Ava and the Rainbow (Who Stayed)

PreS-Gr 2—While this book's message isn't new—too much of a good thing ruins one's ability to appreciate it—the concept of a rainbow that comes to stay will charm most audiences. Ava is delighted when a rainbow appears over her town and is further gratified when it lingers day after day, catapulting the town to fame. Seized upon as the town mascot, the rainbow becomes a boon to local souvenir shops. The personified phenomenon wears a cap of snow in winter and becomes the scene of summer concerts—but eventually the town's attention turns to other things and Ava realizes that her rainbow friend may be better appreciated in small doses. Satisfying illustrations by the author mix detailed pencil line drawing with swaths of vivid watercolor for visually appealing scenes with humorous details. On one especially delightful spread, the rainbow continues to beam over an otherwise dark town, casting a glow over the rooftops while residents look up in wonder. The illustrations depict a diverse community of people whose facial expressions are easy to read. The book is a good launching point for discussing themes of appreciation and gratitude; the message is clear without weighing down a lighthearted narrative. A happy if predictable ending ties up the story.