The Rainbow Bridge
on Goodreads (79)
What’s inside...
Hutash the earth goddess creates a rainbow bridge--and saves her people from drowning by turning them into dolphins.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the rainbow bridge symbolizes in the story?
How did the characters' feelings change as they crossed the rainbow bridge?
Why do you think the author chose a bridge to represent the transition in the story?
Can you think of a time when you experienced something new and how it made you feel?
What would you draw or build at the end of your rainbow bridge?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use a warm and curious tone to encourage your child to explore the symbolism in the story.
Relate the theme of crossing bridges to your child’s own experiences of facing new situations or challenges.
Discuss the emotions depicted in the book and connect them with real-life feelings your child might have felt.
Encourage your child to use their imagination by asking what they would place at the end of their own rainbow bridge.
Highlight the idea of growth and progression through the story, reinforcing how crossing the bridge represents moving forward and experiencing new things.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding and managing emotions
Explanation: In 'The Rainbow Bridge,' the characters experience a range of emotions as they cross various bridges, reflecting real emotional journeys.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to identify and articulate their feelings, understanding that it's okay to feel sad, happy, or scared sometimes.
Example Lesson: Importance of perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the story, the characters face challenges but continue to move forward, learning that persistence leads to achieving goals.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to keep trying even when tasks or situations become difficult, fostering resilience.
Example Lesson: Value of helping others
Explanation: Characters in the book help each other overcome obstacles, highlighting the importance of cooperation and empathy.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of teamwork and supporting friends or family members in need, translating to better social interactions.
Example Lesson: Celebrating diversity
Explanation: The book features a variety of characters from different backgrounds, showing how diversity enriches experiences.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to embrace and respect differences among people, promoting inclusivity in their everyday interactions.
Example Lesson: Connection with nature
Explanation: The vibrant illustrations of natural settings underscore the theme of connectivity with the environment.
Real-World Application: It teaches children the importance of respecting and caring for nature, fostering environmentally responsible behaviors from a young age.