Janet Halfmann's "A Rainbow of Birds," Illustrated by Jack Foster

To begin with, I loved Janet Halfmann’s Fur and Feathers! So right away you know I’m already smitten. Her new book, A Rainbow of Birds, with artwork by Jack Foster, is a sweet story about the creation of one of nature’s miracles, the rainbow. Or a bird folktale about how the birds gave the world the rainbow.

After a rain, Papa Cardinal regales his chicks with this lovely tale, ascribing the colors of the rainbow to a colorful array of birds. Red Cardinals form the first color. Robins with their Orange breasts are next. Sweet Yellow Warblers line up next. Squawking Green Parrots are followed by raucous Blue Jays.  Deep Indigo Blue Buntings come next, with royal Purple Martins the last bird “color” in the rainbow. The chicks are delighted with Papa’s tale and wish they’d been there long ago to see the magical rainbow of bird colors. Papa Cardinal says they can still see it. As the sun peeks out again the chicks see:

 

A rainbow of Red, Orange,Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, and Violet

shimmered across the afternoon sky.

Papa and the chicks joined the chorus of bird song,

once again filling the air with a Bird-tastic cheer!

This cute fable is boldly – shall I say “colorfully” – illustrated by Jack Foster. His whimsical cartoon style will have the kiddies giggling and cheering along with the chicks at the beautiful rainbow colors. Mr. Foster has illustrated award-winning books for Guardian Angel Publishing, and for online magazines, Stories for Children and Guardian Angel Kids. You can see more of Jack Foster’s work and leave him a comment at: www.jacktoon.blogspot.com

 

Ms. Halfmann has included information at the end of the story about how rainbows occur after rain-showers, rainbow facts and stories, how to make an outdoor and an indoor rainbow, how to make a rainbow book, and a hanging rainbow. These fun activities will be enjoyed by kids and appreciated by parents and grandparents on rainy days. Teachers can use this book in cross curriculum units on weather, the water cycle, nature, and  art activities. Ms. Halfmannn is a multi-award-winning children’s book author who strives to make her books come alive for children. Many of her picture books are about animals and nature. She also writes picture book biographies about little-known people of achievement. Visit Janet Halfmann at:  http://www.janethalfmann.com.

Available from:  http://guardianangelpublishing.com/rainbow-birds.htm

Amazon.com, B&N.com and other quality on line book sellers.