Little boy in a weather balloon! (4)

I believe the answer is:

herb

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'little boy' is the definition.
'Herb' can be an answer for 'boy'. I'm not certain of the 'little' bit.

'in a weather balloon' is the wordplay.
'in' says the answer is hidden in the clue.
'HERB' is hidden in the letters of 'weather balloon'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for herb that I've seen before include "Plant used in medicine or cookery" , "Medicinal or culinary plant" , "Parsley, for instance" , "Wayside plant with small red flowers" , "Mint possibly" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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