The Storm Cloud

by Frances Stickley, Emily Hamilton (Illustrator)

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Animals, Friendship

32 pages, Hardcover

Published April 21, 2026

About the author

Frances Stickley grew up in Nottingham and Norwich, where she spent much of her time making up poems and dressing up her dog. She is a trained children’s literacy specialist and a primary school teacher who is happiest when she is covered in paint or stuck in a book. In 2017, Frances was the winner of the Bloomsbury and National Literacy Trust short story prize. She lives with her family and a big-eared dog called Babbage. When she is not writing, you’ll probably find her in a forest playing dragons with her daughters.

Reviews

[Grandma Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bear has a problem, he has a cloud hanging over his head (sadness). He won’t even go outside or be with friends. Finally a friend helps him sort things out. Fun, lively illustrations. Highly recommend.

I was blessed with an ARC. Thank you NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.

[Meliss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone needs a loved one like squirrel. This is one of those books you save in your parenting/teacher toolbox to age-appropriately teach about depression. The illustrations are colorful and cozy.

[Vonprice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully illustrated picture book demonstrating the value of sharing worries with a trusted listener, for young children.
My full review is here: https://vsviewfromthebookshelves.home...

[Chuva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un magnifique album sur les émotions, en particulier sur la tristesse, et sur l'importance des autres dans notre vie.

Un jour, Ours se réveille et se sent triste. Il a perdu goût à toutes ses choses préférées et préfère rester seul que d'être avec ses amis.

Écureuil est un très bon ami, il accepte qu'Ours ne soit pas de très bonne compagnie, et grâce à lui, Ours se confie...

On ne sait pas pourquoi Ours va mal, c'est une bonne représentation de la dépression.

[YSBR · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bear wakes up one beautiful day to find that he feels blue.  Not only is he blue, but a rain cloud has appeared over his head and won’t go away.  He tries blowing, yelling, and pretending it’s not there, but nothing works.  Then his friend Squirrel comes to visit, and while she can’t see the rain cloud following Bear around, she wants to be there for him through these feelings.  After spending some time together, the cloud finally disappears to reveal a beautiful rainbow, reminding readers that “the brightest rainbows always come after a storm.”  Stickley’s story is a tender tale for children and adults who struggle with sadness.  Her writing hints at depression being the culprit, as Bear wants to stay in bed, avoids his friends, and finds that anger seems to make the cloud bigger.  Bear realizes that “all of the things that used to make [him] happy just didn’t seem to work.”  Squirrel provides readers with a compassionate look at how others can help, showing that listening, reminiscing, and simply understanding are ways to reach out to those who are struggling.  This story is a wonderful addition to the recent trend of children’s books addressing mental health.

Hamilton’s illustrations are playful and charming.  Created using watercolor, gouache, pencil crayon, and collage (combined digitally), they keep the story light and positive despite the sad premise.  Bear is a soft blue that embodies melancholy emotions, while all of the other woodland creatures are rendered in natural hues.  The bright color palette and myriad of textures give the book a whimsical and joyous feel, and the small details help create an atmosphere of fairy-tale wonder.  Young readers being introduced to these big feelings will be captivated by the magical illustrations, and older readers will be soothed by Hamilton’s soft images.  This is a beautiful book that will capture hearts and hopefully guide larger discussions. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a beautiful spring day, but Bear has no interest in being outside. A storm cloud is hanging directly over Bear's head, and no matter what he tries, Bear cannot seem to find a way to make the cloud go away. Bear's friends all do their best to remedy the situation by surrounding Bear with the items and events he usually enjoys, but nothing seems to help. Luckily, one special friend has just the right strategy to coax Bear out from underneath the storm cloud, and through patience and comfort, they attempt to resolve Bear’s big feelings together. This thoughtful picture book explores the nebulous concept of depression in a child-friendly way. Much like an advanced iteration of The Rabbit Listened, the story shares emotions on both sides, from Bear's pervasive sadness to his friends' initial inability to help. Utilizing a memorable narrative structure, the book is designed to not only be enjoyed as it is read aloud but also as it is reflected upon, inviting readers to consider what happened in the book and how they might react in similar circumstances. Anthropomorphic animals represent human emotions and experiences within the illustrations, which helps readers relate to a story that contains strong social and emotional educational content. Though it discusses a weighty and complicated emotional issue, this book does so with a level of integrity and kindness that will resonate with young readers. This is a helpful addition to read aloud collections featuring themes of mental health, friendship, and social and emotional learning.

[Panda Incognito · Rating 4 out of 5]

This beautifully illustrated picture book tells a gentle, sweet story about a bear who is suffering from deep sadness. The bear's friends try to cheer him up, which doesn't work. The bear gets angry and feels awful about the dark cloud hanging over him, but after sitting with his difficult feelings and talking through them, he's able to get some relief.

