Michael Catchpool

A young boy with the ability to spin clouds into thread, and to make the most beautiful fabric from that thread, finds that it is difficult to keep to his mother's maxim - "Enough is enough and not one stitch more" - in this lovely picture-book from English author and illustrator Michael Catchpool and Alison Jay. Ordered by the king to produce a scarf fit for royalty, and then dresses for the ladies of the palace, the boy must do as he is told, although he continually cautions that it is not show more wise to produce something that is not needed. His words prove prophetic when his spinning depletes the clouds in the sky, leading to drought and hunger in the land. Only the silent princess, of all the royals, understands what is happening, and takes steps to redress the damage her father has done to the world.

An original fairy-tale with a lesson to impart about using resources wisely, and not consuming just for the sake of consumption, The Cloud Spinner is never overwhelmed by its didactic purpose, offering an engaging narrative that stands well on its own, as a story. The artwork, done by Alison Jay in alkyd paint on thick cartridge paper, with crackle varnish to give an antique look, is vibrant and appealing. I liked the use of color, and the quirkiness of some of the human depictions, particularly the roly-poly king. All in all, The Cloud Spinner was a sweet and engaging little tale, one that can be used to spark discussions about greed, over-consumption and respect for the natural world with young people, or just enjoyed as a simple story. show less

Its a book about a little boy who can't stand all the love he sees around him. So he leaves home to find a place where there isn't any love. He goes to the forest, the sea and outer space but all he finds is love. Finally he goes to an island all by himself. While he's there he begins to feel lonely. At one point he falls in the water and a hand helps him up. It was a little girl who helped him. He found a friend and also found love. Its not necessarily a book I would use in a lesson plan show more but to just simply read aloud and demonstrate that love is important. show less

I thought that this book was very interesting and entertaining to read. The plot of this book is well organized, following a clear story and conflict. Catchpool did a great job of developing the characters so that they fit into their roles in the plot/conflict. For example, it is explained that the boy weaving cloth from the clouds was taught to only take what was needed from the clouds and not a stitch more. This is an important part of the character because it justifies his hesitation to show more weave the King clothes when demanded to. The plot of this book also flows naturally into the bigger picture and moral of the story; to only take what is needed, do not succumb to greed. show less

You Can’t Move a Hippo!
By: Michael Catchpool

Summary: This story is about a lion, monkey, warthog, and parrot trying to get a sleeping hippo, which is blocking a bridge, to move out of their way. They try to order, push, and bounce him off. None of their tactics work. Then along comes a mouse who whispers “Please!” into the hippo’s ear. The hippo yawned, stretched and got up. And he and the mouse wandered off across the bridge side-by-side.

Personal Reflection: My son and I love this show more book! It has a great message and wonderful illustrations. Each page looks like an animated painting.

Classroom Extension Ideas: This book is a great way to teach children that in order to get what you want from someone you should always be polite. I would talk to my students about the power and importance of manners. show less