Friends come in all shapes, sizes, and colors; they can be funny or serious, musical or athletic, outgoing or quiet. In A Rainbow of Friends, P. K. Hallinan reminds children to celebrate their differences, because those are what make each of us so special. Through colorful illustrations and upbeat verse, Hallinan shows that when we celebrate the uniqueness of others, our lives are enriched and the world is a better place for all.

Discussion Questions

  • What does “a rainbow of friends” mean to you?
  • What qualities make someone a good friend?
  • Do friends have to be alike (e.g. same age, same abilities, same interests)? Why or why not?
  • What does it mean to accept someone for who they are, even if they’re different from you?

Activities

  • Think about the friends in your life. Write or draw what makes each of them special and unique.

Social and Emotional Learning (SE) competencies encouraged in this book: