When Cloud Became a Cloud

In nine chapters, this playful early reader by author-illustrator Hodgson follows the life of a googly-eyed cloud experiencing the hydrologic cycle. "Our friend, Sun" warms the lake until water droplets float up to cool off and "make a cloud." New friend Wind subsequently blows Cloud around the world, where she delivers snow in colder places, becomes Fog when floating downward, "says goodbye to some of her water droplets" to create rain, and more. Hodgson utilizes simple sentences, personifying the characters ("It%E2%80%99s a cloud party! And it%E2%80%99s crowded!"). Speech bubbles feature phrases and puns ("I%E2%80%99m hot stuff!" proclaims the grinning Sun), plus greetings and farewells in various languages. Textured art has a friendly appearance, with cartoon faces adorning the lake, sun, water droplets, and minuscule humans with varying skin tones. An appealing introduction to the physical processes that water undergoes. Ages 3%E2%80%935. (Feb.)