I Am a Thundercloud

by Leah Moser, Marie Hermansson (Illustrator)

Big feelings are hard to manage, especially when you’re a small person trying to understand yourself and the world.  For those confusing stormy days, I Am a Thundercloud helps readers relate to their feelings through the sounds, sensations and colors of nature, making them feel comfortable and lighter.

Having emotions, even angry ones, is a part of being human. In Leah Moser’s I Am a Thundercloud a young child is having a bad day—they BOOM, ROAR, CRASH, and CRACKLE like an angry thundercloud. Tense body language, an inability to say the “right” words, the instinct to hide are like a brewing storm within the child. But like the sun breaking through, our protagonist processes big emotions by relaxing, asking for help, opening up, and pausing to permit themselves to breathe. This powerful picture book reminds us that having the ability to recognize how we are feeling not only increases our emotional intelligence and helps us process our own emotions, but it also allows us to recognize and empathize with others who are struggling with their emotions.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Emotion, Kids

36 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 2, 2024

About the author

Leah Moser is a children’s book author living in Virginia. With degrees in Elementary Education and Psychology, Leah has spent years as a classroom teacher. She loves sharing her passion for picture books with her husband, three daughters, dog, and readers of all ages. I Am a Thundercloud is her debut book.

Reviews

[Kelly Rice Schmitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This book blew me away with its gorgeous art and perfect depiction of the big feelings we all feel sometimes, especially toddlers and elementary kids—yet they may not yet know how to process these emotions. I AM A THUNDERCLOUD provides clear examples of steps readers can take to process frustration in healthy ways. A must-have for parents of kids with big emotions and for social-emotional learning library collections!

[Steena Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Am a Thundercloud written by Leah Moser and illustrated by Marie Hermansson is an SEL story that follows a kid who is having a bad day. Onomatopoeia throughout with bold illustrations make relatable emotions resonate on the pages. The journey through the storm is rough, but readers are hopeful that bad days can turn around. Highly recommend this wonderful book!

[Meghana Narayan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What all our kids need RIGHT NOW!

With so much uncertainty, vitriol, and violence in our world, this is a book that our children need more than ever. If we can teach our youngest generation that they have the power to control their emotions, let them in like a thunderstorm, and release them back into the universe, the state of the world will fare far better in the future than it is now. This book is written with carefully chosen, sparse text, leaving so much room for any reader to bring their own narrative, connections, and of course, emotions. I love how much imagery there is in this story. The idea that we all become thunderclouds that CRASH! BOOM! And CRACKLE! is going to be relatable for any child. There is so much in this book that allows children to be vulnerable and feel safe with their emotions. As an educator, I can see this book pairing with hundreds of social-emotional lessons, for any age, as it is never too late to nurture your emotions.

The artwork is simply stunning, with a dynamic color palette, reflecting the character’s range of emotions throughout the book.

This book is a must-read if you are a caregiver and the perfect gift for any child or educator!!

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a Thundercloud is a beautiful and powerful book about experiencing strong emotions – something everyone can relate to at some point or another. As the main character navigates through their storm of thoughts, feelings and actions, I appreciate how they independently discover ways to find the calm and light. It’s a great reminder to readers of all ages that we have agency and power over our thoughts/actions –even when we feel as out of control as a storm. Trying to show something as intangible as feelings is not easy, and this book tackles a difficult topic in an easy-to-understand, kid-friendly way. Exquisitely told and beautifully illustrated, this important SEL book is a MUST READ for any child, parent, or educator that is looking for an insightful book on big emotions.

[Christine Zandt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bold colors show us the stormy way a child feels when their emotions spiral out of control. The story then turns to demonstrate the steps we can take to "take back control" (examples are given). It's so helpful for kids to see this happens to everyone and that we are not powerless. The short text and vivid illustrations make this book accessible to even the youngest picture-book audience.

[Estrela Lourenço · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was immediately drawn to the lovely cover and book title. Having a small toddler who sometimes has bad days like our main character (and to be honest, just like myself or any adult), I think this book expresses quite well the force and angry energy a storm brings which matches that one of someone having a bad day. The illustrations will help a small toddler to see themselves in this story and ultimately, will give some of the tools that can help to calm down and to see the sunshine after the clouds part. I LOVE this colour pallete and the visualizations for each of the storm phases - amazing work from both the author and the artist!

[Traci Huahn · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful SEL book for young kids! Lots of kids (and the adults in their lives) will be able to relate to the big emotions and body sensations that the main character experiences in I AM A THUNDERCLOUD…and hopefully also make use of some of the simple techniques that he uses to recenter himself. The gorgeous art and color palette bring just the right amount of whimsy to show both the high emotions and the soothing calm that the main character goes through. Highly recommended for both classroom and home libraries, and also for those in therapeutic professions who work with kids!

