Rani in Search of a Rainbow

“Abdullah’s use of poetic language and Rani’s quest to find her place in her community will keep readers turning the pages until the end.” – Gwendolyn Hooks, author of 17 books for young readers

“Rani in Search of a Rainbow glows under the colorful hues of its text and rich characters. As readers, we are taken into a unique setting that one would not expect to visit in the confines of a children’s picture book.” – Jewel Kats, author of Reena’s Bollywood Dream and Cinderella’s Magical Wheelchair

“Rani in Search of a Rainbow is a remarkable glimpse into not only an historic event but also the Pakistani culture via the eyes of children. Beautifully drawn, the story depicts youth as strong, compassionate, and eager to play a role in their community’s efforts to thrive. A strong lesson told in a wonderful way. Highly recommended.” – C. Hope Clark, Award-Winning Author, The Carolina Slade Mysteries And The Edisto Beach Mysteries

“What an example Shaila Abdullah’s children’s book, Rani in Search of a Rainbow, gives us. Though the target audience is children ages kinder through seven or eight years, this story of thoughtful caring for others, especially those less fortunate than ourselves, provides a lesson for adults, as well. Thus, it can serve as a means for parents and all adults to stimulate caring attitudes and activities in children, and also in their colleagues in an indirect way. In today’s wretchedly divisive political environment, this children’s book can be used, early on, as a tool for developing compassion for others … and, it is accompanied by colorful and child-appealing illustrations!A not-to-be-missed book for parents, teachers, and librarians to share with children.” – Shirley M. Hord, Ph.D., Scholar Laureate, Learning Forward

“Once again, Shaila Abdullah has written a children’s book with important messages for adults, also. Her previous book, My Friend Suhana, dealt with the challenges and joys of friendship with a disabled child. Rani in Search of a Rainbow: A Natural Disaster Survival Tale focuses on the aftermath of the 2010 floods that devastated parts of Pakistan. Along with eight million others, Rani and her family flee their home with little more than the clothes on their backs, and now live in a refugee camp. There, Rani and her friend Juju are surrounded by busy adults doing their best to help others by unloading food, and cooking and caring for people. Rani wants to help, too. But what can a child do? “Try to find a way to help in the way only children can,” advises her father. And Rani does. The book is a celebration of the resiliency of children, reinforcing hope in the face of the unimaginable. As Rani’s mother notes, children are the first to find joy. Beneath the lighthearted text and the colorful illustrations, the book reminds us that a disaster does not end with the return of sunshine, that hard, purposeful work is needed by all, and that the role of children can be as important as that of adults.” – Gwen Florio, Author Of Montana and Dakota, Literary Suspense Novels