The rainbow connection by Vanessa Parsons. Illus. by Angela Perrini

The Rainbow Connection is a very gentle picture book which deals with the first lockdown experienced by families across the world due to the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020. This story focuses on a nuclear family of five, three children and their parents, who take the reader through their stay-at-home activities. Initially it was an exciting and a new experience to be at home with both parents but gradually that enthusiasm begins to wane. The discovery of rainbows being shared around the world opens a community connection for the young family which then leads to forming new friendships and relationships. On their many daily exercise walks around their neighbourhood, the family discovers unique rainbows in amazing places e.g footpaths, windows, bricks, even an old lady’s hair!  The children also connect with grandparents and cousins and share in their day. Online learning and working from home become the norm for the family. The story finishes with lockdown still in place but hope for the future. The colourful illustrations by Angela Perrini are quite striking and complement the text perfectly. The author has also thoughtfully provided a Rainbow Cake recipe at the end of the book. As lockdowns continue throughout Australia in 2021, this book will be a worthwhile addition to a library collection.

Themes: COVID-19, Rainbows, Lockdown, Families, Neighbourhoods, Community.

Kathryn Beilby