Children of all ages can be interested in the sky and the great clouds uniquely displayed there. On car rides or barbeques, little ones will point and say look, that cloud looks like a horse or dragon. Their imaginations are more active than ours, which is a truly admirable trait. These cloud books are thoroughly reviewed to meet several criteria.
The first round of books was picked based on the topics and stories. The ones who didn’t include the best reviews were eliminated. Next, we compared illustrations or pictures. It is essential to have good visualization for kids to imagine and learn. Both factual and creative books are included in this list.
Some are written and illustrated to help kids work through big emotions, while others are full of scientific knowledge with helpful real-life images. Lastly, the books that kids enjoyed the most made this list. After reading several reviews and researching the books thoroughly, this helpful list was created. So get ready to find the best cloud books for kids and grant them the knowledge they can use for a lifetime.
Check Amazon- Perfect for teaching kids how to deal with bad days and lets them feel normal
- Includes helpful facts and even a few fun activities for learning about clouds
Check Amazon- Fascinating adventure story will encourage children to undertake complex tasks
- A beautiful story to teach kids always to try to reach for their dreams
Check Amazon- Great book for comforting children in times of grief
- Excellent for sharing and will bring comfort to both children and adults
Check Amazon- A book that can help your kids understand how to work through their emotions
- Stresses the importance of hard work and facing one's fears
Check Amazon- Simple, whimsical images that will delight young readers
- Lots of educational information
Check Amazon- Great book for kids to relate to about being small in a world of “big” people
- Cute story and illustrations
A-Z-Animals’ Top Picks for the Best Children’s Books About Clouds
1. Misty the Cloud: A Very Stormy Day by Dylan Dreyer (Author) and Rosie Butcher (Illustrator)
Misty the Cloud: A Very Stormy Day is a New York Times and USA Today bestseller written by Dylan Dreyer, TODAY Show co-host and meteorologist. It’s a picture book series about Misty, who is a little cloud with huge sentiments! In this unique social-emotional learning series, the author blends her broad weather expertise with her experience as a mother.
Nothing seems to make Misty’s day better when she wakes up feeling stormy! And when Misty’s enormous emotions force a thunderstorm to rumble across the sky, it impacts everyone. But, with the aid of friends and family, Misty understands that she will occasionally be a little stormy — and that it will always pass.
This is perfect for teaching kids how to deal with bad days and lets them feel normal, knowing they aren’t the only ones to feel that way. This book includes helpful facts and even a few fun activities to make learning about clouds even more eventful.
Intended age: preschool through two
Several reviewers said that the story was boring. One indicated that the number of illustrations overwhelmed the storyline.
Pros and Cons of Misty the Cloud: A Very Stormy Day by Dylan Dreyer (Author) and Rosie Butcher (Illustrator)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This children’s book by TODAY Show co-host and meteorologist Dylan Dreyer is about a little cloud named Misty. | Several reviewers said that the story was boring. |
| Misty may be little, but her big emotions make a big impact on everyone. | One indicated that the number of illustrations overwhelmed the storyline. |
| With help from her friends and family, Misty learns that she will always experience bad moods, and that they will always pass. | |
| The story will help kids (preschool through two) learn how to deal with bad days and that they’re not the only ones who have them. | |
| This book includes helpful facts and fun activities to teach young children about clouds. |
- Perfect for teaching kids how to deal with bad days and lets them feel normal
- Includes helpful facts and even a few fun activities for learning about clouds
2. Ana Paula and the Kingdom of Clouds by Marcia Fabara Suárez
Ana Paula and the Kingdom of Clouds by Marcia Fabara Suárez encourages children never to give up, even if a goal appears too big or nearly unachievable. They can go as high or as far as they want if they remain determined, like Ana Paula, and never give up until they achieve their goals. This captivating adventure story will encourage children to undertake complex tasks and teach them the value of patience and determination.
Ana Paula enlists the assistance of companions such as Paco the dog to help her reach the Kingdom of Clouds. Due to obstacles, she tries to persevere, but she can’t seem to get as high as she needs to reach the castle in the sky.
Ana Paula is heartbroken by her unsuccessful attempts, but she refuses to give up on her enormous dream and chooses to try each time again. She is unafraid of failing and understands that perseverance is the only way that she will achieve her goal.
There are no critical reviews for this book.
Pros and Cons of Ana Paula and the Kingdom of Clouds by Marcia Fabara Suárez
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This book encourages children to never give up on their dreams even if they seem unattainable. | None |
| The main character, Ana Paula, obtains the help of her friends, including Paco the dog, to reach the Kingdom of Clouds. | |
| Due to obstacles, she keeps failing to reach the castle in the sky, but continues to persevere in order to reach her goal. |
- Fascinating adventure story will encourage children to undertake complex tasks
- A beautiful story to teach kids always to try to reach for their dreams
3. Lost in the Clouds by DK and Tom Tinn-Disbury
Lost in the Clouds by DK and Tom Tinn-Disbury can help you support your child (ages three through five) when they lose someone they’re close to. After all, death and grief are difficult for adults to deal with. How are you supposed to help a child navigate these painful times?
