Chasing Rainbows

Chasing Rainbows written by Katrina McKelvey and illustrated by Cheri Hughes (Big Sky Publishing) PB RRP $14.99 ISBN 978 1 922265708

Reviewed by Karen Hendriks

Katrina McKelvey captures that sense of childhood wonder with touches of magic, mystery, and mayhem in this charming picture book. Sam and Ruby are told stories by Dad about the special rainbow magic he views from his helicopter. Sam and Ruby want to find it too. In the backyard, playing and exploring, rainbows magically appear but where is the rainbow magic? I won’t share the ending but it ties in beautifully with the beginning of the book.

 

This is a picture book that ticks boxes. It has a captivating title to draw a reader in. The natural dialogue moves the story along smoothly as the children explore and play. There are touches of onomatopoeia and questioning to make a reader wonder too. We see children going into the backyard to play with a hose and to make their own discoveries.

 

Cheri Hughes has used a vivid colour palette that has an eighties vibe. She has captured the emotions of Sam and Ruby beautifully in their faces and body movements. She uses perspectives to showcase the vastness of the sky and the backyard as a wondrous place to play. Her imaginative play with rainbows and unicorns and a dog in the spreads adds extra layers of meaning and delight.

 

Chasing Rainbows is a picture book that’s perfect for 3-8 years. This book fits well into the STEM school curriculum. It is a book which will encourage children to explore, play and believe in magic.