A Splash of Rainbows Review: Suzanne Patterson’s Uplifting Picture Book About Finding Your Strengths

A Splash of Rainbows finds its heart in a familiar childhood wish: to join in with friends. When Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis makes some activities difficult for Addy, she keeps looking for a way to take part. Suzanne Patterson’s picture book turns that search into a bright story about finding an individual strength, with Maia Batumashvili’s energetic illustrations bringing Addy’s day to life.

A Splash of Rainbows is by author Suzanne Patterson, illustrated by Maia Batumashvili and published by Starfish Bay Children’s Publishing in October 2026. Its central event is the Razzle Dazzle Athletic Fun Day, where Addy hopes to compete in every activity alongside her friends Tom and Josie. Living with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis means that taking part can be physically challenging, but Addy doesn’t give up on finding something she can enjoy.

A different way to join in

Addy tries the egg and spoon race, the donut toss and the sack race. Her “nobbily-bobbily knees” wobble, and the activities bring moments of discomfort and difficulty. Patterson gives Addy room to feel the challenge while keeping her determined to find a place in the day. The story’s turn comes when she discovers the art tent—and a talent that surprises her friends, the crowd and Addy herself.

That shift gives the book a useful idea to work with: participation doesn’t have to look the same for everyone. Addy’s success comes through an activity that suits her, rather than through pushing past every physical limit. Her discovery also gives the narrative a lively sense of possibility without making her condition disappear. The focus stays on the child, her choices and the pleasure of finding something she can do well.

Patterson drew on her family’s experience: her sister had arthritis as a child. That personal connection informs a story that introduces Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis through Addy’s experience of a specific day. Readers see how the condition affects her attempts to join in, while the book leaves space for her personality, persistence and creativity to lead the story.

The review by Romi Sharp describes Patterson’s writing as playful and funny, with alliteration, rhyming pairs and emotive language. Those choices help convey the physical sensations and changing feelings of Addy’s day, while giving the text a read-aloud quality. The lively wordplay also supports the book’s buoyant tone: it acknowledges setbacks without allowing them to define the whole experience.

Colour, movement and a sense of individuality

Batumashvili’s illustrations add texture and motion to the narrative. Sharp highlights their bold, fluid line work, vivid colours and expressive depictions of movement. The scenes also show a range of abilities, nationalities, personalities and emotions, giving the fun day a broader sense of community than Addy’s individual challenge alone.

The visual contrast between loose, animated movement and more defined surroundings helps frame the shifts between activity, frustration and creative discovery. Art is part of the plot, but it also offers a way for young readers to consider how an activity can help someone express themselves. The book makes that possibility part of Addy’s story rather than presenting it as a lesson separate from the action.

Sharp sees resilience, hope and open-mindedness in Patterson’s portrayal. My read is that the book’s strongest appeal lies in how it connects those ideas to a recognisable social setting: children want to be with their friends, and finding a comfortable way to participate can matter as much as winning a race. Addy’s artistic achievement gives her a moment of recognition on her own terms.

There’s also an extra surprise at the exhibition, where Addy may have a new pet to show her mum. The detail extends the fun day beyond its events and leaves the story with another small, child-centred moment of anticipation.

Who might enjoy it

A Splash of Rainbows may suit families, classrooms and libraries looking for a colourful picture book about disability, creativity and individual talents. Its gentle introduction to a chronic condition can prompt conversations about how children experience activities differently and how friends can respond with empathy. Readers who enjoy playful language and expressive illustrations will also find plenty to follow on the page.

For children living with health conditions, Addy’s search for an activity that works for her may offer a recognisable point of connection. For other readers, her day creates an accessible opening to think about inclusion as something practical: noticing what someone enjoys, making room for different ways to take part, and celebrating achievements that may not look alike.

Families seeking further information about childhood arthritis and chronic conditions can explore Juvenile Arthritis Foundation Australia, Creaky Joints Australia, Arthritis Australia and The Arthritis Movement.

Sharp’s review finds the book energetic and uplifting, with a refreshing approach to raising awareness of chronic conditions. Addy’s day suggests a reassuring takeaway for young readers: a difficult start doesn’t have to close off the chance to discover what you love doing.