Review - Little Cloud

Little Cloud: The Science of a Hurricane
by Johanna Wagstaffe
illustrated by Julie McLaughlin
Date: 2020
Publisher: Orca Book Publishers
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book non-fiction
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: NetGalley

Follow our little cloud on an adventure through the sky and learn the science behind how it transforms from a simple cumulus cloud to a full-blown hurricane. Beautifully detailed illustrations from award-winning artist Julie McLaughlin integrate science with storytelling. Children will enjoy finding new gems of information even after several reads, thanks to a whimsical and rich layout. And meteorologist Johanna Wagstaffe weaves a comprehensive narrative about a powerful weather system that's so compelling readers won't even realize they are on their way to becoming budding meteorologists.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This is a really cute little book about the science of hurricanes. It's not too heavy on the text, which is nice, and the text that's there is highlighted by playful illustrations.

If I have one complaint, it's that the hurricane's name is referred to before he's actually given a name. That could be confusing to some readers.

Other than that, though, this is a really strong non-fiction title. Hopefully kids will read it and maybe correct their parents' ignorance: "No, Dad, that's not a chemtrail. That's just a cirrus cloud."

Thank you to NetGalley and Orca Book Publishers for providing a digital ARC.

Premise: 4/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 3/5
Illustrations: 4/5
Originality: 4/5

Enjoyment: 4/5

Overall: 3.83 out of 5