Synopses & Reviews
While hiking in the mountains with his parents, Albert tumbles off a cliffbut is saved by the cloud children who utter magic words that make him very light and keep him from falling. Albert has a wonderful time jumping, swimming, painting, and racing in the sky with the cloud children. That is until he remembers his mother and father and his own little bed at home. It takes the cloud queen, the man in the moon, and a few more magic words to return Albert to earth.
Review
"It's hardly a new theme: a child finds himself in a new world where each day offers yet another fantastic experience. Eventually, however, the child yearns for the familiarity of home. In the hands of the incomparable Burningham, this familiar story takes on new depth and poignancy while never losing the giddy appeal of adventure. A stunning book . . . It promises to resonate with readers of all ages." —Publishers Weekly starred review
Review
"One of the finest and most original writers at work today." —The New Yorker
Review
"A matter-of-fact tone and economy of words, in combination with whimsical illustrations, create a buoyant, high-flying fantasy greater than the sum of its parts." —Kirkus Reviews
Synopsis
Albert and his mum and dad go walking one day in the mountains. Unfortunately, Albert slips and disappears over the edge of a cliff; his parents are very upset. Albert is lucky though - the Cloud Children see his fall and speak the magic words ("They either said, Fumble gralley goggle ho hee", or "Teetum waggle bari se nee", or was it "Gargle giggle fiddle num dee?") that make Albert light enough to float among the clouds, with them. Albert sleeps that night drifting in the sky. The next day, Albert and the Cloud Children have lots of fun: jumping off tall clouds, making as much noise as they can in the thunderstorm, swimming in the rain, painting pictures next to the rainbow and walking on the filmy traces left by passing aircraft. When Albert wants to go home again, the Queen arranges for his cloud to drift near his home, and for him to gently float down - but not before they all have feasted with the Man in the Moon
About the Author
John Burningham is one of the most prestigious and well-loved illustrators working in the children's book field today. Trained at the Central School of Art, his first picture book, Borka, was published in 1963. He has won the Kate Greenaway Award twice and has enjoyed a very distinguished career.