Dylan Dreyer’s sons are not only familiar with the Misty the Cloud book series—they absolutely adore it. The popular Today Show meteorologist has often shared that her children—Calvin, Oliver, and Russell (affectionately known as Rusty)—have been both her biggest fans and greatest sources of inspiration throughout her journey as a children’s book author.

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In various interviews and heartfelt social media posts, Dylan has opened up about how deeply personal the Misty the Cloud series is to her—not just as a writer, but as a mother.

She has said that the ideas behind Misty’s stories were shaped by the everyday experiences she had with her sons, especially during bedtime reading sessions. These moments, often quiet and filled with laughter or curiosity, served as a testing ground for her ideas. If her boys laughed, asked questions, or got emotionally engaged, she knew she had something special.

In a candid interview with People magazine, Dylan said:
“I tested every single concept on my kids before writing anything down. If Calvin or Ollie laughed, or asked questions about Misty, that was my green light. Their reactions were everything to me.”

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She has also proudly shared behind-the-scenes moments from their home, showing her boys reading the books, pointing out characters, and connecting emotionally with Misty’s adventures. These glimpses into her family life give fans a deeper understanding of why this series means so much to her.

For Dylan, the most rewarding part has been watching how Misty the Cloud helps her children learn to identify and express their emotions—a central theme in the books. She’s said that seeing her kids use Misty as a way to talk about their feelings has made all the late nights, creative struggles, and rewrites feel incredibly worthwhile.

In her own words:
“When my kids tell me, ‘Mom, I feel stormy today,’ I know that Misty is doing exactly what she’s meant to do.”

Misty the Cloud: The Thing About Spring by Dylan Dreyer: 9780593180495 |  PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books

For Dylan Dreyer, Misty the Cloud is more than a book series—it’s a labor of love that bridges her roles as a storyteller, an educator, and most importantly, a mom.