Early Reader Review: Little Cloud's Big Dream by Ixtzel Arreola

Source: From the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

Little Cloud's Big Dream by Ixtzel Arreola, Illustrated by Martina Liebig 

Publisher: NorthSouth Books
Publication Date:  March 11, 2025

 

Format: Ebook


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

The little cloud Re has a BIG dream! But when she grows so large she becomes a thunderstorm, will her new friend Flower still recognize her?

A little cloud named Re wishes to grow as big as the clouds floating over the sea. She learns from a passing cloud how to collect dew and water and soon she has grown BIG! As she travels, she even soaks up some droplets from the petals of a beautiful flower and the two become fast friends. But then something happens that Re never expected–she starts to storm!

After storming across land and sea, Re grows small again and returns to Flower. At first the cloud is afraid her new friend won’t recognize her, but Flower assures her “from dew to rain to thunder, you are still you.”

An imaginative look into the water cycle through a little cloud and the feelings she experiences as she grows and changes.

Review: 

Re, the little cloud with big dreams, takes readers on a delightful and imaginative adventure in this beautifully crafted story about growth, change, and even a little about friendship. This was such a fun read with an engaging narrative and stunning illustrations.

The story follows Re as she dreams of becoming as big as the clouds over the sea. Her journey of collecting dew and growing larger is both enchanting and educational, offering a creative and accessible introduction to the water cycle for younger readers. Along the way, Re befriends a lovely flower, adding a heartfelt layer of connection and emotion to the tale. When Re grows into a thunderstorm, the dramatic transformation adds excitement and a touch of suspense, brought back to a comforting and accepting response from Flower. It was a well placed message about acceptance and identity. 

The illustrations truly shine, capturing the whimsical and playful nature of the story. The vibrant and imaginative artwork brings Re’s journey to life, from her beginnings as a tiny cloud to her bold transformation into a thunderstorm. Each page is a visual treat, filled with fun and charm that will captivate young readers and adults alike.

Overall, this is a fantastic read for children, combining an engaging story with whimsical illustrations and an important message about growth and change. Perfect for storytime, this book will leave readers smiling and looking at clouds in a whole new way.