A UNIVERSE OF RAINBOWS

Augmented by sidebars with science facts, 22 poems explore rainbows in nature.

Esenwine contributes five poems, while veteran writers including Janet Wong and Nikki Grimes deliver others. The entries are organized into five sections. “Rainbows of Light” covers several examples of refraction, from a post-storm rainbow to a child’s collection of prismatic crystals. Another section, “Rainbow Waters,” examines four bodies of water and the reasons for their unique colors. Three of them—two of Yellowstone National Park’s hot springs and the Fly Geyser in Nevada—are examples of nature’s response to the often-devastating impact of human interference. David L. Harrison eulogizes the captivating blue of Yellowstone’s Morning Glory Pool as it yields to bacterial damage from human-tossed coins, rocks, and garbage. The section “Living Rainbows” collects nine poems focusing on plants and animals whose plumage, petals, exoskeletons, scales, wings, and peeling bark variously exhibit brilliant, surprising colors. The entries in the fourth section, “Rainbows of Rock,” examine mountains and caves, while a single, lovely poem by Georgia Heard comprises the concluding “Rainbows Beyond.” Heard marvels at the “celestial nursery” forming within Betelgeuse’s brilliantly hued swirl of dust and gases, “a blooming bouquet / light years away.” The information in the insightful sidebars is well explained, while Christoph’s illustrations deftly capture actual and imagined landscapes, depicting diverse humans and alternating pastel compositions with saturated color-scapes.

Appealing poetry and cogent science writing combine for a unique take on the ever-captivating rainbow.