A Rainbow of Friends is a multicultural children’s book for ages 3 to 5 years
old. This book was written by P. K. Hallinan and also illustrated by P. K.
Hallinan in 2005. This beautiful literature piece is full of fun and color on
each page. The illustrations are warm and inviting. The pictures are full of positive emotions and tell a story of their own of friendship and diversity. The author teaches young children about diversity. The book sends
the message that people come in all colors, shapes, and sizes. The rhyming
feature of the book makes it fun and enjoyable for children of preschool and
elementary school age.
This beautiful story teaches
children to embrace their differences. Children of all ages will learn through
this book that some of their friends might be athletes, musicians, dancers, or
singers, etc. Teachers will be able to use this book in the classroom to teach
the beauty of our differences. This is also a great tool to teach respect,
which is one of Saint Leo’s core values. Children will learn to embrace their
differences through respect and acceptance.
Discussion Questions:
What does the word Diversity mean to
you?
What are some of the qualities that
you admire about your friend?
Do you and your friends always like
to do the same things?
What is unique about your friend?
Name some of the similarities
between you and a friend/peer.
Diversity Activity for Students (Saint Leo's Core Value, Respect):
Ask the students to choose at least
two students to observe. They will get to know them by asking them questions.
You can create a list of age appropriate questions on a sheet of paper that
students can ask their peers. For example:
The list can include questions like:
Favorite food, favorite movie,
favorite toy, favorite game, or favorite book. It will also be great to ask
students to identify their peers’ traits that make them unique including eye
color, hair color, or age. After the students are done getting to know one
another, have them discuss what they have learned. This is a fun way for
students to get to know one another. Enjoy!
A Little Something about the Author:
Mr. P.K. Hallinan has written over
80 children’s inspirational and friendship books. He began his career after
writing a children’s book for his children years ago.
Books the Author has created:
That’s What a Friend Is
How Do I Love You?
Heartprints
My Daddy and I
Resources
Hallinan, P.K. (2005). A Rainbow of Friends. Ideal Publications