This book can help offer some comfort and explain things a little more easily. It’s about a boy named Billy who has lost his mother. Billy misses his mother terribly. His dad explained that his mom now lives in the clouds. When the sun shines, Billy is happy because he believes that his mom is letting it through. But when the clouds are dark, he feels sad and lonely.
Lost in the Clouds was written in partnership with an experienced grief expert,. The book gently explores the concept of grief and teaches kids how to understand and deal with losing a loved one. This tale, with its colorful, beautiful illustrations and sensitive narrative, will help you explain death to your small child and, hopefully, bring some degree of comfort to you both.
It’s available in hardcover and Kindle format.
There was only one negative review, which read: “A useful book to help six year olds and above to think about death of a loved one. Sad to see grandparents not included in the list people who can provide a listening ear if needed. Personally, I found it less useful for under six year olds.”
Pros and Cons of Lost in the Clouds by DK and Tom Tinn-Disbury
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This book, which is geared towards children ages three through five can help them deal with death and grief. | A sole negative review read: “A useful book to help six year olds and above to think about death of a loved one. Sad to see grandparents not included in the list people who can provide a listening ear if needed. Personally, I found it less useful for under six year olds.” |
| This illustrated book, which was written in conjunction with a grief expert, follows the story of Billy, a little boy who lost his mother. | |
| Billy believes that his mother now lives among the clouds and is happy when “she” allows the sun to shine on him. When the clouds are dark, he becomes sad and lonely. | |
| This book can help you explain death and grief to your child in a way that they can understand and that will give them comfort. |
- Great book for comforting children in times of grief
- Excellent for sharing and will bring comfort to both children and adults
4. The Cloud Spinner by Michael Catchpool (Author), Alison Jay (Illustrator)
The Cloud Spinner by Michael Catchpool (author), Alison Jay (illustrator) is about a little boy with a unique talent: he can weave cloth from the clouds. The colors of the clouds and fabric are created differently depending on the time of the day. In the early morning, the clouds are gold, and in the evening, crimson.
The afternoon is white, which results in a cloth matching that color. The little boy creates a cozy scarf to keep him warm, but the king sees how fine this scarf is and demands a whole wardrobe of clothing from the clouds.
The little boy tries to discourage the king, but the king refuses to listen. Soon the world is feeling the drastic effects of the king’s greed. This is a fascinating story about the wonder and fragility of our natural environment and the knowledge and fortitude required to preserve it.
This conservation tale is appropriate for children ages three through five and is only available in hardcover.
One reviewer reported that the text was too tiny for them to read. One verified buyer didn’t like the “rather predictable moral slant,” and another prefers that books for toddlers not include negative behavior from any of the characters (in this case, the king).
The Cloud Spinner by Michael Catchpool (Author), Alison Jay (Illustrator)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This tale is about a little boy who can weave cloth from the clouds. | One reviewer reported that the text was too tiny for them to read. |
| The color of the cloth changes based on the time of day. | One verified buyer didn’t like the “rather predictable moral slant.” |
| When the he learns of the scarf the boy wove to keep himself warm, the kind demands him to weave a complete wardrobe for him. | Another reviewer said that they prefer that books for toddlers not include negative behavior from any of the characters (in this case, the king). |
| The boy tries to dissuade him, and readers soon learn what a negative impact taking too much from the environment has on our world. | |
| It’s available in hardcover and intended for children ages three to five. |
5. Greta and the Dark Cloud by Lana Simkins (Author), Alina Shabelnyk (Illustrator)
If you have a kid that is often anxious or stressed about things, Greta and the Dark Cloud by Lana Simkins (author), Alina Shabelnyk (illustrator) can help them understand the benefits of working through complex emotions. It is a story about being afraid of thunderstorms, and the main character is Greta.
Greta is obsessed with the dark cloud that appears to follow her everywhere. Her teacher makes doesn’t comfort her with hugs or cuddles. When the teacher finally forces her to face the storm, she discovers it also delivers good things.
This is an excellent example of a child dealing with worry and fear. It emphasizes preparedness and demonstrates that certain frightening situations cannot be avoided and that hard work is rewarded. Children will see how facing their fears can be a good thing!
This book is intended for children ages three through seven and is available in paperback and Kindle formats.
A couple of reviewers reported that their children were more afraid of storms after reading this book.
Pros and Cons of Greta and the Dark Cloud by Lana Simkins (Author), Alina Shabelnyk (Illustrator)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This book is meant to help children who are coping with fear and anxiety. | A couple of reviewers reported that their children were more afraid of storms after reading this book. |
| It’s about a young girl named Gretta who is afraid of thunderstorms and very much aware of a dark cloud that is following her. | |
| Instead of comforting or coddling her, Greta’s teacher forces her to face the storm. | |
| Greta learns that good things come from facing one’s fears. |
- A book that can help your kids understand how to work through their emotions
- Stresses the importance of hard work and facing one's fears
6. Little Cloud by Eric Carle
Parents, teachers, and children alike adore this board book, Little Cloud by Eric Carle! Since it’s a board book, it’s durable enough to hold up to many little hands handling it roughly. Plus, it’s a teacher’s favorite when it comes to teaching kids about clouds and shapes.
