The world made a rainbow by Michelle Robinson. Illus. by Emily Hamilton

The World Made a Rainbow was written in response to the amazing array of rainbows being displayed in windows across the world after millions of families were forced to stay at home during the first stage of the 2020 COVID 19 lockdown.

Let’s paint a big rainbow to put on display
When people pass by it and see it, they’ll say
‘All Rainstorms must end, and this rainstorm will too’
And they’ll feel a bit happier, all thanks to you.

This book is a beautifully written rhyming story which tells the journey of one child who feels cut adrift from all that has been familiar. She misses her friends and her Grandma and has to deal with parents working at home as well as the family being together day in and day out. The lockdown was likened to a rainstorm that would eventually pass and then out would come a rainbow so the young child starts to create a rainbow out of paint and collage. With help from her family she spreads the message of hope that things will get better and the future holds many new adventures. The appealing illustrations are bright and colour and will catch the young reader’s eye.

This is a perfect story to read aloud with Early Years students although older readers will relate to its important message of hope in a difficult time.

Themes: Rainbows, COVID-19 Lockdown, Feeling Alone, Families, Friends, Creating, Hope.

Kathryn Beilby