The Tale of the Little Black Cloud – Children’s Books About Friendship
The Tale of the Little Black Cloud
Children’s Books About Grief, Empathy & Friendship
The Little Black Cloud is weighed down by his worries and troubled by tears. Discover how his overwhelming day turned about with surprising results.
Price range: $16.99 through $27.49
When Your Child Is Carrying Feelings Too Heavy for Their Little Heart
Do you have a sensitive child who feels everything deeply?
Are you searching for a gentle way to help them understand that it’s okay to feel sad?
Do you need a story that shows your child they are never truly alone?
The Tale of The Little Black Cloud is the award-winning children’s book endorsed by Psychologist Rachel McGregor MAPS that helps children ages 3-7 safely express sadness, find comfort in friendship, and discover that sharing feelings can transform even the darkest day.
“The Little Black Cloud is a story of the power of friendship, the importance of being heard and understood by another. It is about looking out for those who feel low, even when at first you think things look sunny. This book reminds us that sometimes burdens can feel heavy and lonely, even for children, but that no problem is too heavy when shared with a trusted friend.”
— Rachel McGregor
MAPS Psychologist
Read what other professionals and families say below
Awards & Recognition:
- Winner – WCCW Goldie Award
- Winner – 2025 Christian Indie Award (Children’s Picture Book)
- Endorsed by Psychologist Rachel McGregor MAPS
- Used by educators, counsellors, and families worldwide
- Available in English, Spanish, and Italian
- Free companion activity workbook included
Written by award-winning Australian author and former primary school teacher Karen Brough, whose books are used by psychologists, schools, and families around the world, The Tale of The Little Black Cloud offers a gentle, rhyming story that helps children express sadness safely and discover the healing power of friendship.
What Do Psychologists and Professionals Say About This Book?
The Tale of The Little Black Cloud is endorsed by Psychologist Rachel McGregor MAPS and praised by educators, authors, and mental health professionals for its gentle approach to helping children express big feelings.
From Mental Health Professionals
“The Little Black Cloud is a story of the power of friendship, the importance of being heard and understood by another. It is about looking out for those who feel low, even when at first you think things look sunny. This book reminds us that sometimes burdens can feel heavy and lonely, even for children, but that no problem is too heavy when shared with a trusted friend.”
— Rachel McGregor
MAPS Psychologist
Disclaimer: This endorsement is offered in a professional capacity and relates to this book only. It does not necessarily imply endorsement of the author’s personal beliefs, worldview, or other content.
From First Responders & Frontline Professionals
“As a teacher, I believe this book should be on every library shelf in the country.”
— Carolyn Tonkin,
Parent, Teacher, Author & Omega Writers President
“Yours is a God-breathed story and the illustrations mirror the message so perfectly. The copy is tight and right on target.”
— Mindy Kiker
Flourish Writers
“It is such a powerful yet tender book… I was instantly drawn into the story. The words are clear and tender. The illustrations are gentle on the heart. Regardless of age anyone will find a comforting companion in your masterfully woven book… It has eternal spark!”
— Evelyn Sherwood
From Media
“This was the book I needed—right when I needed it. I literally bawled my eyes out. It reminded me that it’s okay to feel what we feel.”
— Lucy Holmes
Radio Presenter, The Light FM
From Publication Reviews
“Loved it!”
– Reedsy Discovery Review
“The sweet, emotion-packed picture book encourages kids to share their feelings and be there for others in their time of need… The story’s point is to promote compassion and be the shoulder or ear for someone in need. It also establishes the importance of sharing your feelings instead of locking them inside. I agree with the author when they said sharing what’s burdening you will make you ‘lighter.’ Most of all, it informs readers that, like the cloud in the picture book, you are not alone… The Tale of The Little Black Cloud offers young readers a safe space to explore difficult emotions while reminding them that brighter skies are always possible. I recommend sharing this touching story with children three years and older.”
— Kameron Brook
Reedsy Discovery Reviewer
“A beautifully written story that addresses emotions like sadness, loneliness, and the healing power of friendship with simplicity and grace… The story follows a lone little black cloud that feels heavy, sad, and out of place among the light, fluffy clouds in the sky. Its journey toward healing begins when a friend offers a listening ear, a comforting presence, and a tear bottle, a poignant metaphor for validating and honoring emotions… What makes this book particularly special is its subtle yet profound message: tears are not something to hide or dismiss; they are part of the healing process… The Little Black Cloud is a timeless story of empathy, hope, and renewal and is an excellent read for children, parents, and educators.”
