The Hidden Rainbow

All the colors of the rainbow are hidden in the garden, but can the little bee find them—with help from the reader? Christie Matheson, author of the popular and acclaimed Tap the Magic Tree, brings a garden to life in this bright, interactive picture book about the natural world—and our place within it.

One little bee peeks out on a world of gray and snow.
She’s looking for bright colors and needs you to help them grow.

Bees need a healthy and colorful garden to survive. Luckily, all the colors of the rainbow are hidden in this garden—but the bees need the reader’s help to find them. Brush off the camellia tree, tickle the tulips, and even blow a kiss to the lilac tree. With every action and turn of the page, a flower blooms and more bees are drawn to the feast. 

Christie Matheson is a master at creating simple picture books that encourage children to engage with the natural world. In The Hidden Rainbow, she introduces the colors of the rainbow, counting, and the basic ecosystem and vocabulary of a garden. Beautiful collage-and-watercolor art captures all the bold colors of a garden throughout the seasons, and the interactive text will captivate young readers at every story time. 

“This color/counting/concept book will have young readers buzzing. . . . Readers will learn a lot about both nature and essential concepts. . . . This book is sweeter than honey.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“This title introduces colors, counting, and apiary activities in an engaging fashion. . . . There’s plenty to delight young ones here.” — Booklist

“Told in rhyming couplets, this engaging concept book shows young children how people and bees can benefit each other. . . . Search for up to ten bees hidden in the cheerful, brightly-colored illustrations. . . . A charming and interactive story.” — School Library Journal

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