What Makes A Rainbow?

     Of all the books I read to our children growing up, there's one in particular that stands out. I only saw it once at a little gift shop in Arthurdale, WV, when we lived there many years ago, and never regretted buying it. We were years away from starting our own family, and money was tight, but the Fates just wouldn't let me put it down. The book is titled What Makes a Rainbow, by Betty Ann Schwartz. Over the years I have enjoyed reading this book to our sons and my students many times, and will enjoy reading it to our grandchildren some day, too. It's not only a pop-up book, but one that has rainbow colored ribbons threaded throughout the pages. I was captivated. Every young child I read it to was also captivated.
     What Makes a Rainbow begins like this - “Little Rabbit and his mother were sitting under a big, red flower petal. 'Look!' said Little Rabbit. 'It stopped raining.' 'Yes,' said Mama Rabbit. 'Soon we'll see a rainbow.' 'What makes a rainbow?' asked Little Rabbit. 'Why don't you ask your friends?' said Mama Rabbit.”
      Now you're wondering why I've shared this wonderful little book with you. Is it because I want you to go out and comb the local bookshop for it? Well, you're more than welcome to. It really is a lovely book. Is it because I want you to read this to children? Reading sure is important, and I highly recommend doing that for yourself and to others, but still...not what I'm thinking.
      Ever since we brought our first Icelandics home six years ago I would on occasion think of this book. Not in quite the same way, though. When I take a look out over our little pasture I see a rainbow. Not one of reds and oranges, yellows and greens. Not even of blues and purples. I see an Icelandic rainbow.
      If I had the opportunity to write a book about a rainbow of colors along the same lines as What Makes a Rainbow?, it might go something like this:

Young'un and his mother were sitting under a big old Silver Maple tree.
“Look!” said Young'un, “It stopped raining.” “Yes,” said his mama, “Soon
we'll see a rainbow.” “What makes a rainbow, Mama?” asked Young'un.
“Look towards the barn, and under the trees.” said Mama, “Soon you'll see
one begin to form.”

Young'un looked to the barn and then it began. As he saw Daisy, he asked,
“Miss Daisy, what makes a rainbow?” Daisy gave a shake to her dark thick
wool and replied, “Black. Black makes a rainbow.” Next came Dahlia.
She, too, was asked what makes a rainbow. She stood proudly next to Daisy
and said, “Moorit. Moorit also makes a rainbow.” After Dahlia the parade of
Icelandics continued, spilling out from behind the trees. There were solids and spots,
whites and greys, even mouflons and badgerfaces. It was the most beautiful rainbow
Young'un and his mother had ever seen.

“So, now you know what makes a rainbow,” said Mama.

And that, folks, is the end of my story...for now....  Smiling & Waving, Sharon

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