— Carol Thompson
Readers’ Favorite
How Does This Book Help My Sad or Overwhelmed Child?
The Tale of The Little Black Cloud doesn’t tell children to “cheer up” or push their feelings aside. Unlike many children’s books that try to distract from sadness, this story gently helps children sit with and express their feelings safely. It shows them that:
It’s okay to feel sad. The Little Black Cloud feels heavy and out of place – just like children sometimes do. The story validates that sadness is a real and normal feeling.
Tears are important. A kind friend (a duck in red boots!) gently collects the cloud’s tears in a bottle – showing children that crying is not weakness, it’s release.
Sharing feelings makes us lighter. As the cloud releases its tears and shares its feelings, it transforms – becoming lighter and brighter.
You are never alone. The story’s central message reassures children that someone always cares, even in their darkest moments.
Key Messages from the Story
“Tears are important. Don’t toss them away. They need to come out and have their say.”
“You are loved, you are cared for, and never without a friend.”
Hidden Hearts – A Special Feature
Throughout the book, hidden hearts are tucked into the illustrations for children to discover on each page. This interactive element adds a layer of engagement, turning reading into a gentle treasure hunt that reinforces the book’s message: you are surrounded by love, even when you can’t see it.
A Gentle, Supportive Resource
This is not a heavy educational text or clinical manual.
It is a gentle, rhyming story designed to help children feel seen, validate their emotions, and open conversations about sadness, loneliness, and the importance of friendship.
Parents, educators, counsellors, and therapists use this book as a starting point for meaningful conversations about big feelings.
While Karen’s personal faith informs the compassion behind her writing, this story itself is gentle, inclusive, and accessible to families of all backgrounds. It focuses on emotional understanding, comfort, and connection, making it suitable for homes, schools, counselling settings, and community use.
Who Is This Book For – Parents, Teachers, or Counsellors?
The Tale of The Little Black Cloud is for anyone supporting a child through sadness, big feelings, or difficult times – and for anyone who needs a reminder that they are not alone.
For Children Who Are:
- Sensitive children ages 3-7 experiencing sadness, worry, or overwhelm
- Struggling to express or understand their feelings
- Feeling lonely, left out, or misunderstood
- Going through a difficult time at home, school, or with friends
- Needing reassurance that it’s okay to cry and to feel
This Book Helps Children Navigate Many Big Feelings
Children carry heavy feelings for many reasons. This book helps children process emotions around:
Sadness & Loneliness:
- Feeling sad and not knowing why
- Feeling different or out of place
- Missing someone or something
Overwhelm & Worry:
- Carrying worries that feel too big
- Feeling overwhelmed by changes at home or school
- Anxiety or “a case of the heavies”
Friendship & Connection:
- Learning to be a good friend to someone who is sad
- Understanding empathy and active listening
- Knowing that asking for help is brave, not weak
Life Changes:
- A parent’s illness or separation
- Moving house or changing schools
- A family member being away
For Parents & Caregivers Who:
- Want to help their child express sadness safely
- Need a gentle bedtime story that opens emotional conversations
- Want reassurance that crying and feeling sad is normal and healthy
- Are looking for a book that validates emotions without judgement
For Professionals Who:
- Are psychologists, counsellors, or therapists working with young children
- Are school counsellors needing SEL-aligned resources
- Are teachers wanting to support emotional literacy in their classroom
- Work in early childhood education or learning support
- Need a gentle resource for children processing big emotions
What's Inside This Book?
The Story Journey:
High above, among the light, fluffy clouds, one little cloud is different. The Little Black Cloud feels heavy, sad, and out of place. Weighed down by worries and troubled by tears, the cloud sinks lower and lower – until it lands on the ground.
There, an unexpected friend appears – a kind duck in red boots. The duck doesn’t try to fix the cloud or tell it to cheer up. Instead, the duck simply sits with the cloud, listens, and gently collects its tears in a bottle.
As the cloud shares its feelings and releases its tears, something beautiful happens – it begins to feel lighter. The heavy darkness lifts, and the cloud transforms, discovering that sharing feelings can brighten even the darkest day.
Through gentle rhymes and beautiful illustrations, children learn that tears are healing, friendship is powerful, and they are never truly alone.
Beautiful Illustrations
Illustrator Lori Boag brings this emotional journey to life with calming watercolour illustrations. Her soothing art style is intentionally gentle to support emotional regulation in young readers.
