A beautiful book exploring loss, bereavement and the importance of stories.

Victoria Turnbull provides a moving account of the relationship between a child and t heir Umpa. The child is taught about how to grow a garden and how important stories are as they go on adventures to cloud forests and all the way out to sea. One day Umpa isn't there any more and the child is lost in the clouds of grief, until he discovers the stories again and memories stir.

This story is beautifully illustrated with images in the clouds of all that they read about and the memories they make while reading together.

This would be a fabulous story to share with young children to help them understand loss and the feelings that come with it.

I received an eARC of this book from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

A beautifully illustrated picture book about coping with death, storytelling, asking questions and imagination. A young boy's magical times with his grandfather is what helps him cope with his death. He starts to understand, through his Umpa's stories, his grandfather will never leave him.

A gentle story with dream-like illustrations, this is a perfect story for bedtime with young readers. This is the tale of the bond between Umpa and the narrator (not entirely sure what they are meant to be but they are adorable and cuddly anyway) and how they use books to connect. This is a really sweet story focusing on the bond between grandparent and child, with a very moving ending (I did shed a tear reading it alone). I would recommend this for guided reading, perhaps not alone, for primary school and elementary school age children, as it touches on themes of grief and loss but also the healing power of stories. This is one that we will be adding to our children’s library.

Thank you to NetGalley and Frances Lincoln for sending me a free advance e-book copy of this title.

This was a beautiful book about memories, family relationships and life stories. For me, it sits nicely alongside Granpa by Burningham and Sad Book by Rosen, as a great book to use to introduce and use as a discussion promt for the sensitive issue of loss with younger readers. Beautifully illustrated.

Beautiful illustrations in a soft, dream-like palette fire the imagination, accompanied by simple lyrical text that conveys deep meaning with few words. I was entranced by the evocation of the deep affection between grandpa and grandchild, and the celebration of the power of the imagination and the necessity of stories for growth. The child’s reaction to loss will resonate with anyone who has experienced it as will the depiction in a few pages of the journey through grief to the realisation that loved ones are never really lost whilst we still have memories. A wonderful book.

"A story will help," said Umpa. "Stories make everything grow."
Together, the child in this story and their Umpa go on fantastical adventures together through the power of books and storytelling, sailing away on the rain and dining with hosts of magical imagined friends. One day, however, Umpa is no longer there, and it is up to the child to discover that their Umpa can still be found in the stories they shared together and the books they loved.

Turnbull's beautiful picture book not only addresses the incredible power of stories and the ways they can transport us, but also the harsh unfamiliarity and helplessness of grief, especially for children who often struggle to process these feelings. In tones that echo the eloquence of Oliver Jeffers' The Heart and the Bottle, and Benji Davies' Grandad's Island, Turnbull has addressed the loss of a grandparent with a delicacy and kindness that children will find comfort in. Even as an adult, it reminded me that the people I have lost will always be there in the things we shared together.

It would be remiss in talking about Cloud Forest to not address the illustrations that beautifully cover the pages. Turnbull has shown her ability to create beautiful and whimsical images in her previous picture books and this one is no different. Her use of colour is muted but warm, effective with gentle pops of brightness that keep this story feeling dreamy and cosy to read. The continued visual theme of colours and smoke to indicate the dreamy quality of the scenes is unifying imagery that maintains the feel of the story.

Ultimately this is a beautiful book that would be an asset to your bookshelf, both as a lovely story and a learning tool in difficult times.

Cloud Forest by Victoria Turnbull
Published by: Quarto Books
Pub Date: 5 May 2020

This is one of those books that stay with you for a long, long time after you’ve finished it. It sits very nicely amongst books such as Michael Rosen’s A sad book and Patrick Ness’s A monster calls, as it deals with themes such as loss, death and moving on. Turn all weaves a magical tale of a little boy dealing with the loss of his grandfather and how he finds a way to move on. The overall message that she leaves us with is that those who we love never truly leave us. This is just such a touching book, and one that I’m sure would be very useful at helping to touch on such a sensitive topic with young children.