Rain before rainbow by Smriti Halls
Illus. by David Litchfield. Walker Books, 2020. ISBN: 9781406382358.
(Age: 4+) Recommended. A girl and her dog sit rather pensively on
the front cover, looking forward, seeing a newly formed rainbow
peeping through the trees. Light shines around them urging the
reader to open the book to see how the story unfolds. The title is
repeated on page one, followed by 'clouds before storm' alerting the
reader to a rhyming pattern that will entreat them, encouraging them
to read on. The dog looks forward, the girl hesitatingly looks
behind, but over the page they have a light to guide them as the
words tell the reader the 'old day is done'. By now readers will be
in tune with the direction the book is taking, that of reminding all
readers that there is darkness before morning, and that they must
look forward to a brighter day rather than hesitate in the gloom.
With mental health such an issue for adults and children alike, more
books are being published which encourage a positive attitude
amongst younger readers. This one with its double pages of luminous
colours will intrigue readers as they follow the girl's journey from
darkness to light, night to morning. The words remind us that there
are mountains to cross and journeys to take, decisions to make, and
sometimes the dark will be upsetting, with dragons to fight and
worries to overcome, there are ways to get over these fears. They
can seek out friend and pathways, journeys, maps, ropes to hold on
to, and finally a new day will dawn that is full of light and
promise. And all of this is brightly reflected in the accompanying
colour filled illustrations.
The rhyming pattern will enthral readers as they predict what the
rhyming word might be, ready to call out a rhyming word at the end
of each page, learn some of the lines to call out when the book is
read again. Read out loud or in small groups, the whole will
encourage positive attitudes, allowing children to discuss some of
their fears, and give them pathways to help themselves maintain
hope. Teacher's
notes are available.
Themes: Courage, Hope, Mental health, Depression, Friendship.
Fran Knight