Title: Rani in Search of a Rainbow
Author: Shaila Abdullah
Genre: Children’s Picture Book
Rating: A
Displaced by the Pakistan floods, Rani’s family has taken refuge at a relief camp where they are doing their part to help other flood victims. Eight-year old Rani wants to assist but doesn’t know how. Heeding the advice of her father to help in a way only children can, Rani embarks on a journey to bring true joy to a dear friend on the occasion of Eid.
Rani and her friends love playing in the rain, but when the rivers start to overflow and the adults get worried, so does Rani. Turns out the rain just doesn’t stop – in fact, it’s more like a flood. Helicopters come to take Rani and her family to a relief camp, along with several other families. All kinds of things happen in the relief camp – a baby is born, Rani makes friends with Juju, a boy living in a nearby tent whose family only managed to escape with the clothes on their back, and couldn’t bring anything else. And then it’s the celebration of Ramadan Eid. Back home, Rani loved the holiday, but here in the camp, she almost forgot about it! And when her friend is in trouble, Rani knows just the way to help him out.
The story is delightful, and the illustrations are lovely, with bright colors that kids will love.
Bedazzled Reading 