[Samantha Cleaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that every parent and teacher should have on hand. The story of a boy whose feelings overwhelm him and how he calms down and recenters himself is both instructive and engaging. I read this book with my child before she had big feelings and we could talk about her own thundercloud the next time she got overwhelmed.

[Avani Dwivedi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moods are so difficult to tackle especially, Anger. Beautiful lyrical text and the metaphor of a thunderstorm for angry emotions make this book a pleasant read-a-loud. The illustrations pairs perfectly and add more energy to the building emotions of the story. A must to teach and talk about emotions/ anger with kids.

[Kealani · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is perfect for helping kids (and adults!) understand how they can work through their feelings of anger, frustration, and disappointment. I love how different feelings are compared to the weather. It’s a great metaphor. This is such a beautiful book and is amazing for SEL!

[Laura Bower · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Am a Thundercloud is an important book for kids tackling complex emotions. The author does an excellent job utilizing onomatopoeia (CRASH, BOOM, CRACKLE, etc.) to draw readers in and highlight the emotions the main character feels in a relatable, kid-friendly way. The story arc is lovely, with the main character feeling very frustrated/upset, demonstrating feelings in physical ways (i.e. clenched teeth, balled fists), escalating/spiraling anger, trying coping strategies to take back control/calm down (i.e. talking to a friend, breathing), the de-escalation of the physical symptoms (i.e. body relaxes, breathing regulates) and then, finally, peace/a sense of calm. I love the thundercloud simile. It is a perfect way to highlight the complex emotions that kids go through. We will all face storms in our lives, but there are strategies to navigate them and after these storms, the sun comes out again. The illustrations are a perfect match for the text and really heighten the emotions the emotions of the main character. A powerful, must-read book that will help readers navigate their own personal storms.

[Mariana Ríos · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Am a Thundercloud, written by Leah Moser, is a powerful book that many kids will be able to relate to, since it follows a kid who's experiencing a bad day and the strong emotions that come with it.

I love how the colorful illustrations by Marie Hermanson pair perfectly with the mood of the child in the images, and how the onomatopoeia sprinkled throughout the text allows the readers to have a more vivid understanding of the powerful emotions the main character is feeling. I think pairing a thundercloud with the interior emotions that sometimes can overcome us during our daily life, is a great way for children to have a visual for something that many of us have felt inside.

I find it very hopeful and illustrative that the character eventually learns how to take back the control of his emotions and figures out how to navigate his storms to experience the calm on the other side. In order to achieve this, he uses different approaches which surely will be valuable to the readers following the character's journey.

This is a book that I really recommend for libraries, schools and homes.

[Arlene Abundis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Am a Thundercloud is such a beautifully vivid book that gives children and adults the tools for emotional intelligence, processing big feelings, and mindfulness. The gorgeous illustrations pair perfectly with the BOOM, ROAR, CRASH, and CRACKLE of the angry emotions. Readers of all ages are taken on a journey where a young boy is having a bad day. I love how this book humanizes negative emotions and how storms are sometimes a necessary part of life in order to experience a rainbow of peace. As someone who is diagnosed with anxiety, this book touched the depths of my heart and wish I had this story to help me cope as a child. It belongs in all homes, libraries, schools, and with mental health professionals.

[Megan Woodward]

I Am a Thundercloud is such an important and helpful read for any child (or adult) who's struggled with big emotions (in other words, all of us!). Like a storm, sometimes our emotions feel unstoppable and out of control, and I love how this book shows healthy ways of coping while not passing judgment on the one who's struggling. Not only that, but the illustrations are simply breathtaking. Highly recommend this SEL book to help any child better understand and learn how to weather their inner thundercloud.

[Melissa Trempe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to read the ARC for I Am a Thundercloud. This is a beautifully illustrated SEL story about a child dealing with big emotions. This is such an important story for kids to read, especially those who are working on staying calm and self-control in difficult situations. There are great strategies that the character tries to help him calm the storm he feels inside. I just love the illustrations! So powerful! I highly recommend this one as a story to read at home or use in the classroom!

[Faith Kazmi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a powerful book for exploring big emotions. The gorgeous images and colorful words bring readers through the full range of emotions and through the calming practices as the story unfolds. The book draws readers in, to where you can resonate with the big feelings of the thundercloud. I particularly liked how it invites the idea of sharing with a friend to help. This is a really great reminder of the power of community especially when processing challenges. It's a must for young readers processing big emotions!

[Lori Keating · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Am a Thundercloud is a wonderful depiction of what bottling up emotions can do. Each struggle is palpable, the internal battles mirroring the chaotic energy of a thunderstorm. This cathartic outpouring is both powerful and transformative, highlighting the importance of emotional expression and the healing that comes with it. The vivid illustrations creates an emotional journey itself, that resonates deeply with anyone who has ever felt overwhelmed by their own inner tempest. Excellent resource for any home or library.

