The Hidden Rainbow

The health of the bee population is critical to our survival, and bright, healthy flowers are critical to the bees’ survival. It is never too early for children to learn the importance of the symbiotic relationships between plants and insects, particularly bees. Author and illustrator Christie Matheson has provided a book that will help the very youngest of listeners to see bees with appreciation rather than fear. The interactive story asks youngsters to help the bees find the colorful flowers by brushing snow away, blowing buds dry, or even just pointing the way. At the same time, the bee population grows one by one, encouraging young listeners to count. This is all done with rhyming couplets, although many are broken up on the pages rather oddly. The story also has a rather irregular meter, which makes this a bit difficult for oral reading. The illustrations with bright colors and wonderful details are the real star of this book; they will keep little ones’ eyes on the pages and their attention on the story.