Rainbow Grey (available here) is the first book in a magical new series from Amelia Fang creator Laura Ellen Anderson. We are thrilled to welcome Laura to the blog today to chat about some of the childhood stories that fired up her imagination when she was growing up.

Read our review of the book below and then scroll on to read about Laura’s five favourite stories from childhood….

Review

Book Title: Rainbow Grey (available here)

Author/illustrator: Laura Ellen Anderson

Publisher: Farshore

Publication Date: May 2021

Most Suitable for: Ages 7+

Review by: Kristen Hopwood

A magical new series from best-selling author and illustrator, Laura Ellen Anderson, who is known for her popular Amelia Fang books.

Weatherlings all have a different type of weather magic – like rain, sun or snow. All except Ray Grey, who has no weather magic at all. She lives on Cloud Nine with her family and cloud-cat, Nim, and wants to be an Earth Explorer just like the famous La Blaze DeLight so she can discover all sorts of human treasures. Ray has already started a collection, thanks to her Dad’s visits to Earth when he is working as a Weather Warrior battling storms.

It is rumoured that there once used to be another type of Weatherlings who had Rainbow magic, until they were all wiped out by the worst storm in history – although most people don’t believe they were real. Along with her two best friends, Snowden Everfreeze and Droplett Dewbells, Ray attends a festival for the Eclipse, which turns out to be the beginning of an unexpected adventure for them.

Rainbow Grey is funny, smart and I am in awe of the creativity behind it. I adored the clever weather-related character and place names. The characters are not human, but still remain highly relatable; the main characters had friendship issues to deal with, like any children their age, and it’s important for children to be able to recognise things that they might be going through in their own lives in a book. Likewise, the nod to dyslexia when Ray describes letters as being jumbled on the page and later on, when reading from coloured paper was referred to, would resonate with a lot of children.

Whilst being a mid-length chapter book, the illustrations make this book more accessible for slightly younger readers or those that are used to a shorter-length chapter book. I was completely drawn in by Ray’s magical world and can’t wait to read more of her adventures!

Rainbow Grey also features in our Summer 2021 Ones to Watch collection and May 2021 Books of the Month.

Rainbow Grey is available to purchase online from BookShop.Org or Amazon.

Guest Post – My 5 Favourite Books From Childhood

with Laura Ellen Anderson, author of Rainbow Grey (available here)

1. The Witches by Roald Dahl and Quentin Blake (available here)

If I could recommend one book to read, it would be The Witches by Roald Dahl. I like to describe this book as ‘deliciously scary’. Quentin Blake’s lively illustrations perfectly compliment Dahl’s writing, which is very perceptive. You feel as if the author is talking to you; giving you top secret advice that only you have the privilege of knowing.

The opening chapter titled A Note About Witches is just sublime. From the very beginning, you are intrigued as a reader, desperate to know more about these ‘real witches’ and how to catch one. Now, every time I see a woman wearing long gloves on a mild day, I immediately assume she MUST be a witch.

The Grand High Witch is utterly terrifying, and I don’t think there’s one person who doesn’t find the whole concept of the little girl stuck in the painting highly disturbing. But that is what makes this book so great. It’s a mixture of slightly scary to keep us on our toes, but also delightfully witty and heart-warming.

2. The Snowman by Raymond Briggs (available here)

A classic and a favourite amongst many, no doubt. But this beautifully illustrated picture book will always have a special place in my heart. Even though there are no words in the book, the narrative is told through the pictures in a way no words could portray. There’s so much atmosphere and emotion; poignant moments that perhaps only a Brigg’s illustration could achieve. The pace and flow of the illustrations take you on the journey with the boy and the snowman, illustrated with lots of smaller images as they run together hand in hand, before turning the page to be met with a huge double-page spread as they take off into the skies – the pace and flow of the story are slowed right down making you feel as if you’re flying with them. It’s just extraordinary!

3. The Worst Witch by Jill Murphy (available here)

I always wanted to go to Cackle’s Academy! The Worst Witch series was the only series of books I’d read over and over again. They were like a comfort blanket! I loved the cast, the setting and the overall atmosphere. I even dressed up as Mildred Hubble for a fancy-dress party. I love that she doesn’t always get things right. Mildred tries her best and makes mistakes, but learns from those mistakes and always saves the day in the end. She has such a big heart and cares for her friends and her cat Tabby. Mildred is such a wonderful, well-rounded character and I believe The Worst Witch will have a special place in children’s heart for generations!

4. Double Act by Jacqueline Wilson and Nick Sharratt (available here)

I devoured anything by Jacqueline Wilson and Nick Sharratt, so having the opportunity to meet both of these amazing and inspiring figures blew my mind!! Sharratt’s illustrations complement Wilson’s writing perfectly, and the characters are relatable to so many different people leading different lives. I was totally obsessed with Double Act that I decided to create my own fan fiction mash-up of Double Act and the Worst Witch called ‘How the Worst Witch Became the Worst Witch!’

It basically involved Ruby swapping places with the original Mildred Hubble (who was actually a sensible kid with good grades). This swap meant that Mildred appeared scatty, rebellious and always getting herself into trouble (because she 

5. Milly Molly Mandy by Joyce Lankester Brisley (available here)

I remember reading this book as a child with my Nanny Lyn. There were many short stories about a little girl called Milly Molly Mandy; a sweet, caring and helpful character who loved adventure.

I have such fond memories of this book, and the stories always made me smile. I haven’t read the stories in a long time, but I still have my copy of the book and will cherish it forever

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Many thanks to Laura for visiting our blog and sharing her favourite childhood stories. For more about the book, check out the other stops on the blog tour, too.

> Order Rainbow Grey on BookShop.Org

> Order Rainbow Grey on Amazon

> Visit Laura Ellen Anderson’s Website

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Where next? >

Visit our Reading for Pleasure Hub

> Browse our Topic Booklists

> View our printable year group booklists.

> See our Books of the Month.