Lizzy and the Cloud



Last updated Tuesday, March 7, 2023

Author: Terry Fan
Illustrator: Eric Fan
Date of Publication: 2022
ISBN: 1534483179
Grade Level: 2nd    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Mar. 2023

Synopsis: It's a little out of fashion to buy a pet cloud, but Lizzy doesn't mind. She's not looking for a big one or a fancy one, just one that's right for her. And she finds it in Milo.

Soon, she's taking Milo out on walks with her family, watering Milo right on schedule, and seeing Milo grow and grow. But what happens when her pet cloud gets too big for Lizzy to handle?

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  Have you ever gotten a balloon for your birthday or at a celebration or fair?
•  Do you have a pet? What pet would you like to have if you could have any pet?

Vocabulary:

•  wispy: fine, thin, feathery (what are some wispy things in nature?)
•  fern: a flowerless plant with leafy, long fronds, likes water
•  collection: a group or assembly of things
•  manual: a book of instructions (like what comes with an appliance or with tech)
•  tantrum: an outburst of anger
•  regretful: looking back with remorse and regret, feeling sorry for something

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  What kind of world does Lizzy live in? What's the setting (time and place) like? What do you notice/see in the illustrations that tell you about it?
•  What makes a good pet or plant owner/carer? How do you take care of a specific pet (plant, dog, cat, hamster, fish)?
•  Why did Milo the cloud have a tantrum? What was it needing and why?
•  Is there anything you've ever had to let go of (a plan, a pet, a dream)?

Craft ideas:
•  Check our craft ideas on Pinterest!
https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/march-2023-music-entertainment/
•  Make a cloud from materials on hand taking inspiration from the Pinterest board. (Cotton balls and/or pom poms would be especially useful!)
•  Make a "pet cloud"! Add googly eyes and a mouth to make it a cloud to care for. Give it a name!! :)
•  St. Patrick’s Day Is March 17th and Easter Sunday is April 9th. Make a greeting card for someone. (Remember: Everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day)

Special activities:
•  Discuss your ideal pet and how you would care for it.
•  Draw or make your ideal pet out of cotton balls/pom poms.

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!