If you're looking for the perfect gift for a child, to spark creativity and wonder, please consider buying this book and music CD.

What is a Sunbow? And how do you get it back if you lose yours?

Read this book to find out.

The commonly shared childhood experience - being laughed at - is explored in this adventure of an orange-striped zebra. The story inspires creativity and has a strong anti-bullying message from a child's point of view.

A play based on the story ran in Northern California for eight years. The music CD from the show (updated on 2006) is a wonderful addition to the book, with songs based on the story that children and parents will love.

by Vernise E. Pelzel
48 Pages (color and BW images)
Children of All Ages!

One of the things the team at Reach And Teach likes to do most is discover hidden treasures like this book and music CD. You won't find these at Amazon.com or Borders! We met the author (Vernise Elaine Pelzel) at a recent conference and could feel the magic in her presence. She brought us this book and as we looked at the great art and read the story she began singing songs from the CD. "Where can people get this book?" we asked. FROM YOU, she said! We're now very proud to be able to offer this book and CD to our customers.

SYNOPSIS:

Orange, an orange-striped zebra, born in the Land of �You-Are� to ordinary zebra parents, starts life full of natural joy and wonder. He, like all You-Arians, has a Sunbow � in his eye. This allows him to see beauty in all things and to express himself artistically. A Sunbow � is a rainbow without any rain - you might have seen one through a crystal.

When the Averaj family, trendy new neighbors from the Land of �Use-It-Up,� move in next door to his favorite spot, he encounters judgmental criticism. The Averaj children ridicule Orange's paintings. Humiliation causes the Sunbow � to roll out of his eye. He loses his creativity, along with his belief in himself. For two years he is stuck in �I-Can't� until his Sunbow � Fairy emerges from a pool of his tears. She guides him on a mystical journey to restore his Sunbow � .

Visiting the lands of �I-Can't,� �Who Cares' and �I�ll Try,� he learns art and life have much in common. We paint our lives by our response to the world, and all lands for living are within us. Crossing the Sunbow Bridge � , which leads from who he is to who he can be, Orange faces the Nerdlihcs: Helpless, Hopeless and Powerless. Trusting himself, he is victorious and his Sunbow � is restored. Once again he is able to enjoy his own perceptions and style of creating. At the You-Are Art Exhibit, his painting, �The Lands Of Life,� is honored and he shares a great wisdom he has learned �When you enjoy making your picture, the good feelings inside are your prize.�

INSPIRATION:

The Story of Orange Storybook was inspired by a 5 year old's drawing of an orange striped zebra gifted to author Vernise Pelzel, a child development specialist. The book illustrations were drawn by daughter, Kelly. The Story began to take on a life of it's own as children who heard the tale were captivated. The author was inspired to expand the story into a full musical production, motivated by passionate belief in the value of materials which teach children to value seed experiences and their own original style of artistic statement.

REVIEWS:

"What fun! What a joyous meaningful tale. Orange tells it like it is."
Leo Buscaglia, Author, Educator, UCLA Professor

" The Story of Orange is one of the most popular books in our library. Children talk about the book a lot."
Mona Riddall, Principal & Connie Montes, Librarian
Brookland Avenue Elementary School, Los Angeles

"... Sunbow has become part of our standard vocabulary. We use the concepts from the book a lot!"
Sheri Muritto, 1 st Grade Teacher, Santa Rosa

"...a wonderful tale of self esteem for children of all ages."
Rosalind Sandler-Signam, President NBAEYC North, Bay Chapter

"...Children love Orange because they hunger for this kind of confirmation and support."
Peggy Benton, Supervisor of Teacher Selection, LA Unified

"...an incredible story with many wonderful messages."
Marge Alakasky, 5 th Grade Teacher, Lakeport

"A book that should be in every child's library."
Penny Walker, Early Childhood Educator, Mendocino College