I Am a Rainbow! (Hardcover)
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Staff Reviews
Welcome to this dazzling celebration of your most dashing, colorful, rhythmic self! Mark is a lucky kid, granted parents who love him exactly as he is, but sometimes the world outside can be harsher, and this beautiful boy suffers the jabs of some kids at the school who harbor less love in their hearts. The gift of a rainbow cape grants Mark the courage to seek out better friends and once Mark finds them, the world again becomes a place of love, laughter, and DANCE! Observe carefully though because you don’t want to miss the treasures Merritt has left throughout. Enjoy this gorgeous celebration and give it to anyone of any age who needs to know they are loved exactly as they are.
— LindaDescription
A professional dancer, LGBTQIA+ advocate, and social media star shares this inspiring picture book based on his childhood in Hawaii and encourages readers to find safe spaces that allow them to shine bright.
Mark loves putting on shows, dressing up, and dancing! But what makes him happy at home gets him teased at school. To remind Mark that his unique light makes the world a brighter place, his parents surprise him with a beautiful, flowing cape. Wearing it, he feels invincible and free to shine all over Honolulu! It even gives him the courage to befriend some kids who are just as colorful as he is. When the cape goes missing, Mark loses his new confidence. How will he ever shine again?
Mark's relatable, real-life inspired story paired with Richard Merritt's bright and energetic illustrations is a celebration of self-acceptance.
About the Author
Mark Kanemura was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, where he first discovered his love for dance and theater. He now lives in Los Angeles, California where he works as a dancer, teacher, and entertainer. He has appeared as a contestant and choreographer on FOX’s So You Think You Can Dance and has danced and toured the world with artists like Carly Rae Jepsen, Katy Perry, Janet Jackson, Beyonce, and Lady Gaga. This is Mark’s first book, and he is thrilled to share his story and his love with the world!
Richard Merritt is a London-born illustrator with over eighteen years of experience as both an artist and an agent. Since his first commercial commission with The Times, he’s collaborated with some of the biggest names in the business. His body of work spans the illustration world, from editorial art to packaging design, fashion illustration, costume drawing for blockbuster films, and children's books, including Flip-Flap Friends: Mermicorns and Peek and Play Rhymes: The Wheels on the Bus. He has published more than forty books in over thirty countries, bringing storytelling and joy to children across the world.
Praise For…
"Joyful."—Kirkus
“The…illustrations reinforce the bright, fun personalities of Mark and his friends, with rainbow colors flowing through the pages.”
—School Library Journal
“A lively picture book…about authentic connection that invites readers to ‘dazzle when [they] embrace [their] true selves.’”—Publishers Weekly
