This story is a childrens fantasy that originally came from a dream. It begins with a bedroom scene where Lucy awakens surrounded by a strange eerie light. She is whisked into the fantasy world in order to assist in a special task of making rainbows. The Rainbow maker is Soup, a strange little man who is dressed as an artist with oddly coloured hair, skin and clothes. He persuades Lucy that he needs her especially as his transport is the beautiful horse Joe - that once belonged to her. There are references here of Lucys tragic loss and the acknowledgment to the young reader of their own fears of losing loved ones. Throughout the journey, the friends experience a variety of problems but also wonderful times where magical things assist them. Although this story is a fantasy I believe it would appeal to readers age 6/7 to 12 years as the language is fairly advanced. It would also appeal to younger children if read by an adult. The full-page ink illustrations and a variety of smaller symbolic drawings are included throughout the text.
