When the Rain Came Down
A story about the feeling of sadness
 
When you are a cloud in the sky, feeling sad can get pretty tricky… just one less-than-happy thought and drip, drip, drop…
Join Cleo the cloud, her friend Sol, and our mascot Rags, as she learns that a little bit of rain is okay—and that even the greyest skies can pass, making way for sunshine again.
When the Rain Came Down is part of the Feelings Collection (yellow) and has been thoughtfully written to gently reflect experiences of sadness and disappointment, helping young children feel understood, supported, and reassured that all feelings come and go.
Written by Gillian Murgatroyd, a children's psychotherapist specialising in play and creative arts, this story has been designed to support emotional understanding through play, imagination, and connection.
Each book in the Emotions at Play series also includes:
A simple science experiment linked to the story
A game for connection to help strengthen relationships between child and caregiver
A creative art activity
A hands-on craft idea
Gentle sensory play suggestions
Fun facts and jokes woven throughout for lightness and engagement
But the story doesn’t end there…
At the back of every book, you’ll find a QR code that leads to additional support materials created for the adults around the child. These include:
Information about the specific emotional theme the story explores
Practical tips and strategies that Gillian would typically share with parents, carers, teachers, and therapists in her own clinical practice
Guidance to help support emotional understanding at home, in schools, or in therapy settings
The books are illustrated by Sarah-Leigh Wills, an award-winning illustrator who has created hundreds of children’s books, bringing Cleo’s world to life with warmth, colour, and imagination.
 
The Emotions at Play series combines therapeutic storytelling, playful connection, and real-world support for families and professionals—helping children make sense of their feelings in a safe, creative, and meaningful way.