A universe of rainbows Multicolored poems for a multicolored world

Review by Publisher's Weekly Review

Vivid full-color illustrations by Christoph accompany short poems and scientific insights in this rainbow-focused anthology, edited by contributor Forrest Esenwine, that includes works by Irene Latham, Laura Purdie Salas, Heidi E.Y. Stemple and Jane Yolen, and Janet Wong. A child's despair over a rain-ruined Saturday is changed by a rainbow in the opening poem by Nikki Grimes ("I catch the storm's apology:/ sun-drenched strips of color/ arch across the sky"), which is accompanied by an explanation of refracted light. From terrestrial tinted bacteria in a geyser pool and upward to the dying star Betelgeuse ("lilac, rose, blue aster.../ a blooming bouquet/ light years away"), all ages will be immersed in eloquent verse that ranges in style. Human characters are portrayed with various skin tones. Includes an introduction, recommended scientific resources, and a glossary. Ages 6--10. (Apr.)

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Review by School Library Journal Review

K-Gr 5--A delightful anthology of poems celebrating rainbows and the wondrous places they appear in nature. Organized by the source of the rainbow--water, living creatures, light, rock, and beyond--recognizable poets, including Janet Wong and Nikki Grimes, among others, offer their thoughts on the joy and beauty of rainbows. The poems vary in style, succinctly and quaintly highlighting the best features of the natural displays. Beside each poem is a brief overview of the science, history, or geography of the natural occurrence of the brilliant colors. Poems and notes are accessible, with a glossary of terms and additional resources at the end of the text. Each page could be a useful conversation starter for more in-depth discussions with young readers. As the backdrop, Cristoph's illustrations dazzle. Vibrant and cheerful, the locations, insects, and flowers are an ideal complement to each poem. When people do appear in the illustrations, there is a diverse representation. VERDICT A solid addition to any collection, providing a pairing of arts and STEM.--Kaitlin Malixi

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Review by Kirkus Book Review

Augmented by sidebars with science facts, 22 poems explore rainbows in nature. Esenwine contributes five poems, while veteran writers including Janet Wong and Nikki Grimes deliver others. The entries are organized into five sections. "Rainbows of Light" covers several examples of refraction, from a post-storm rainbow to a child's collection of prismatic crystals. Another section, "Rainbow Waters," examines four bodies of water and the reasons for their unique colors. Three of them--two of Yellowstone National Park's hot springs and the Fly Geyser in Nevada--are examples of nature's response to the often-devastating impact of human interference. David L. Harrison eulogizes the captivating blue of Yellowstone's Morning Glory Pool as it yields to bacterial damage from human-tossed coins, rocks, and garbage. The section "Living Rainbows" collects nine poems focusing on plants and animals whose plumage, petals, exoskeletons, scales, wings, and peeling bark variously exhibit brilliant, surprising colors. The entries in the fourth section, "Rainbows of Rock," examine mountains and caves, while a single, lovely poem by Georgia Heard comprises the concluding "Rainbows Beyond." Heard marvels at the "celestial nursery" forming within Betelgeuse's brilliantly hued swirl of dust and gases, "a blooming bouquet / light years away." The information in the insightful sidebars is well explained, while Christoph's illustrations deftly capture actual and imagined landscapes, depicting diverse humans and alternating pastel compositions with saturated color-scapes. Appealing poetry and cogent science writing combine for a unique take on the ever-captivating rainbow. (recommended resources, glossary)(Informational picture book/poetry. 6-10) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

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