Ava's so excited to see a rainbow in her neighborhood that she idly wishes, "If only you could stay forever." Well, the rainbow listens e smiley-faced rainbow lingers day and night, and soon it's a sensation! People come from far and wide to see this unusual rainbow: they throw parties under it, make it the town mascot, sell souvenirs. But, like any fad, the rainbow's popularity starts to fade, and its perky smile turns into a frown, particularly when the townspeople use its colorful surface to post advertisements and prop up radio towers. When a crowd goes gaga over an uncommon bird sighting, however, Ava and the rainbow understand that, even though a rainbow is a lovely sight, it's even lovelier when it's rare. Adamson's animated cartoon artwork features comical, goggle-eyed characters rendered in loose, sketchy pencil lines and lots of bright watercolor washes, and the spectacular rainbow at the center of it all is charmingly expressive. Whimsical illustrations and a breezy lesson about value make this a great choice for group storytime.

PreS-Gr 2 While this book's message isn't newtoo much of a good thing ruins one's ability to appreciate itthe concept of a rainbow that comes to stay will charm most audiences. Ava is delighted when a rainbow appears over her town and is further gratified when it lingers day after day, catapulting the town to fame. Seized upon as the town mascot, the rainbow becomes a boon to local souvenir shops. The personified phenomenon wears a cap of snow in winter and becomes the scene of summer concertsbut eventually the town's attention turns to other things and Ava realizes that her rainbow friend may be better appreciated in small doses. Satisfying illustrations by the author mix detailed pencil line drawing with swaths of vivid watercolor for visually appealing scenes with humorous details. On one especially delightful spread, the rainbow continues to beam over an otherwise dark town, casting a glow over the rooftops while residents look up in wonder. The illustrations depict a diverse community of people whose facial expressions are easy to read. The book is a good launching point for discussing themes of appreciation and gratitude; the message is clear without weighing down a lighthearted narrative. A happy if predictable ending ties up the story. VERDICT Children will thoroughly enjoy this colorful read-aloud, whether one-on-one with an adult or during group storytimes. Suzanne LaPierre, Fairfax County Public Library, VA