Danny and the Blue Cloud
Danny was born under a blue cloud. He didn't know why, but sometimes the cloud made him cry. Some days he didn't want to get out of bed. Some days he was one big GROWL!
With the help of Barnaby the rabbit, Danny learns to think more helpful thoughts, feel better about himself, and dance his way into a better mood! He practices Barnaby's "Feel-Good Rules" until his cloud turns lighter and brighter.
Eventually, Danny learns that he has the power to turn even the biggest, bluest cloud into a beautiful rainbow!
Includes a Note to Parents and Caregivers with more information about childhood depression and strategies to support your child's treatment.
James M. Foley, DEd, is a licensed psychologist who has recently retired from his private practice in Maine. He has served as a clinical director and member of a community mental health center children's service team and has extensive experience as a school psychologist and child and family therapist. He now resides in Sonoma County, CA, in close proximity to his two adult children and serves as psychological consultant to a local school district.
Shirley Ng-Benitez loves to draw! She is a graduate of San Jose State University, with a bachelor's in graphic design and a concentration in illustration. Since '98, she's owned Gabby & Company, a design, illustration, and handlettering firm. She's inspired by her family, nature, food, travel, and music — especially the guitar, ukulele, piano, and violin music played by her husband and daughters daily. She creates with watercolor, gouache, pencil, and digital techniques and is living her dream, illustrating and writing picture books in San Martin, CA. You can find more of her work on her website, Shirley Ng-Benitez Illustration.
The author James M. Foley is a licensed psychologist, experienced in treating children. So his stand-in in the story, Barnaby, knows what he’s talking about…. Danny and the Blue Cloud could be an invaluable resource for children who are coping with depression or know someone who is, and perhaps it could help the adults who read it with them develop some more compassion and understanding, as well.
—Portland Book Review
- Support Your Child with Depression by Fostering Positive Thinking by James Foley, DEd (PDF: 329KB)
- This book is part of the Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) Social Emotional Learning Collection. Free resources, including puzzles and word games, designed to enhance both literacy skills and socioemotional engagement of young readers.
