I have the cutest little weather book to share with you today: Cotton Cloud Refuses to Rain.
With a combo of fiction and non-fiction, this book is a must-have for all primary classrooms!
Cotton Cloud Refuses to Rain
Elizabeth B Hill and Hannah George
Rosen Publishing Group, Jul 14, 2025
First Lines
“I want to be the best cloud ever so I can make the people happy!” Cotton Cloud declared. “Cumulus, Stratus, and Cirrus will show me how.”
Synopsis
Cotton Cloud’s sole purpose is to make people happy by being the best cloud in the sky.
The other clouds teach her wonderful lessons like making floating cloud castles, how to hang low and hug the horizon, and how to flick her tail.
But Cotton Cloud refuses to take Nimbostratus’ advice about learning how to make it rain because she thinks the people won’t like that.
So instead she has fun making shapes in the sky, providing a little shade, and making herself look beautiful at sunrise and sunset.
But as we all know, everything and everyone gets hot, grumpy and all dried out when it never rains.
One day, when Cotton Cloud cries her eyes out over all the misery she’s inadvertently caused to the land and people, she is very surprised by the wonderful results!
What I Thought of Cotton Cloud Refuses to Rain
This book is going to make you really happy. The bright colours and delightful illustrations are just so sweet.
I was impressed with how well this book fits in with the primary curriculum, at least here in B.C. where we always learn about weather — it’s the perfect addition to a weather/environmental unit.
It teaches young kids the importance of rain and how it affects the environment in a fun, low-key, non-preachy way.
While Cotton Cloud definitely goofs up, it comes from the best place — her desire to make sure all the people are happy. While she’s very stubborn and won’t listen to Nimbostratus, the way she finally realizes her mistake is endearing and very relatable.
I think primary kids will love this little gem.

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A wonderful description of how rain is made by Little Explainers
Thanks for stopping by, friends!
P.S. You can find more kid lit reviews here.