The story never explains where this dark cloud came from, or why the bear is so sad. That keeps the book relevant and applicable to people in many different circumstances, whether they are dealing with ongoing depression, situational sadness, mood disorders, or grief from a loss.

Lots of different picture books tell stories about sadness and depression, visualizing those feelings as a dark cloud over the main character's head. However, even though this isn't a new concept, this book does it very well. People will appreciate the excellent illustrations, the sensitive portrayal of sadness, and the positive messages about what it looks like to support a hurting friend.

I received a temporary digital copy from NetGalley, and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Storm Cloud by Frances Stickley is about a blue Bear and his metaphoric storm cloud. Bear is feeling sad and blue even though it’s a beautiful spring day. He doesn’t want to join in on fun with his friends so he stays home. His friends realize something isn’t right. One friend, Squirrel, goes to bear’s house to try to help. He shows Bear kindness, patience and compassion. After a bit, Squirrel convinces Bear to go outside where Bear’s begins to enjoy himself. Eventually Bear’s storm cloud disappears and a beautiful rainbow comes out. The Storm Cloud is a heartfelt, engaging storybook with just the right amount of words on each page for little one’s attention spans. The illustrations by Emily Hamilton are cute and capture the emotions of the scene perfectly. I plan to read this to my nine grandchildren and recommend this book to anyone who has children to read to. I am so thrilled to have received this keepsake hardback book in a giveaway. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Even though it's a bright and sunny day, Bear has a cloud over his head and is dissatisfied by everything, even the things that once brought him pleasure. His friends, Fox, Squirrel, and Rabbit, are concerned and try to cheer him up. They even sit quietly with him and offer small items of comfort. Eventually, he feels a bit better. While I appreciate the topic of unexplained sadness here, it seems disingenuous to end the story with a rainbow and the idea that storms are followed by "the brightest rainbows" (unpaged). Maybe so, and maybe it will be comforting to some youngsters, but truthfully, sometimes it takes time for sadness to pass, and sometimes it isn't necessarily true that sadness is followed by happiness. Still, this picture book with its attractive artwork, created with watercolor, gouache, pencil crayon, collage, and then digitally combined, has visual appeal and is a starting place for conversations about emotions such as Bear is experiencing.

[Chelsea Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Storm Cloud is a tender and deeply moving picture book that tackles the heavy topic of sadness with incredible grace. Author Frances Stickley follows Bear, who wakes up to a literal storm cloud following him on a sunny day, making the things he once loved feel out of reach.

Why it’s a 5-Star standout:
Emotional Intelligence: It provides a perfect entry point for preschoolers (ages 3–5) to discuss complex feelings like "sitting with sadness" and the importance of open communication.

Stunning Visuals: Emily Hamilton’s watercolor and ink illustrations are a "glowing delight," using bright primary colors and neon splashes to contrast Bear’s cloudy internal state with the hopeful world around him.

Message of Hope: The core theme—that the brightest rainbows follow the storm—is life-affirming without being dismissive of the struggle.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's springtime, which means it's time for Bear to enjoy the blossoming of a new season! Or at least it should be. But Bear's feeling down; he doesn't want to go out, he doesn't want to see his friends, and the pesky storm cloud over his head doesn't budge, no matter what he does or how angry he gets.

Even though Bear feels like he's poor company while his storm cloud lingers, his friends love him regardless and are determined to help. With Squirrel he finds a quiet, steady friendship and a little encouragement, and before he knows it the storm cloud has become a fun puddle for jumping!

This is a tender, adorably illustrated story about getting out of a funk, even when it seems insurmountable. Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Dawn Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful story.

As an adult who has dealt with depression and anxiety since a child, I'd have both loved and welcomed this book back in those days. The gorgeous illustrations and the simple but powerful story just speaks to whomever reads it. It teaches how to sit in your sadness [without letting it overwhelm you], how important true friendships really are [especially those who are willing to sit with you in your sadness, both in silence and in providing comfort when needed], and how sunshine always comes after the "storm".

I highly recommend this book!

Thank you to NetGalley, Frances Stickley, Emily Hamilton - Illustrator, and Publisher's Spotlight/Post Wave for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Aliceson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a wonderfully crafted story! I don’t know how she did it, but Stickley explained deep sadness to small children. We don’t know why bear is sad or if something caused the sadness, we just know his storm cloud doesn’t go away instantly. I actually like that the things the friends do to try to cheer him up, didn’t help. Sometimes sadness doesn’t go away just because someone tried to cheer you up. I absolutely love that squirrel is with him in the storm- just sits with him and gives him things to help until the storm passes (an umbrella). The watercolor illustrations are stunning. Loved this book!

