First off, let me just say that the illustrations and use of color in this one is incredible. I loved the way this shifts your perspective and makes you think. It’s a perfect day for a picnic – a cloudless blue sky – and a family intends to do exactly that. Unfortunately, there’s one cloud in the sky right above them. Lonely Sidney, who is always alone and has no friends. As a result, Sidney is clearly sad. She cries because of her loneliness, raining on the picnickers. Meanwhile, everyone on the ground is just thinking: why can’t that cloud go away and stop ruining our day. At the same time, Sidney is desperate to see just one smile or happy face. Sidney travels far and wide looking for happy faces and love, but everywhere she goes everyone is sad and disappointed about the rain she brings with her sadness and loneliness. That is… until Sidney finally stumbles upon an area that has suffered from extreme heat and drought for a long time. Here, Sidney’s shade and tears of joy are welcomed. I absolutely loved how this one makes you see the different perspectives of things, and it opens the doors for wonderful conversations about loneliness and empathy.

All Sidney the cloud wants is to float around and see all the happy people. Unfortunately, whenever people see her they want her to leave. So Sidney leaves in search of somewhere she might belong.

This is a short and sweet book about a little cloud that just wants to fit in. It’s a great story to remind us that we might not always fit in everywhere we go. But just because some people don’t understand us and our likes and interested, it doesn’t mean that no one will. This book also shows perspective on how something may not be appreciated in one place but greatly appreciated in others.
The illustrations were amazing. They are bright and vibrant, great for children and keeping their attention.

This is a sweet story about a storm cloud that just wants to see someone smile. The emotions are vibrant. The illustrations are colorful and fun. My kids enjoyed this story!

Thank you to Flyaway Books and NetGalley for providing an advance reader copy for us to review!

Such a cute book! Poor Sidney the cloud isn't feeling welcome. Everyone hopes the cloud would just go away. Sidney feels sad and travels across the ocean growing bigger. The cloud eventually brings shade and rain to people and animals who need it and they appreciate and smile at the cloud, making Sidney feel happy. A very sweet little story about appreciation and perspective for little ones. Beautiful illustrations as well!

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC

Sidney is very sad cloud. All he wants to do is make people happy, but instead of making people smile, all he does is make everyone upset. People want him to go away. Hearing people say they want him gone hurts his feelings. He only wants to find a friend. So he goes off searching for someone who will embrace him and love him and want him around. He ends up traveling to a desert. The people who live in the hot, dry land are more than happy to see Sidney and Sidney can share his special gifts, offering shade from the flaming sun.

This powerful story of embracing who we are, and welcoming others, reaffirms the belief that everyone has special gifts and talents to offer the world. Everyone is unique and we all have a place in the world, even if sometimes we don't feel that way.

Charming illustrations with a hand painted, watercolor feel, were vivid and will keep children engaged, but also were simple enough not to overpower the message or be overstimulating.

This story was both entertaining and educational, which can be a tricky balance to maintain in a children’s book, and I will be suggesting it to teachers whenever possible. Incorporating social-emotional skills and topics such as this into children's picture books is a tried and true way to teach an important life skill in a way that is fun. This would be an amazing addition for classroom libraries, counselling offices and more.