Reena's Rainbow by Dee White and Tracie Grimwood (Children's, Picture book, 10E/10E)

 September 2017, EK Books, 32 pages, Hardback, Review copy

Summary from EK Books

Reena is deaf and Dog is homeless, but they are also so much more than that. At first Reena and Dog feel like they don’t belong, but when they form a unique bond with each other, and become friends with the hearing children in the park, they discover that everyone is different and special in their own way.

Nayu's thoughts

I've read a few books over the past few months which inckude rainbows as part of the story, and each one stands out from the rest, with Reema's Rainbow being no exception (and one of few books about being deaf that I've read). I liked how it is made clear that while Reema can't hear well like most people, her body compensates by making her extra observant and seeing this others miss. It helps her save a boy from danger, find the stray dog who becomes her constant companion, lets her excel at hide and seek in both positions as the hider and the seeker. 

The brightly coloured soft and cosy seeming illustrations moved me to tears at the end. I loved how cute Reema is, and the way her happiness gets portrayed on one page is exactly as I'd imagined it, which made me cry as the scene is so touching with Reema's emotions are enhanced by the illustrations. I like how she fimally fits in, even if I'm not sure why all the children cross their arms in a certain way on the last page. Maybe it's sign language for friends. This is a must read for everyone, to raise awareness of what life can be like for deaf children, and that we all have at least one talent. 

Suggested read

A book which deals with a common issue children and adults can struggle with, wearing glasses, is Specs For Rex by Yasmeen Ismail (Children's, Picture book, 10E/10E, short 'n' sweet review)