Review: Floating by the Clouds

Floating by the Clouds is a story full of big emotion. Emotions that get bottled up inside until there is only one way out, tears. This can be a hard topic to write about. Most children don’t even have the language to explain what they are feeling, or understand it, but Author Mohammad Awad and Illustrator Nina Nill have managed to create a beautiful book that any child can relate to.

By using cloud metaphors, Mohammad avoids pointing the finger at the child, making them feel like they are the problem that needs to be solved. However by writing in first person and changing from one character voice to another mid story there was a little confusion as to when the child was speaking metaphorically or literally.

I must say though, the cloud analogy is the perfect opportunity for further discussions about overwhelming emotions that can continue long after the story is finished.

Nina has used her trademark style of illustration to add warmth and character to the words. Her colour choices perfectly reflect the emotions required on each page and I especially love her choir of frogs.

Mohammad and Nina have come together to create a delicate tale that not only reminds us that joy can be found in the little things but also teaches us not to be afraid of the dark times. In fact it is sometimes necessary to experience the dark to recognise the lightness that comes after.

Children live in the moment, and it can often be hard to understand that how they are feeling now is not how they will be feeling forever. Floating by the Clouds is the perfect way to explain that ‘Stubborn grey clouds become passing moments.’ And eventually even the dark times will …’float by.’

Title: Floating by the Clouds
Author: Mohammad Awad
Illustrator: Nina Nill
Publisher: Penguin
Publication Date: 2 June 2026
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781761047077
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture book