The Cloud That Stuck

Coming April 14, 2026

For ages 6 to 9
Charlesbridge Publishing
Written by Karen Krossing
Illustrated by Dorothy Leung

Some clouds just won’t go away. When one hovers above Tansy’s head, she learns to live with it through love, support, and creative thinking. A timely picture book about mental health, resilience, and change.

Whoosh! On a blustery day, the wind blows a cloud over Tansy’s head, blocking the sun. She yells at the cloud and tries to outrace it on her bike. Her best friend, dad, and teacher try to help get rid of it, but the cloud won’t budge. Then it rains on Tansy, and she forgets what sunshine feels like.

Having a cloud overhead feels like the worst possible thing in the world. Until Tansy gets rain boots and an umbrella. She plays in the puddles with her friends and even plants a garden and waters it with her handy, always present cloud. As Tansy finds ways to live with her cloud, she witnesses that flowers need rain, and so do rainbows.

Inspired by the author’s experiences with mental health, this book is for anyone who has faced challenges beyond their control.

    

Available for Pre-order Now

Reviews

“For anyone who’s ever tried to outrun their emotions, The Cloud That Stuck models how to embrace all that you are and all that you’re feeling—playfully and beautifully.”
Liz Garton Scanlon, Author of Caldecott-honored All the World

“This wonderful picture book can help readers turn their ‘clouds’ into gardens and rainbows by accepting the help of others and by choosing positive reactions.”
Lesley Roessing, Literacy Specialist and Author of Talking Texts

“A gentle, hopeful picture book about mental health and resilience, following Tansy as she learns to live with a cloud that won’t leave her side. With support, creativity, and self-acceptance, she discovers that even stormy days can bring growth, friendship, and beauty.”
MaiStoryBook

“A heartwarming and convincing tale for kids seeking to ride out life’s rainclouds.”
Kirkus Reviews

“A playful and heartfelt guide to weathering life’s stormy days.”
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