[Jackie Morera · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Am a Thundercloud is a book I wish I had in my life sooner! As the parent of a deeply feeling kid, who is learning to navigate big feelings, control their impulses and outbursts, and calm their body, this SEL picture book is exactly the resource we need. The tools shared in the story are great examples for any human who needs support in difficult situations—especially emotional ones. And the art is dreamy!

[Dara Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a Thundercloud is full of heart and an important book for every child. The main character experiences strong feelings and learns to work through them. Readers will relate to this emotional journey from the very beginning. This book is great for kids working to identify feelings and helpful for parents and teachers looking to initiate larger discussions about feelings. With its beautiful illustrations and powerful words, I am a Thundercloud is a must have!

[Erin Dealey · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are just some days when a child's (or adult) emotions build up, and up, and up until it feels like a storm of feelings inside you will burst any second. I AM A THUNDERCLOUD is an SEL book about being angry. The book shows a child with such an internal storm, and via her thunderstorm analogy, Moser shares some strategies that might help to calm that storm. I can see this book as part of a classroom collection or on the family bookshelf. Either way, it will be helpful.

[Kimberly Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book about big emotions and how anger can grow into what feels like a huge storm inside. Thoughtful text, paired with vibrant art, lets young readers know it’s normal to have these feelings (and to not know what to do with them). This story does a wonderful job of showing ways to calm those feelings, like talking through them, expressing them through music or art, or practicing relaxation techniques. This is a great conversation-starter and a must-have for every bookshelf!

[Leslie Barnard Booth · Rating 5 out of 5]

All children (and adults!) deal with big emotions, and knowing how to cope with them is an important life skill. Using the metaphor of a storm, I Am a Thundercloud normalizes and empathizes with big emotions while also offering ways to manage them. The art powerfully communicates the visceral experience of being in the throes of overwhelming emotions. As a former preschool teacher, I can see this book being a great teaching tool in the classroom. Highly recommend!

[Natasha Tripplett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is perfect for those who have troubles expressing their emotions in healthy ways. Oftentimes, kids feel things that they don't have the vocabulary to express. I think this book does a great job at offering a set of coping skills to those who need to return to calm. This would be great in a classroom library or in a therapist's library. The artwork beautifully displays the energy felt in this story. I highly recommend this book.

[Michelle Chan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This clever and beautifully illustrated story teaches kids how to regulate anger and frustration! Marie Hermansson's illustrations depict these feelings as a colorful, swirling storm. Through techniques like writing/drawing your feelings, talking to a trusted adult, and spending time in nature, the main character learns to process these emotions and find a place of calmness. A great SEL story that is perfect for both classrooms and families.

[Medeia Sharif · Rating 5 out of 5]

A young boy navigates through his swirling and sweeping emotions. The reader follows his journey as he first experiences these intense feelings and then finds ways to calm himself down. The author and illustrator draw parallels between emotions and elements of nature, doing an amazing job portraying the highs and lows of the main character. Readers will definitely relate to this book, learning that while being agitated is normal, we can take steps to restore peace within ourselves.

[Lisa Gerin · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a former elementary school teacher-librarian, I love this book! It gives kids with anxiety and anger-management issues coping mechanisms to deal with these feelings. Vivid verbs describe feeling like a thundercloud, BOOM, CRACK! And breathe, listen to music or commune with nature to calm these feelings. Kids will relate to the friendly drawings and simple text. Highly recommended for teachers or librarians of younger children to purchase this book for their classroom/library collections.

[Gabriella Aldeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

BOOM! CRACKLE! ROAR! This book will take you by the hand and never let go. Readers will experience big, bold, thundery emotions; regain control through breathing and mindful thinking; and, in the end, find their calm as the storm of emotions pass and the sun peeks out. A beautifully illustrated, masterfully written SEL book for all ages.

[Colleen Kong-savage · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a GORGEOUS book to articulate that big out-of-control feeling of anger. The words are clear and spot on. I LOVE those sumptuous bruise-y purples and blues, with crackles of yellow to punctuate the illustration. I highly recommend this book to help little ones examine and understand their own thunderclouds of anger.

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of a child who is angry and explodes and must learn to deal with his emotional outburst. The child finds other ways to show feelings and control his anger. Through breath exercises, quieting himself, and using his words. The feeling of calm and joining a friend is the outcome after the child takes control.

[Ashley Belote · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fabulous book that can help little ones learn to deal with big feelings and emotions. The story takes the reader through big feelings of anger and then shows how that anger can be dealt with healthily. The illustrations echo the big emotions discussed in the narrative, giving the reader a true sense of feeling. A must-read!