Lori is a graduate of the Lygon Street Illustration Academy and serves as a learning support facilitator at Hillcrest Christian College. Her understanding of how children connect with emotion through art shines through on every page.
Hidden Hearts
Look closely – hidden hearts are tucked into the illustrations on each page! Children love discovering them, turning every reading into a gentle treasure hunt.
What Do Parents and Families Say About This Book?
“Simply Profound and Moving”
“I was blown away by this children’s picture book – it amazes me how utterly simple yet profound and moving a story can be.”
— Amazon Review
“A Wonderful Tool”
“I absolutely love everything about this little book – from the choice of font to the charming illustrations and the sweet, empathetic story. The Tale of The Little Black Cloud is a wonderful tool for helping children understand and navigate feelings of sadness and loneliness, with a heartfelt message about friendship and healing that resonates with readers of all ages.”
— Amazon Review
“Having Heavy Feelings Are Normal and Okay”
“This book is a great way to show kids in a story that having heavy feelings are normal and okay. Sharing feelings with a friend can help lift that heavy load and make you feel better.”
— Erica, Goodreads
“A Calm Book”
“The pages of this book are simply illustrated (in the best way) and beautiful. I feel like some children’s books try to be so colorful that it can be overstimulating, or lose impact. This was a very calm book to read.”
— Amazon Review
“A Hug for the Hurting”
“The tale of the little black cloud is one of friendship, comfort and healing. It would be a special gift for a child who is grieving or for any young heart that needs a hug and to feel they are not alone.”
— Amazon Review
“I Almost Cried”
“This book almost made me tear up, thinking back to when I was a kid I would have loved to be read a book like this.”
— Araya, Goodreads
“Heartwarming Story”
“This is a beautifully written story about a dark, heavy, sad cloud who becomes happy again once it lets its feelings out. It’s a great story about how we need to grieve and cry in order for sadness to leave the body. And also that we’re never alone.”
— MysticPenSaga, Goodreads
Meet the Creators
Karen Brough — Author
The Story Behind the Story
Karen caught a very unpleasant virus that kept her away from her family for a long period. That meant that family dinners together or the hugs she loved so much were over, and that made her feel a little lonely.
One day, when she was going to see the doctor, Karen saw something strange in the sky. It was a beautiful sunny day with lots of clouds piled up, but there was a small dark little cloud there, alone. And that made her think…
“What was that cloud, so black, doing on that sunny day? Did it feel lonely there in its corner? Had it been sinking from the raindrops it carried inside? Was it alone? Had the other white clouds noticed that it felt sad?”
The next day, while Karen was having breakfast, she thought about how much she missed the hugs and eating with her loved ones around the table; that filled her with sadness and she cried. She remembered a story about collecting our tears in a bottle and decided to try to draw that idea in her sketchbook. As she coloured and drew the bottle of tears, she also remembered the little black cloud and these two ideas began to connect in her heart.
And an idea suddenly emerged from her head: “I’m going to write The Little Black Cloud!” It sounded quite fun, so she began to put her thoughts on paper. The more Karen wrote, the better she felt. Both ideas and words began to flow from her pen to paper as if nothing, because they came straight from the heart. Before she knew it, the morning sun had disappeared and the afternoon clouds had been piling up; and the first draft of The Little Black Cloud was written!
It is true that Karen still did not feel completely well, but she no longer felt so sad or so alone. Writing this story was like a healing balm. For her, The Little Black Cloud became something almost as real as that lonely black cloud in the sunny sky. It helped her know that others felt the same as she did at that time.
And like most infectious viruses, it soon passed and she was able to hug her family again and share dinners with everyone around the table. Her sad and lonely days had ended and had become a story that helped people know they were not alone and that someone loved them. Karen hopes it can help you too.
Today, this story is used by families, educators, counsellors, and therapists around the world to help children express their feelings safely and know they are never alone.
Karen Brough is an award-winning author from Melbourne, Australia, with a heart for creating stories that bring comfort and hope.
Other Award-Winning Books by Karen:
I Can’t Believe They’re Gone
Award-winning grief book for children ages 4-8, endorsed by grief professionals
Angie Loves to Dance
A heartwarming tale about following your dreams
Lori Boag – Illustrator
Lori Boag is a graduate of the Lygon Street Illustration Academy and serves as a learning support facilitator at Hillcrest Christian College.
Her calming visual style helps children connect deeply with emotion through art. Her intentionally soothing watercolour illustrations have been consistently praised by parents, educators, and reviewers for their gentle beauty and emotional resonance.