Parents love using it to educate and to tuck their kids in for bedtime. It makes learning fun while also getting kids to use their imagination. The story is about Little Cloud and his friends. Little Cloud enjoys standing out from the group.
When all the other clouds rise, he goes his own way, morphing into anything he wishes, such as a shark or an airplane. It’s all loads of fun, but so is playing with his pals. So this time, Little Cloud joins the crowd, forming an immense cloud with his friends. Then it starts to rain!
It’s geared towards kids ages one to four and is also available in Kindle format.
One reviewer said that their toddler was already bored with the book because each cloud illustration looked so similar. A couple of verified buyers said it wasn’t Carle’s best book.
Pros and Cons of Little Cloud by Eric Carle
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This board book is appropriate for kids one to four and is also available in Kindle format. | One reviewer said that their toddler was already bored with the book because each cloud illustration looked so similar. |
| It’s durable enough to hold up to little hands turning its pages frequently. | A couple of verified buyers said it wasn’t Carle’s best book. |
| The story is about Little Cloud, who likes standing out in a crowd, and his friends. | |
| When the other clouds rise, he goes his own way, transforming into all types of shapes like an airplane or a shark. | |
| Eventually, he and his friends form a single giant cloud and it starts to rain! |
- Perfect gateway book to teach little ones to read
- Beautifully illustrated
7. The Cloud Book by Tomie dePaola
If your child (aged four through seven) sees animals and other shapes in the clouds, they’ll love The Cloud Book by Tomie dePaola. This book will teach them that lots of people see pictures in clouds, and they have been for centuries! In fact, in one ancient Greek myth, Hermes, the gods’ messenger, stole the sun’s “cattle,” which were clouds!
If Greek mythology seems like a lofty subject for small children, don’t worry. The author Tomie dePaola made myth and legends come alive inspired by the shapes of clouds. His storytelling was funny and his illustrations were offbeat and sure to capture any child’s imagination — much like clouds do!
Tomie dePaola (1954 – 2020) was a renowned children’s book author and artist for nearly fifty years.
This title is available in hardcover and paperback
A few reviewers said that the subject matter was a little too advanced for small children.
Pros and Cons of The Cloud Book by Tomie dePaola
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This book is available in hardcover and paperback. | A few reviewers said that the subject matter was a little too advanced for small children. |
| This enchanting illustrated book builds upon children’s love of finding shapes and pictures in clouds. | |
| The author explains myths and legends based on images found in clouds. | |
| Tomie dePaola (1954 – 2020) was a renowned children’s book author and artist for nearly fifty years. |
- Simple, whimsical images that will delight young readers
- Lots of educational information
8. Cloudette by Tom Lichtenheld
If your child is small for their age, Cloudette by Tom Lichtenheld will help them feel 10 feet tall! This picture book, which is available in hardcover or Kindle formats is intended for kids in preschool to two-year-old. It follows Cloudette, a tiny cumulus cloud, who wants to accomplish great things.
Of course, there are much larger clouds who are capable of creating dramatic, impactful storms. How can Cloudette compete with them?
It turns out that she doesn’t have to compete. She simply has to have a cause that she believes in and summons all her energy into accomplishing her goal: making it rain enough to fill a small pond for her friend the frog.
The only negative reviews for this book had to do with printing issues such as a missing page.
Pros and Cons of Cloudette by Tom Lichtenheld
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This picture book is available in hardcover or Kindle formats and is meant for kids in preschool to two-years-old. | None |
| Through the story of Cloudette, a tiny cumulus cloud, the book teaches small children that they can accomplish great things if they put their mind to it. |
- Great book for kids to relate to about being small in a world of “big” people
- Cute story and illustrations
Choosing a Children’s Book About Clouds
When you’re selecting a children’s book about clouds, keep the following criterion in mind: the reader’s age, interest, and theme. If the book hits all of those factors on the nose, it’s more likely that the child will enjoy — and maybe even love — the book and want to hear or read it again and again.
The Reader’s Age
We listed the targeted age range for each of the titles in this review to help make selecting the right book for your kid easier. After all, there’s a huge difference between the interest, attention span, and reading (or listening) ability of a preschooler and a six-year-old.
Interest
If your child is very young, such as a preschooler, their interests may not be clearly defined, yet. But older kids have preferences. And if you want to keep their attention, you need to be attuned to their likes and dislikes. Thanks to television and movies, for example, some relatively small kids may have an interest in Greek mythology. It will undoubtedly be very superficial and their knowledge won’t be in-depth. But if they like it, a book about clouds that also touches on Greek mythology is sure to be a winner.
Theme
All of the books in our review have a theme. Most are morals like little clouds can make a big difference if they set their minds to it. But one, in particular, Lost in the Clouds by DK and Tom Tinn-Disbury, helps kids handle death and grief. Clearly, Lost in the Clouds wouldn’t be appropriate for most children. But if your child recently experienced a loss, this book may be able to help them deal with this painful period and the accompanying emotions.
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