Description
Uncle John’s Rainbow Connection is a gentle, comforting children’s story created to help young hearts understand grief, loss and the invisible bond that never truly leaves us.
Written from lived experience, this story follows Erin as she learns that although her Uncle John is no longer physically here, their connection remains strong through love, memories and signs from the universe. The rainbow becomes a symbol of reassurance, reminding children that they are never alone, even when someone they love has passed on.
This book offers a safe and compassionate way for parents, carers and educators to open meaningful conversations around death, emotions and remembrance without fear or overwhelm. It validates big feelings while gently guiding children towards comfort, hope and understanding.
Perfect for families navigating loss, blended families, schools, counsellors and anyone supporting a child through grief, Uncle John’s Rainbow Connection is a story of love, connection and healing that can be returned to again and again.
A keepsake book to support children, start conversations and remind them that love never disappears, it simply changes form.
Anne Clark –
“Uncle John’s Rainbow Connection” by Anne Clark is a tender and beautifully illustrated children’s book that helps young readers navigate the complex emotions that come with losing a loved one. Centred around the special bond between a child and their favourite uncle, the story unfolds with warmth and honesty, offering a heartfelt narrative that acknowledges grief while gently guiding children towards hope and healing.
The central metaphor of the rainbow is used masterfully. After Uncle John passes away, the child, Erin, sees a beautiful rainbow and remembers that Uncle John once told her rainbows were special and a symbol of hope and connection to those who have died. Each time she sees a rainbow, Erin feels a moment of love and connection, a reminder that love does not disappear even when someone is gone. The rainbow becomes a symbol of peace, comfort and continuity, offering reassurance that Uncle John’s spirit lives on in the beauty of the world around her.
What makes this book truly special is its emotional clarity and age-appropriate sensitivity. It does not shy away from sadness but balances it with comforting language and affirming messages. The illustrations are soft and evocative, reinforcing the idea that light can still be found in the midst of dark times.
Parents, caregivers and educators will appreciate how this book opens space for important conversations about death, memory and emotional expression. It provides a gentle introduction to grief and is especially helpful for children facing the loss of a family member.
Recommended for ages 4–8, “Uncle John’s Rainbow Connection” is a compassionate, luminous story that helps children find meaning in loss and see the quiet beauty of remembrance.
Maria Jones
Grief Support Leader, The Compassionate Friends Victoria