The cloud that stuck

A young girl is troubled by an annoyingly persistent cloud. One blustery day, the wind blows a cloud over Tansy's head, and it can't be dislodged, despite her family and friends' best efforts. The cloud grows so big that it begins to rain, drenching Tansy. Her father gives her a raincoat and umbrella, her teacher points a fan in her direction, and best friend Rue joins her under the umbrella to play in the puddles--all of which helps "a little," Tansy allows. Realizing that gardens like rain, Tansy proposes planting one; soon, she's walking her cloud around every day to water the seeds. New flowers sprout, and the returning wind blows a hole in the cloud, just the right size for a sunbeam to peek through. In an author's note, Krossing explains that her story is intended for anyone grappling with "challenges beyond their control" and adds that she drew inspiration from her own experiences with mental illness. Readers will be heartened that though Tansy's support network does all that they can to help her cope, ultimately, she makes her own bright spot, largely through self-acceptance. Krossing imparts valuable messages to youngsters struggling with their own issues and to those that love them. Leung's illustrations have a textured coarseness, making effective use of perspective and relying on slightly over-the-top visuals. Tansy is brown-skinned; other characters vary in skin tone. A heartwarming and convincing tale for kids seeking to ride out life's rainclouds.(Picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.