselves as a main character.
What were some driving ideals behind Princess Claudia’s character?
Princess Claudia runs her own Princessdom at age 8. She is strong and independent, despite having low vision and losing her parents when her Wizard Fumbledore made a mistake in a spell and sent them through time.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Everyone looks at the clouds, but sometimes, there are shapes in the clouds of animals or characters. My book explores the different kinds of clouds and explains their importance in nature, even on rainy days.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
The Day the Bees Went Away – Tales from the Princessdom, Book Two. It will be available Fall 2024.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Author Richard Rieman, The Audiobook Wizard, has narrated and produced hundreds of Indie-published audiobooks. He is the author of the award-winning The Author’s Guide to Audiobook Creation. Richard founded Imagination Storybooks, a pioneer Nonprofit making children’s illustrated books accessible to blind and deaf children. With his own vision fading because of glaucoma, Richard decided this main character should also have vision loss.
The Day the Clouds Went Away is perfect for kids ages 3-8, an imaginative story rich with opportunities for teachers and parents to further the conversation about what your child might do if suddenly all the clouds disappeared.
The Day the Clouds Went Away
“The Day the Clouds Went Away” by Richard Rieman is a charming and beautifully illustrated children’s book that tells the story of Princess Claudia, a bold and independent young princess with low vision. Claudia, with the help of her guide owl Iris and the somewhat clumsy wizard Fumbledore, learns an important lesson about the value of clouds and rain after she commands the clouds to disappear, only to face unintended consequences.
Rieman’s storytelling is engaging and whimsical, capturing the reader’s imagination from the first page. The characters are well-developed, each with distinct and endearing personalities. Princess Claudia is a refreshing protagonist who is strong-willed yet open to learning. The interactions with various clouds, such as Cyrus McCirrus and Chrissy the Cumulus Cat Cloud, are not only educational but also filled with playful dialogue that keeps young readers entertained while subtly imparting knowledge about different types of clouds and their roles in nature.
One of the book’s strengths is its clever integration of scientific facts into the narrative. For instance, through Claudia’s conversations with the clouds, children learn that clouds are essential for rain, which in turn is crucial for the survival of plants and animals. This educational aspect is seamlessly woven into the story, making the learning experience enjoyable. Additionally, the book’s illustrations by Barbara Owczarek are vibrant and captivating, perfectly complementing the text and bringing the fantastical elements of the story to life.
The narrative also thoughtfully addresses themes of acceptance and understanding. Claudia’s initial frustration with the clouds, driven by her desire for a perfect sunny day, transforms into a realization of their importance. This journey reflects broader lessons about appreciating the natural world and understanding that everything has a role to play.
“The Day the Clouds Went Away” is an enchanting read for children and adults alike. It combines a delightful story with educational elements and beautiful illustrations, making it a perfect addition to any child’s bookshelf. I highly recommend this picture book for children aged 4 to 8, especially those who enjoy stories about nature, fantasy, and learning through adventure.
Pages: 39 | ASIN: B0CTHRFCXX
LITERARY TITAN 