Daddy's Rainbow

by Lucy Rowland, Becky Cameron (Illustrator)

Erin's daddy sees the colour in everything. Even on the greyest days, they put on their wellies and go splashing in puddles because, Daddy says, 'We can't see rainbows without rain!'

But what happens when the greyest day of all comes, and Daddy isn't there any more? Can Erin learn to find colour in the world again?
This deeply sensitive picture book about the loss of a parent is the ideal starting point for conversations about love, loss and learning to live again.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Death

32 pages, Paperback

Published February 17, 2022

About the author

Lucy Rowland works as a speech and language therapist for children. Her experience and passion for her work prompted her to make the leap into writing picture books. When she’s not daydreaming about story ideas, reading A. A. Milne, or thinking up new rhymes, she enjoys backpacking, baking, and long walks on the beach. Lucy Rowland lives in London.

Reviews

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a gorgeous & at the same time heartbreaking read. Such a sensitive way to explore grief with younger children - or anyone of any age who has lost someone they love. The words are beautiful & the illustrations poignant & fab

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartfelt story about the importance of memories and celebrating the person.

[Tracy Lander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Erin's daddy loves colour. He loves to be busy with Erin outdoors. He sees colours at all times of the year from flowers to the night sky. They put all their photos in a scrapbook with Erin's pictures. But one day things don't seem so good, Daddy isn't well. Things get worse and Daddy dies. With this loss Erin's life turns grey and dull. Erin is sad, and knows Mummy is too. Then one day she remembers the scrapbook. It cheers them all up, and makes them smile. Mummy starts to do the things that Daddy did and on a walk they see Daddy's Rainbow.
This is a very gentle story about the loss of a parent that would be a perfect book for a parent or teacher to read with their children. It will accept that they are sad, but hopefully see that they can still be happy about other parts of their lives.
The illustrations by Becky Cameron are beautiful. I especially love the pictures of the scrapbook.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much is said in the spaces, in the illustrations.
Daddy does not die suddenly, so there are moments as he becomes weaker, as they visit in hospital. Then, slowly, as they come through the thick blanket of grey, to be able to see colour again.
There is no discernable timeframe to this.

[Bethany Sawford · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lovely book for young children about dealing with loss and grief.

[Ro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my heart. What a beautiful story. Very well written, almost had me in tears.