Ploof

This square book, with its sturdy card cover and heavyweight paper pages, tells the simple story of a little cloud named Ploof. At every turn, the reader is invited to comment on the action or to participate in Ploof’s activities.

Many spreads show Ploof transforming himself into one shape or another. Others show him expressing his emotions. Ploof is shy, Ploof is exhilarated, Ploof has shrunk and wants help to grow big again.

Let’s help puff Ploof back up.
Can you blow softly on Ploof?
More! More!

Ploof becomes over-inflated with the big breaths of his readers and takes off, flying around the sky like a balloon with the air coming out in a rush.

And then:

Ploof is stuck!

The illustration opposite this line shows Ploof caught in the top branches of a tree.

Can you help? Maybe try shaking the tree a little?
Yay! Ploof is free! Are you okay, Ploof?
That was a bit scary, wasn’t it?

Now Ploof is shedding a few tears, and the reader is urged to make funny faces to cheer him up.
It isn’t long before Ploof is suggesting a game of hide-and-seek. On the only pages of the book illustrated in full colour, Ploof disguises himself first as a kite high in the sky and then as a sheep grazing in a farm field. Careful observation is needed for this second one!

The game is over, and Ploof wants to say goodbye with a high-five and a wave.

Oh! Before you go, how about a hug?
Thanks for being such a fantastic friend!
See you soon.

Our last view of Ploof shows him as a smiling heart.

The two collaborators on the book are both identified as author-illustrators. The text consists of briefly-worded and often humourous directions to respond to Ploof’s requests. Use of a large sans serif typeface will help readers begin to identify letters and words.

The pictures, noted as having been created “using powdered graphite, erasers, and pencil, then assembled and coloured digitally”, have a soft, almost fuzzy texture. Ploof is a fluffy white changeable shape, with large black eyes, and, sometimes, a small pair of hands. The background is a uniform azure blue.

Young children who have looked up at the sky and tried to make out what can be seen in the clouds will be delighted to play with Ploof. This sweet story could be used with a small group, but would be a particular pleasure to use in sparking imagination with one or two picture book fans.