[Sadie-Jane Huff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 043 of 365 ~ 2026

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

This book gave me all the feels. And a reminder, always be kind. You never know who is going through something and needs someone to be there.

I received a complimentary copy of the ebook. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

#book043of365 #amreading #netgalley tbrpile instareads readstagram reading bookreview bookreviewer booklover booksAreLife booksForTheWin booknerds thisbookfairyisreading bookstagram bookstagrammer bookstagramfeature bookshelf booksofinstagram bookish bookworm goodreads booklovers bookaddict theSGbookfairyReads #theSGtrekkiereads bookaholic #bookchallenge2026 reviews lovebooks

[Bailey Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Storm Cloud is a powerful, emotional, empathetic, and needed read! I am so impressed by the representation of mental health challenges. While most fitting to depression, the applicability of this book to any mental health challenge is impressive. Sometimes we don't feel like ourselves. We may worry about bringing others down too.....but no one was made to struggle in isolation. This book is phenomenal showcasing not only struggles but complex emotions including guilt, how to be a good friend, and the importance of recognizing we all have different experiences but that doesn't make them any less valid.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bear has a storm cloud over their head. It’s rainy and wet and highly annoying. Their friends realize that something is wrong and do their best to help. And eventually, the storm cloud goes away and out comes the rainbow. What’s interesting is we can see the storm cloud but bear’s friends for say we can’t see it but we believe you when you say it’s there. This reads like a book about depression or not always feeling happy and excited. It says talking things out or therapy can be very helpful. I liked everything about this book. It’s sweet. It’s understanding and it has a great message.

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bear is having a bad day. His friends try to cheer him up, but he wants to be alone - mostly because he is afraid his bad day will ruin their day too. Squirrel knows that something isn’t right, and he takes the time to show Bear that he is there to support him, and that not everything about a rain cloud is bad.
Stickley handles interacting with a friend who is sad or depressed in a deft way that will teach many people, including adults, that there are better ways to help and support.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

[Liz Benbow · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully gentle picture book that handles big feelings with heart and warmth. It follows Bear, who wakes up one day with a storm cloud hanging over him, making everything feel heavy and sad even the things that usually make him happy. With the help of his friends, he begins to understand that it’s okay to feel sad sometimes and that those feelings don’t last forever.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

[Kali Cordes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this book is wonderful! In a very relatable way for children, the story explains what someone might be feeling inside when they are deeply sad or depressed and helpful ways that a loved one can respond. It normalizes these big feelings and gives real examples of what to say when we or someone we love is feeling this way. The story is fabulously written and engaging for every age, and the illustrations are stunning. We will read it again and again!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this in a giveaway. I read this to my 2 & 4 year olds. They loved the illustrations and the story. They are probably a little too young to completely understand the message, but they generally got what the book was saying. I think it was a great story about how you can feel down sometimes and how it will be okay, especially with the help of friends. This is one that my kids will request to read again.

[Anna O’Connell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the early read!! I loved the artwork of this picture book and the story behind the entire book. I think it’s a good lesson for younger children but can be adapted and used for older kids to understand complex emotions. I would use it for my own children or middle school classroom.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars!!

Ugh this children's book was so beautiful! I loved the depiction of sadness and depression. Such a beautiful way to help children understand their own emotions and understand that it's okay to feel and talk about. How the friends showed up during this time is so precious, even just to be present. I would definitely recommend this one, the art is stunning as well!

[Britney Ireland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you #NetGalley for the early #TheStormCloud by Frances Stickley

Such a cute story for all kids. It lets you know that whatever storm you may be going thru be brave enough to let your friends know what is going on and they will help you through it.

[Xomara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as part of a giveaway.

Beat is having a very sad day and no matter how hard he tried he can’t make the cloud go away.

His friend, squirrel, rabbit and fox try to help and together they help Bear learn how to mange his cloud!

This is a cute book for children.

[Kate222 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful words and stunning pictures. A great way to teach or remind that we may go through down times but others will help us get through it if we do the brave thing and let them in. Everything will be alright soon. This felt like a big hug.

[Penelope Bloom · Rating 5 out of 5]

A pretty book about moments we all have! Love a book that breaks down big, heavy emotions in a way a child can access and learn from. evocative of Grumpy Monkey.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book...it helps visualize a big feeling that not every day is sunshine and butterflies. Some days we have rain clouds. it is all in how you get through them.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bear is feeling under the weather-- more specifically, under a storm cloud that just won't go away. A sweet story of support and love from friends during difficult emotions and phases in life.

[Kaily Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is so cute and has such beautiful art, I can't wait to give it to my nieces to read.

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

A colorful story about a blue bear who is having a bad day and doesn't feel like playing but his friends help him out of his blues to come outside and play with them.