Rafting The Rapids
It’s time to prepare for the big white water rafting tournament. Rainbow and her friends are raft guides by day and ride the rapids after their work is done. In this high-stakes adventure, Rainbow Floating Bubbles learns a valuable lesson about friendship.
The Inspiration
Having had a home daycare for over a decade, I observed a lot of social interactions. I further studied the children and how they interacted with each other and built friendships while taking Early Childhood Education courses.
According to Life Education, “our friends remain a hugely important part of our lives, from sharing problems, asking for advice, uncontrollable laughter and good times, sharing our life events and proudest moments, our friends help each of us define who we are. For children, making friends is a vital part of growing up and an essential part of their social and emotional development.” source
Observing was one of the most joyful parts of caring for children to me. They are amazing individuals but in little bodies!
Each child also had unnamed goals for the day. Whether it was to play with a certain toy or be first at the table for snack, they had their hierarchy and priorities. But they most always put their needs aside if someone needed their help. This is where Rainbow’s story comes to play.
Book Features
The short story is beautifully illustrated with original paintings by my mother, Julie Mason.
In addition to the short story, I decided to include activities to encourage readers to explore the story further.
I also included the knit and crochet patterns to make Rainbow Floating Bubbles’ hat. It is my hope that the child knows someone who has a crafty skill and can make one for them (if not, I do have finished ones in the shop!).
Each pattern has instructions for four sizes ranging from toddler to large adult.
The finished hat can add another dimension to how your child can use their imagination to act out the story or create new adventures for Rainbow. The child could wear the hat to become the character or use the hat as a puppet. The possibilities are truly endless.
Who Is The Story Written For?
This book is written for 5 to 10-year-olds, however, any age can appreciate the pictures and be read to. As such, the book dimensions (8.5 inches by 6 inches) were considered so they fit comfortably in your child’s hands.
I hope you and your family will consider adding the Rainbow and the Rapids book to your library. And remember, if you don’t knit or crochet, I do have some finished hats available in the shop also.
The greatest gift you can give a child is an imagination.
Eleanor Roosevelt
This post was featured on Guelph Local on January 29, 2020.
