Can you get rainbows in space? by Dr Sheila Kanani. Illus. by Liz Kay

The appealing and colourful cover of Can you Get Rainbows in Space? will attract many readers both young and old. The colour theme flows throughout the book beginning with the contents page set out with each chapter being one of the colours of the rainbow.  The introduction discusses all aspects of colour including ‘What is colour?’ and ‘How do we see colour?’

The first chapter is all about the colour red and begins with some interesting facts such as red is the colour of good luck in China and was one of the first colours used in prehistoric art. This is then followed by questions such as ‘Why is blood red?’ and ‘Why is Mars know as the red planet?’ The chapter then goes on to explain such things as why flamingos are pink and why a hippo’s sweat is red. Each chapter follows a similar format with fascinating questions and facts surrounded by colourful images to engage all readers. The last chapter talks about everything rainbow-related: facts, how to make one, what do rainbows represent and the important final question ‘Can you get rainbows in space?’ This is followed by a detailed glossary and finally a thank you to the rainbow key workers who kept people safe during the covid pandemic.

An interesting and entertaining book that would be an excellent non-fiction resource for a classroom, school or public library.

Themes: Space, Science, Compendium, Questions & Answers.

Kathryn Beilby