The Rainbow Coat
Usborne English Readers Level 1 Series
What’s inside...
The Rainbow Coat tells the story of Emily, a young girl who receives a magical coat that takes her on fantastic adventures. Each color of the coat transports her to a different world, where she faces challenges and learns valuable lessons. Long ago, the phoenix was an unremarkable brown bird, overlooked by all the forest birds with their dazzling plumage. While the forest birds admired each other and sang, the phoenix collected a store of food. When a terrible drought left the other birds hungry, the phoenix shared her supply, and in return, the birds created a wonderful coat for her. With fun activities after the story, and online audio in both British English and American English.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Joseph felt when he received his rainbow coat?
What are some ways that the coat changed Joseph's life?
Can you think of a time when you received something special that made you feel different?
Why do you think the other characters reacted the way they did to Joseph’s coat?
How do you think the story would change if Joseph’s coat had only one color?
Tip: Role play these questions
Allow your child to express their feelings about the story before posing questions.
Relate questions to personal experiences your child might have had to help them connect with the story.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings or differences in the story to foster creativity.
Discuss the emotions of different characters and relate them to real-life scenarios to build empathy.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing diversity
Explanation: In 'The Rainbow Coat', the protagonist wears a coat of many colors which leads to various interactions showcasing the beauty and acceptance of differences.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and celebrate the diverse backgrounds and perspectives of their peers, fostering a more inclusive environment.
Example Lesson: Courage to be oneself
Explanation: The story emphasizes being true to oneself as the protagonist chooses to wear the vibrant coat despite differing opinions from others.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to express their true selves in their choices, whether it's in their clothing, activities, or friendships.
Example Lesson: Kindness and empathy
Explanation: The protagonist encounters peers who are initially unkind but learns to understand and forgive them.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by practicing understanding and forgiveness in their interactions, enhancing their emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: As challenges arise due to the coat, the protagonist shows resilience and continues to wear it with pride.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to remain strong and confident in their decisions, even when facing difficulties or opposition.