Rainbow Baby
illustrations by
What’s inside...
This beautifully illustrated children's book is perfect to read to your little one! This book celebrates the love a mother has for her children, embodied in the metaphor of a 'mother bear' who protects and provides for her offspring. Follow the emotional journey of a baby and mother bear and be touched by their story. Additionally, it introduces the concept of a 'rainbow baby', a child born after a loss such as a miscarriage, stillbirth, or the death of a child, symbolizing hope and renewal after a difficult time. The author emphasizes that each child is a unique and precious gift, and the love between a mother and child lasts forever.
Discussion points
How did the story of the rainbow baby make you feel?
What do you think is special about a rainbow baby?
Why do you think the family in the book was so happy to welcome the rainbow baby?
Can you think of other stories where something special arrived after a tough time?
How would you help a friend who feels sad about losing something important?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own feelings about the book to set a comfortable tone for open expression.
Encourage your child to describe the colors and images in the book, linking them to the emotions they might represent.
Validate all feelings your child expresses, whether they're happy, sad, or confused, ensuring they understand all emotions are okay.
Use examples from the book to talk about resilience and hope, highlighting how the family's joy emerges after their challenges.
Connect the story to personal experiences or family stories that have similar themes of overcoming difficulties and joy.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding and Expressing Emotions
Explanation: In 'Rainbow Baby,' the story delves into complex emotions surrounding the arrival of a new sibling after a loss, helping children process feelings of joy, confusion, and grief.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to identify and communicate their feelings, even the difficult ones, and understand that all emotions are valid and manageable.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Compassion
Explanation: The protagonist's journey through accepting their new sibling showcases empathy, as they learn to understand and share the feelings of their parents and the new baby.
Real-World Application: This book can help children develop the ability to empathize with others' feelings and situations, which is crucial in building strong relationships and fostering an inclusive environment.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Adversity
Explanation: Through the narrative, children see characters coping with past loss and embracing new beginnings, highlighting resilience and the ability to heal.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this lesson by learning that it's possible to recover from setbacks and that embracing change can lead to positive outcomes.
Example Lesson: Importance of Family Support
Explanation: The family in 'Rainbow Baby' shows strong support among its members during challenging times, emphasizing the role of family as a source of comfort and security.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to seek out and provide support within their own families and understand the strength that comes from family unity.