Inspiring Young Readers

posted on 26 Apr 2026

Bear and Bird: The Cloud by Jarvis 

I am always delighted to read more about two of our favourite characters, Bear and Bird. I am also impressed with this prolific author/ illustrator who consistently produces books set in a colourful environment using a simple, uncluttered visual style that appeals to younger readers. This one is in a larger picture book format which was perfect to share with a group of three and four-year-olds.

We liked the cover which showed the two characters against a lush background of green grass and flowers. One boy thought that they were lying down on a hill looking up at the treetops but his friend suggested that they were dancing in the back garden. We talked a bit about where the story might be set and were then intrigued to find an uncoloured map of Dizzyland on the front- end paper which included what looked like a field with flowers which might explain the cover.  

The adventure begins with a smiling Bear landing by boat on the shore with a sign pointing to ‘The Woody Wood.’ It seems that his quest is to find a friend, but everyone seems to be happily paired up. He is soon joined by a friendly Bird who explains that she is looking for the Puffy Fluffy Octopus Cloud and so Bear decides to join her.

This quest is helped by Mouse who provides a book from her Story Truck about clouds, but it didn’t have enough pictures, so they read another book together instead. The children were keen to point out the Octopus cloud that was very evident in the sky above them which they failed to see!

The story continues with the children trying to tell Bear and Bird to notice what they are seeing, clearly provided by the illustrator. They go on to organise a fantastic Octopus Party ‘with bubbles, seaweed sandwiches and a cake with eight spoons each’, but again fail to spot the cloud above them as they are having so much fun. We needed to turn the book around to see them using a big bunch of balloons to help them rise up for a better view of the landscape, which looks like a memorable experience. As expected, they fail to notice the distinctive cloud behind them yet again.

Bear and Bird are rather despondent about failing to find it and so decide to give up and separate. When I asked the children what they thought might happen on the remaining pages, they all agreed that the two needed to meet up again, even if it was just to have a good time together as they were both lonely. Sure enough, the next pages show them sitting alone and thinking about each other.

I won’t reveal if and how they reconnect as you will want to read all about it for yourself. There is also the bonus of another detailed map on the final end papers showing a closer view of where the two friends have their adventure. 

I recommend this story about friendship and problem-solving set in a natural environment that encourages looking closely at the natural world. I also see it as a potential inspiration for some interesting art work about cloud shapes and making imaginative story maps. 

Published by Walker Books, this picture book is now available from your local independent bookshop who will happily order it if not already on their shelves.                 

Karen Argent

April 2026