These past few days, during my break time at my day job, I’ve been reading these little short stories intended for a younger audience, which I find therapeutic because they’re just so full of positivity—talks about friendships, rainbows, butterflies, and whatnot. I thought they would keep me from stressing about this pandemic, politics, job-related incidents, and more. Some were cute, and some were nice. Others, I’m thinking of reading to my little nephews and nieces the next time I visit them. Anyway, enough of my rambling.
The first installment in the ‘Lil Bub and Friends Presents’ series, ‘The Missing Rainbow’ by C. Hagerman, revolves around the endearing friendship among a whale, a frog, and a bunny, whose joy in watching rainbows takes an unexpected turn when one disappears from the sky.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book for several reasons. Firstly, the illustrations are both colorful and adorable, capturing the attention of young readers effortlessly. While the text is simple, it occasionally veers towards repetition, which may appeal to some children but might feel slightly redundant for others. Nevertheless, the story remains highly engaging throughout.
One of the book’s standout qualities is its subtle yet valuable lesson on conflict resolution, skillfully woven into the narrative. By witnessing the characters navigate the challenge of the missing rainbow, children are imparted with important insights into cooperation, problem-solving, and the significance of friendship.
At just 19 pages, ‘The Missing Rainbow’ is perfectly suited for young readers eager to explore colors and language. Its accessibility also makes it an excellent resource for children learning English as a second language, providing both linguistic exposure and a delightful storytelling experience.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
You can download it for free on Amazon.
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