Cloud Boy

Cloud Boy

By Author / Illustrator

Greg Stobbs

Genre

Representation & Inclusion

Age range(s)

5+

Publisher

OUP Children's Books

ISBN

9781382054904

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

06-02-2025

Synopsis

When Bobby gets distracted, he starts to float. Everyone tries to help him, but there are so many sights and sounds and smells which draw his attention away from everyday things. Bobby would like to concentrate like his friends, but it's very hard, so his family and friends come up with all sorts of clever plans. But a string tied around Bobby's ankle just makes him feel empty inside...


In this uplifting story, Bobby's friends and family might just learn that the best way to understand Bobby to think a bit like him. A positive fable that celebrates the value of neurodivergence.


Reviews

Sue

Whenever Bobby gets distracted, he starts to float. He wants to pay attention like others, but there are so many things which draw his notice that he finds this really hard. In an attempt to help him, family and friends come up with a solution. But being tied to the ground only makes Bobby feel empty and unlike himself, so maybe there is another solution…


I empathise with Bobby so much! So easily distracted, my mind floats away just like Bobby does in this lovely story. Cloud Boy encourages readers to reflect on what makes everyone unique and the importance of being true to yourself. Bobby’s imagination allows him to float off, pondering unanswered questions, wondering about little things, picturing, puzzling and dreaming.


The story shows the importance of respecting how others view things, their pace of life, the very quirks and foibles which make them who they are, and taking time to adapt to and respect these. Although they were trying to help him and were acting with the best intentions, Bobby's family and friends find they are most supportive when they experience things from his point of view.


The story is beautifully illustrated with plenty to explore, enjoy and discuss on every page. Cloud Boy would make an excellent story to use for an assembly, story time, PSHE lesson or for cuddling up with!


Picture book / Reviewed by Sue Wilsher, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 3+

Louise

Life for Bobby is so distracting! So many sights, sounds and smells. And when Bobby gets distracted, he starts to float. As hard as he tries to stay focussed, Bobby can't. Even his friends and family want to help, but when they help, Bobby feels empty inside.


Cloud Boy is a story for any young person, but especially for those children who find focusing challenging. It really highlights just how difficult some situations can be; how distracting a classroom, or outside, or even home life can be.


Cloud Boy promotes a sense of self and reminds educators, parents and friends how important it is not to squash a person or child's individuality, and to recognise their needs and way of being. Although everyday life requires boundaries and expectations, it needs to be delivered in a way that can be managed by those around.


A book to be shared at home or in the classroom to develop an awareness of just how challenging certain situations can be to some individuals.


Picture book / Reviewed by Louise Gahan, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 5+

Wendy

Cloud Boy is a simple book with a very sophisticated message. Bobby can't concentrate; he tries hard but is continuously distracted by sights, smells and sounds going on in the world around him. Predictably, he gets told off by his mum, his teacher and his friends who don't understand how hard he finds it to focus. Bobby tries his hardest to be like them but becomes sad and withdrawn, so the others come up with a plan to help him keep his feet on the ground. Sadly, this plan makes Bobby even sadder as he's now like everyone else, but no longer himself. . .


The simple message of acceptance shines through loud and clear; not everyone can conform to societal expectations. Cloud Boy reminds us of the need for more equity rather than equality - don't give everyone exactly the same and expect everyone to achieve. Rather, give everyone what they need to succeed and accept some people will need more adaptations than others.


A good assembly or PHSCE text, Cloud Boy could spark a discussion or piece of work about how we can make it possible for everyone in school to shine.


Picture book / Reviewed by Wendy Kelly, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 7+

 

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