Rainspell Island welcomes back the magic of the rainbow Rainspell Island, a place known for its vibrant colors and enchanting atmosphere, is buzzing with excitement as its beloved symbol of magic, the rainbow, returns to grace its skies. For centuries, Rainspell Island has been a haven for those seeking solace and wonder, with its breathtaking landscapes and mystical aura. However, in recent times, the rainbow, the very essence of its enchantment, had inexplicably disappeared, leaving the island's inhabitants and visitors bereft of its magical presence. The absence of the rainbow was felt deeply by everyone on the island. The once radiant hues and kaleidoscope of colors that danced across the sky were replaced with a dull and gloomy atmosphere. The island lost its lively spirit as the residents longed for the return of the vibrant arch of light that had always brought them joy and hope.
Page Count: 256
Tiến s mom, Hiền, asks him to read aloud the fairy tales he checks out from the library; they both love them, and she can use them to practice English. In this imaginative graphic novel, thirteen-year-old Vietnamese American boy Tin and his Vietnamese-refugee seamstress mother, Hin, have always loved stories, with the two often reading library books aloud while enjoying time together.
The island lost its lively spirit as the residents longed for the return of the vibrant arch of light that had always brought them joy and hope. But, as the saying goes, after every storm comes a rainbow. And Rainspell Island's story was no exception.
Review of The Magic Fish
In this imaginative graphic novel, thirteen-year-old Vietnamese American boy Tin and his Vietnamese-refugee seamstress mother, Hin, have always loved stories, with the two often reading library books aloud while enjoying time together. Nguyen (a comic artist also known as Trungles) delves into the world of Vietnamese fairy tales, including “Cinderella” and “The Little Mermaid” variants.
The Magic Fish
by Trung Le Nguyen; illus. by the author
Middle School RH Graphic/Random 256 pp. g
10/20 978-0-593-12529-8 $23.99
Library ed. 978-1-9848-5160-4 $26.99
Paper ed. 978-1-9848-5159-8 $16.99
e-book ed. 978-1-9848-5161-1 $10.99
In this imaginative graphic novel, thirteen-year-old Vietnamese American boy Tin and his Vietnamese-refugee seamstress mother, Hin, have always loved stories, with the two often reading library books aloud while enjoying time together. Nguyen (a comic artist also known as Trungles) delves into the world of Vietnamese fairy tales, including “Cinderella” and “The Little Mermaid” variants. Themes from these works — parent-child struggles, unrequited love, and the timeless quest to attain one’s innermost desires, for example — are reflected in the versions of the illustrated retellings Tin reads and in his day-to-day life at home and school, including his secret crush on a male classmate. Nguyen’s artistry radiates elegance on every page. Pastel shades of red, brown, and purple alternate to signify present, past, and imaginative plot segments. While some panels feature characters in pensive curiosity or profound melancholy, others burst with vibrancy, their exquisite portraits spanning an entire page or across multiple panels. Infused with emotional depth and integrity, this coming-of-age story broadens the range of Vietnamese American creative voices in books for young people.
From the January/February 2021 issue of The Horn Book Magazine.
Get Print. Get Digital. Get Both!
Jerry DearJerry Dear, information strategist at the San Francisco Public Library, also teaches in the Library Information Technology program at City College of San Francisco. He contributes to the blogs for APALA, Hyphen Magazine, and No Flying No Tights.
The Magic Fish
by Trung Le Nguyen; illus. by the author
Middle School RH Graphic/Random 256 pp. g
10/20 978-0-593-12529-8 $23.99
Library ed. 978-1-9848-5160-4 $26.99
Paper ed. 978-1-9848-5159-8 $16.99
e-book ed. 978-1-9848-5161-1 $10.99
In a miraculous turn of events, the magic of the rainbow has finally made its triumphant return, sweeping the island with awe-inspiring beauty and rejuvenating the spirits of its inhabitants. The colorful spectrum now stretches across the sky, arcing gracefully from end to end, infusing the world with a sense of wonder and enchantment. As the sun breaks through the clouds, it illuminates each color of the rainbow in all its glory, painting the island with hues of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. The streets come alive with laughter and excitement as people marvel at the rekindled magic surrounding them. The magic of the rainbow brings joy and unity to Rainspell Island. It serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope and beauty to be found. The residents of the island greet each other with newfound warmth and friendship, sharing in the collective happiness that the rainbow has brought. The surrounding nature flourishes, as if inspired by the vibrant energy of the colors above, filling the island with a renewed sense of life. As the magic of the rainbow continues to grace Rainspell Island, it becomes more than just a symbol of beauty and wonder. It becomes a beacon of hope, a reminder to always embrace the extraordinary in the ordinary and to celebrate the magic that exists in our lives. Rainspell Island welcomes back the magic of the rainbow, and with it, a renewed sense of vitality and enchantment. The island and its inhabitants are forever changed, their spirits lifted by the radiant beauty of the colors that now grace their skies. And as the rainbow arches overhead, it signals a new era of joy and wonder, ensuring that Rainspell Island will forever remain a place where magic thrives..
Reviews for "Rainspell Island's Rainbow Magic: A Fairy's Guide"
1. John - 2 stars - I was not impressed with "Rainspell Island Welcomes Back the Magic of the Rainbow." The story felt disjointed and lacked depth. The characters were one-dimensional and I found it difficult to connect with them. The plotline was predictable and unoriginal. Overall, I found it to be a mediocre read that did not live up to my expectations.
2. Sarah - 2 stars - I found "Rainspell Island Welcomes Back the Magic of the Rainbow" to be a disappointment. The writing style felt rushed and lacked descriptive details, making it difficult to visualize the scenes. The dialogue between the characters was cheesy and unrealistic. Additionally, the plot was cliché and did not offer any unique or surprising elements. I was hoping for more depth and complexity from this book, but unfortunately, it fell short.
3. Emily - 1 star - I cannot express enough how much I did not like "Rainspell Island Welcomes Back the Magic of the Rainbow." From the start, the storyline was confusing and hard to follow. The characters were forgettable, and their actions and emotions felt forced. The pacing was slow and tedious, with no real climax or resolution. Overall, I found this book to be a waste of my time and would not recommend it to anyone seeking an engaging and well-written story.
4. Mike - 2 stars - "Rainspell Island Welcomes Back the Magic of the Rainbow" failed to captivate my interest. The writing lacked depth and failed to create a believable and immersive world. The plot was unoriginal and offered no surprises or twists. The character development was weak, and the dialogues felt unnatural and forced. I was hoping for a magical and enchanting read, but unfortunately, I did not find it in this book.