Gorgeous Rainbow by Zohra Jabeen
Pyjama Press, £6.50

There is something about a rainbow that makes us stop in our tracks and point like fascinated children. In her debut children’s book Gorgeous Rainbow, Bradford mum Zohra Jabeen has added a sprinkling of Mother Nature’s magic to create a delightful tale of a grandma who will do anything for her young grand-daughter.

This is no ordinary grandma – she’s “a searcher, a wanderer a soothsayer, a storyteller” – and she can make magical things happen, like pulling stars out of the sky for the little girl when she reaches out to try and grab them.

The story draws on nature and the elements, with the grandmother drawing on flora and fauna, the mighty ocean and the morning sun to create a beautiful multi-coloured scarf for her girl. When the wind whisks it into the sky, it creates what we know as a rainbow.

Gorgeous Rainbow started life in stories Zohra wrote for her children. She wrote it with “the intention of providing exciting reading material for story time, in the classroom as well as at home.”

Combining big ideas with simple words, this is a book that is best read aloud. It is a lovely, serene child’s bedtime book.

“I enjoy writing in English because the language is more versatile and vast than Urdu. I was always an avid reader of English literature,” adds Zohra.

Beautifully illustrated, with a blend of earthy shades and vibrant rainbow colours leaping off the pages, the book has a strong visual appeal.

“The illustrations really bring it to life – a backdrop of the Himalayas, fairytale magic and the rich silky colours of the clothing, our shalwar and kameez. Children love that powerful combination,” says Zohra.

Her book has been read across the globe, thanks to online book club mybooklive.com.

“I can go on it any time of the day or night and the friends I meet there are from all over the world,” says Zohra.

“The other members have proved very helpful mentors. We all read each other’s work, commenting, encouraging. You can get too insular trying to write by yourself. Inspiration comes from bouncing ideas off other people.”

Does she have any advice for anyone keen to try and write a children’s book? “Never patronise your reader,” says Zohra. “Find poetry in your language, not rhyme necessarily but rhythms and words that resonate for young ears.

“I have written some poetry for children, but I also look for a poetic voice in my stories for the very young. “The story and language must really fit the age group. Every word is important. Remember being read to as a child, then use that to create magic in the stories you write.”

She adds: “Study your market. Look at what books are selling and ask yourself why they are popular. I would also encourage any writer to find time to read, read, read. It isn’t enough to write, to empty yourself of words and ideas. Reading refreshes the pond.”