Book Details
Title: The Tale of The Little Black Cloud
Subtitle: A Heartfelt Children’s Sadness Book on Friendship, Healing, and Emotional Resilience
Author: Karen Brough
Illustrator: Lori Boag
Publisher: Heart Hope Publishing, Melbourne, Australia
Page Count: 48 pages
Age Range: Ages 3-7 (though all ages find comfort)
Awards & Recognition:
- Winner – WCCW Goldie Award
- Winner – 2025 Christian Indie Award (Children’s Picture Book)
- Endorsed by Psychologist Rachel McGregor MAPS
- Used by educators, counsellors, and school counsellors
Formats Available:
- Paperback (ISBN: 978-0-6451515-6-5)
- Hardback (ISBN: 978-1-922967-12-1)
- Ebook (ISBN: 978-1-922967-13-8)
- Audiobook (ISBN: 978-1-922967-59-6) – Narrated by the author
Available Languages: English | Spanish | Italian
Free Bonus: Free companion activity workbook available at karenbrough.com
More Gentle Support for Children's Big Feelings
If this book has supported your child, you may also find comfort in Karen Brough’s other gentle, award-winning stories.
I Can’t Believe They’re Gone
When your child is experiencing grief and loss, this award-winning book helps children ages 4-8 understand that everyone grieves differently – and that all feelings are okay. Endorsed by grief professionals including Dianne McKissock OAM. Winner of Reader’s Favorite Gold Medal and Firebird Book Award.
Angie Loves to Dance
A joyful story about living fully, carrying joy in your heart, and celebrating the people we love.
Frequently Asked Questions
This book is recommended by Psychologist Rachel McGregor MAPS and frequently used by educators, school counsellors, and parents searching for gentle, age-appropriate stories to help children express sadness, understand big feelings, develop emotional resilience, and learn about the healing power of friendship.
What age is this book for?
The Tale of The Little Black Cloud is designed for sensitive children ages 3-7. However, as Radio Presenter Lucy Holmes shared, “I literally bawled my eyes out.” Adults find comfort in the book’s messages too.
Will this help my child who is sad or anxious?
Yes – in a gentle way that doesn’t force emotions. Psychologist Rachel McGregor MAPS describes it as “a story of the power of friendship, the importance of being heard and understood by another” that reminds us “no problem is too heavy when shared with a trusted friend.” The story shows children that it’s okay to feel sad, that tears are important and healing, and that sharing feelings with a trusted friend makes us feel lighter.
Is this a grief book?
This book focuses on sadness, overwhelm, and emotional resilience rather than grief specifically. For children experiencing grief and loss, we recommend pairing it with Karen’s I Can’t Believe They’re Gone – together, they create a complete emotional support toolkit for young hearts.
Can teachers and counsellors use this book professionally?
Absolutely! The book aligns with Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) frameworks and is used by educators, psychologists, and school counsellors. Carolyn Tonkin, Parent, Teacher, Author & Omega Writers President, says: “As a teacher, I believe this book should be on every library shelf in the country.” A free companion activity workbook is available at karenbrough.com.
What’s the key message of the book?
The central messages are: “Tears are important. Don’t toss them away. They need to come out and have their say” and “You are loved, you are cared for, and never without a friend.”
Is there a companion workbook?
Yes! A free downloadable activity workbook is available at karenbrough.com. It complements the story with activities aligned to SEL and curriculum goals.
Can I order in bulk for my organisation?
Yes! Contact Karen directly for bulk pricing for schools, libraries, counselling services, and organisations.
Help Your Child Feel Seen, Supported, and Never Alone
“You are loved, you are cared for, and never without a friend.”
Available in:
📕 Paperback
📘 Hardback
📱 Ebook
🎧 Audiobook
Perfect for:
- Families supporting sad or overwhelmed children
- School and classroom libraries
- Counselling and therapy practices
- Early childhood education settings
- Churches and faith communities
- Gift for any young heart that needs a hug
For Bulk Orders: Contact Karen directly for bulk pricing for organisations.
Free Activity Workbook: Download yours at karenbrough.com
Connect With Karen
Karen Brough is an author from Melbourne, Australia, passionate about creating stories that bring comfort and hope to children and adults alike.
Website: www.karenbrough.com
Children’s Books: www.karenbrough.com/kids
Free Resources: www.karenbrough.com/free-resources
Social Media:
Publisher:
Heart Hope Publishing Melbourne, Australia
Has this book helped your child or your classroom?
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