Rain before rainbows by Smriti Halls
Illus. by David Litchfield. Walker Books, 2020. ISBN: 9781406382358.
(Age: 5+) Highly recommended. Rain Before Rainbows is
a very poignant and thoughtful story of the journey a young girl and
fox take while filled with worries and sadness. They have
difficulties to overcome and do so through their own courage and
resilience. Along the way they find companions to support and guide
them as they journey to reach a happier and more hopeful place.
The visually stunning and colourful illustrations support the simple
yet meaningful rhyming text, i.e. "Thunder will rumble, and
lightning will flash. The wind will start blowing and tall waves
will crash." The reader is drawn into exploring each illustration
with great delight and awe.
This is a story to be shared and discussed with younger readers as
the message and meaning may not be necessarily obvious at first
glance. It is a story that will fill both adults and children with
hope that things can get better. Teacher's
notes are available.
Themes: Worries, Journey, Courage, Friends, Hope.
Kathryn Beilby