Since the outbreak of COVID-19 society has experienced the most extraordinary changes, and we have all been keen to find ways of helping each other adjust to a new and challenging way of life. At publisher Make Believe Ideas, we thought the best way to help would be to do what we do best… create wonderful books for children!

Inspired by the amazing art created by children to raise the spirits of their communities during the pandemic, we started The Rainbow Project. The project is a publishing initiative conceived with the aim of connecting communities with kindness. From young to old, close neighbours to faraway families, the need for hope and togetherness is so much more important now than ever before. With it we can look to alleviate the isolation, fear, and uncertainty that has grown during this unprecedented time.

To spread this message, we will be showcasing the rainbow artwork submitted to us on our website in an online gallery, as a kind of digital rainbow walk. We are also planning to publish a number of rainbow-themed books to raise money for charity, including a touch-and-feel board book, a picture book and a keepsake book using artwork from the submissions we have received. We hope the project will act as a reminder of the #kindnessconnectingcommunity that shone so brightly during these dark times.

Hope the Rainbow Fairy was the first rainbow-themed title to be published by Make Believe Ideas for The Rainbow Project. Conceived, written, and printed within the space of a fortnight, the UK edition was released on the 13th of May. All profits from our UK sales will be donated to NHS Charities Together COVID-19 Urgent Appeal (charity registration No. 1186569) via JustGiving. Updates on editions and charitable efforts for the rest of the world to come!

Please visit http://www.hopetherainbowfairy.com/ for more information on the UK edition, readings by British celebrities, downloadable animations, ebooks, activities sheets, and more!

And last but not least, if you would like to get involved with The Rainbow Project, please visit our submissions page and post on social media using the hashtag #therainbowproject.