Uncle Rain Cloud

by Tony Johnston, Fabricio VandenBroeck (Illustrator)

Overview

In this inspiring story, young Carlos learns that change effects everyone, even his uncle. Uncle Tomàs does not speak English and does not adjust well to his new life in Los Angeles. To him, English is "El Blah-blah," and he is frustrated and ashamed by his inability to communicate. He is always grouchy–like a thunderstorm about to break. But, Carlos is held spellbound by his stories about old Mexico and the tongue-twister gods. How can this brilliant man be afraid like Carlos was when he first went to school and couldn't speak English very well? In time, Carlos and Uncle Tomàs form a partnership–Carlos teaching Uncle Tomàs English and Uncle Tomàs teaching Carlos about his ancestors

Uncle Rain Cloud is a heartwarming story of friendship and courage told in rich, poetic language and given dramatic spirit by Fabricio VandenBroeck's vivid, expressive illustrations. The colors and styles of the Aztec culture bring the ancient gods alive in the imaginations of the readers.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780881063721
Publisher:	Charlesbridge
Publication date:	02/15/2003
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	8.59(w) x 11.00(h) x 0.13(d)
Age Range:	5 - 8 Years

About the Author

Tony Johnston is the author of over 100 books for children, including THE CAT WITH SEVEN NAMES and THE HARMONICA. She lives in California.

Editorial Reviews

The title refers to Carlos's nickname for his grumpy uncle, who admits he is too afraid to learn "el Blah-Blah," or English. But the man's outlook turns sunny when he and Carlos make a deal: Carlos will teach him English and his uncle will teach him the old stories of Mexico-in Spanish. Ages 5-9. (Feb.) Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

Publishers Weekly

When Carlos and his family move to Los Angeles from Mexico, his uncle mutters angrily about their new city and the English language he calls "el Blah Blah." Uncle Tomas seems content only when telling Mexican legends in the evening. Author Tony Johnston sensitively explores family and cultural tensions in Uncle Rain Cloud. When the boy tells of his daily struggles in school, the grouchy man quietly realizes that "one finds courage in many places. Even in the third grade." The ending is marked by humor and compassion as the boy and uncle continue to wrestle with the English language—but with a new appreciation of one another. Mexican artist Fabricio VandenBroeck uses color and shadow to wonderful effect. 2001, Talewinds/Charlesbridge,
— Mary Quattlebaum

Children's Literature

Carlos secretly calls Tio Tomas "Uncle Rain Cloud" because his uncle is so grouchy all the time. Thomas is especially so when they go to the supermarket and Carlos must translate for him. This immigrant family must bravely face a new culture together, especially when learning English which Tio Tomas calls "el Blah-Blah." This heartfelt story has a moving ending and a pronunciation guide so anyone can tackle the names of the tongue-twister gods from Mexico. 2001, Charlesbridge Publishing, $15.95. Ages 5 to 10. Reviewer: C. Leonard-Schmidling SOURCE: Parent Council, September 2001 (Vol. 9, No. 1)

Gr 1-3-Carlos's personal name for his T'o Tom s is "Uncle Rain Cloud," because he so often seems grumpy and discontented. His uncle becomes especially angry at the supermarket and when he picks Carlos up from school-both places where Carlos must translate for him. However, at home in the evening, when T'o Tom s tells stories of the old Mexican gods, he is assured, fluent, and energetic. One evening after harsh words are exchanged, the man finally tells his nephew how ashamed he is of being afraid to speak "el Blah-Blah," his term for English. Suddenly, Carlos understands. He, too, felt self-conscious about his imperfect understanding of the language when he first came to the United States. In a satisfying resolution, Carlos teaches his uncle English and T'o Tom s teaches him the old stories in their native Spanish. This concise tale about bridging cultures, languages, and generations will strike a chord with many children who are both learning English and translating for their families. The sensitive telling may also help monolingual children understand their classmates who are in that situation. Brisk pacing, sympathetic characters, and clear prose that uses embedded Spanish words effectively make a winner. VandenBroeck's acrylic and colored-pencil illustrations flesh out the narrative in soft, bright colors enhanced by dramatic shading. This could be used with Pat Mora's The Rainbow Tulip (Viking, 1999) or Jane Medina's My Name Is Jorge (Boyds Mills, 1999) to highlight the challenges faced by Hispanic students-and their various ways of triumphing.-Ann Welton, Terminal Park Elementary School, Auburn, WA Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.

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