Rainbow Magic

Classic Storybook Collection

by Shirley Barber

Librarian's Note: this is an alternate cover edition - ISBN 10: 0867884657

Genres: Picture Books, Fantasy, Childrens, Fae, Classics

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1989

About the author

Shirley Barber grew up in the Channel Islands, where she gained her lifelong love of nature and painting. A third generation artist, she always dreamed of writing and illustrating children's books. But this dream did not come true until she had moved to Australia and her children had grown up.

Her first picture book Martha B. Rabbit - The Fairies' Cook was published by The Five Mile Press in 1988, and became an instant success. The following year it won first prize in the prestigious Critica Erba awards at the Bologna Children's Fair - an extraordinary achievemnt for a first book.

To date, Shirely Barber books have sold in ecess of 10 million copies. They have been published in over 70 international editions in North America, Europe and Asia. Shirley's best-selling fairy title in Australia is The Tooth Fairy closely followed by The Enchanted Woods and Rainbow Magic. Shirley lives quiety in rural Victoria and continues to write and illustrate delightful storybooks enjoyed by children and adults alike.

Reviews

[Kerri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of my absolute favourite books as a child. My Nana and Poppa had a copy and every time I went to their house, I would want it read to me at least once, often several times. I loved both the story and the artwork, from the wonderful colours to the sweet little animals, to the glorious fairies. Every page is special and every one felt momentous to me. From the discovery of the pot of gold under the rainbow, to the frog rowing them across the water, to the gathering of fairies, it was one of the most enchanting books I had ever seen. I believe this book was a large part of my lifelong love of reading. I read many other Shirley Barber books throughout my childhood and loved them all but this one is probably the most special to me. I can still picture it in my Nana's voice and picture the house they lived in at the time. It immediately transports me back to those peaceful days of story books and walks around the countryside.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very precious book from my childhood that I lost during a house move. For years I couldn't remember the title or author & so couldn't buy a replacement. Today a very special & generous person that I've only ever met over social media surprised me with copy just like my old one! I cried, my Mum cried & when I tell my grandmother who bought the original copy I lost, she'll probably cry as well (or get all suspicious about the internet, either way). Thank you so much Lucy. You couldn't have made me happier.

[Melody Schwarting · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cute illustrations but I did not love the story. Gran Tibbet worries what will happen to her granddaughter after she dies, and said granddaughter becomes a fairy. There wasn't an emotional core that made this narrative choice compelling, and IMO it could be a bit frightening for children to think they might become something other than human if their guardians are near passing away.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful artwork. I love how Barber manages to capture gold and sparkles in her pictures. A lovely story as well.

[Katelin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous stunning spectacular beautiful amazing 10/10

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Loved this book as a child that I remembered it clearly decades later found a copy in a bookstore and read it again after so many years later and immediately fell in love with it all over again definitely recommend reading this book to your children a beautifully illustrated story of magic and fairies

[Water Moon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has some of the most beautiful illustrations I’ve ever seen in my life, let alone for just a picture book. The story was a little quirky, with unique character names and fairies. Sometimes they got confused at the mention of eating grasshopper pie and moths. Some of the elements of the story got scary for my nieces. But it was lovely to look at and we went through it a second time. Also, I didn’t use the CD (used book - it was missing), I read the story aloud.

[♥♣Mary♦♠ If She So Pleases · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful fairy book. The story is a big sad but has a happy ending. It reminds me of Thumbalina. A bit sad that all the fairies are blonde and there are no brunettes. Still, a very beautifully illustrated, short, story time book.

[Lissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full title: Rainbow Magic: The Search for Fairy Gold

4.5 Stars

I love this so much!!

This is the Shirley Barber book I remember most - I read it so many times as a kid!!

Perfect example of her work - gorgeous art!! (Fairies!!!) and a solid story. Absolutely stunning.

The lore is fun too.

[Emily Capri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I grew up reading this book and have always loved it. I still love it and intend to read it many more times. It's such a beautifully illustrated, sweet story that has you loving the characters from the very first page. This book is stunning and dripping in magic, i can't recommend it more 🩵

[Sarah Cooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stop this is my childhood right here 😭😭

[Charlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

bittersweet

[Daniela · Rating 4 out of 5]

É um livro para crianças, está autora é graciosa na sua escrita, na motivação para as crianças lerem e ficarem viciadas.
Além disso os desenhos são os mais magníficos que há.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

another childhood favourite. Very sad at the end though. =[

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

The illustrations D':

[Dyah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmmm... actually the story is kinda sad...