Rainbow Book Review
“My name is Olivia, but my family calls me Liv, and boy do I have big news: I’m going to be a big sister! I’m so excited, I can barely think about anything else! I’ve drawn lots pictures of the new baby. Mom says I need to slow down, because we are running out of wall space to hang all my masterpieces.” In Olivia’s world nothing is more important and exciting than the arrival of the new baby, but when an unfortunate event occurs, Olivia discovers that life and love are truly what we make of it.
There are so many books out there that talk about new babies and the families waiting to welcome them. At the end of the story, there’s always a sweet new life bundled and waiting. But what about the families who never get to welcome their baby? What about the babies gone too soon, or lost even before they take their first breath? Je’Nai Kuhn’s book Rainbow addresses this heartbreaking reality, from the perspective of an older sibling, with compassion and gentleness.
Je’Nai’s book doesn’t shy away from the very difficult realities of life. Even though we hope that all our kids’ stories will end happily, that’s just not always true. For those children who face an ending that seems impossibly hard, this book shows them they’re not alone. Olivia, the story’s big sister, is so excited to welcome the new baby.
But things change in an instant when her dad picks her up from school and shares that things have not gone according to plan. Olivia’s mom lets her know that the baby, her little sister, has passed away, and that she’s now an angel in Heaven. Olivia is puzzled and very sad, and understands how much her parents are hurting. However, the next morning, she wakes up to a beautiful rainbow in the sky, a reminder that her sister, (named Rainbow) is still present in her life.
I wish that I could protect my children from everything painful in life. If I could keep them from learning about death, sickness, and pain, I absolutely would. However, for so many kids, my own included, life has other plans. The reality of hurting people throughout the world becomes something too obvious to ignore. The best we can do as parents is to offer them love, empathy, and a safe place to process and heal. This book does just that. It’s a great gift to give to families facing a loss, or a good way to help your own children process their grief. I’m grateful to Je’Nai for writing it!
Where Can I Find "Rainbow"?
You can find Rainbow by Je’Nai Kuhn on Amazon.
About the Author, Je'Nai Kuhn
“I’m a children’s author, songwriter and singer. I live in Manhattan Beach, CA with my husband, 3 children and Great Dane, Kane. When I’m not creating, which is very seldom, I enjoy traveling, dancing and watching good movies.”
Rapid Fire with Je'Nai Kuhn
Q. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
Je’Nai: I never “realized” I wanted to be a writer, it just sort of happened. As far back as I can remember, I have always been writing. It’s always been a way of expressing myself. It started with poetry, then music, now stories. It’s one of those paths I feel chooses “you”, not you choosing “it”.
Q. What do you think makes a good story?
Je’Nai: A beginning, middle, and end:) Just Joking!
Q. What advice do you have for writers?
Je’Nai: 1) Just Write! 2) Research 3) It’s a long journey, trust your gut! 4) There isn’t one route for success, just because it hasn’t been done before doesn’t mean it won’t work.
Q. Describe what your ideal writing space looks like?
Je’Nai: Overlooking the ocean with the sound of crashing waves, my favorite pen and notebook , a laptop and a good cup of coffee.
Q. How did you become involved in the subject or theme of your book?
Je’Nai: Rainbow is based off my own personal stillbirth experience. I felt the need to share my story because many families that experience child loss, suffer in silence or feel that no one understands what they’re going through. Many families have children at home and don’t know how to open a discussion. Hopefully this book can be used as a resource.
Q. What inspires you as a writer?
Je’Nai: Life experiences – sometimes truth is stranger than fiction.
Q. What do you like to do when you are not writing?
Je’Nai: Dancing, Singing, watching movies, traveling.
Q. What type of books do you write?
Je’Nai: I write Children Picture Books at the moment, but I recently just started writing my first Middle Grade novel.
Q. What does your creative process look like?
Je’Nai: It’s very different. I don’t have a “process”, I have a rough guide so I stay consistent, but sometimes it gets trumped by inspiration or intuition.
Q. What do you love most about being an Author?
Je’Nai: That I get to share my intimate ideas with readers. They get a front row seat into my imagination.
Q. What do you hope your readers take away from this book?
Je’Nai: That no matter what they’re going through, you have to find your silver lining or your “Rainbow after the storm. Be willing to share your story because you never know who you could help heal.
Don't Forget To Join Je'Nai Kuhn on Social Media!
All in all, my family and I have really enjoyed this book and we know you will too! Please feel free to leave me any comments or questions about this review. I look forward to hearing from you!
* This book was kindly sent to me by Author, Je’Nai Kuhn in exchange for an honest review.
