It’s finally Friday! That means it’s time for another Flashback Friday here at Mutually Inclusive, and today, I’m thrilled to share Rainbow Village by Emmi Smid with you all!
Title: Rainbow Village
Author/Illustrator: Emmi Smid
Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Published: August 21, 2020
Format: Picture Book
This delightfully whimsical picture book shares the concept of diversity with very young readers through a story of imaginary characters. It all starts in a village where the Sproggles, Flinkerdunks, Mimplets, and Wapsies all live in their individual neighborhoods. But one day, a stranger arrives in town, and no one is quite sure where he should live. The traveller doesn’t feel welcome by anyone in the community. But luckily for the village, the traveller knows just what to do after a huge storm destroys the village. He tells the villagers of his travels and they use his knowledge of inclusion to rebuild the village in an even better way than it was before the storm.
The illustrations are lovely. Of course I love all the colors incorporated throughout, but I especially loved the imagination put into each of the characters. The Sproggles, Flinkerdunks, Mimplets, and Wapsies are all uniquely different, though they are all adorable—even the angry Flinkerdunks.
Rainbow Village also includes a fantastic Parent’s Guide in the back with discussion questions to spark conversations about diversity with young readers. I love that this book can be used to discuss diversity on many levels, whether you’re discussing gender, race, religion, culture, ability, or any other aspect of diversity, Rainbow Village can help you illustrate your message.
You can pick up your own copy of Rainbow Village wherever books are sold, including Bookshop and Amazon. (Please note: Some links provided are affiliate links. Affiliate links allow me to receive a small commission for recommendations at no cost to you. This commission is used to maintain this site and to continue bringing content to you. I always appreciate your support!)
Thank you so much to Jessica Kingsley Publishers for providing me with a review copy of Rainbow Village. I know I will be reading this one to my own toddler for many years to come!
About The Author:
Emmi Smid is the author and illustrator of Luna’s Red Hat, the translator of Big Tree is Sick, and the illustrator of Minnie and Max are OK! She lives in the Netherlands. You can find her online at emmismid.com.
mutuallyinclusivebooks.com 