Shirley Barber Rainbow Magic

Shirley Barber is a celebrated author and illustrator whose enchanting works have been published in numerous languages across the globe. With millions of books sold, Shirley's art has captivated audiences far and wide. Now in her eighties, she resides in Melbourne, where she continues to draw, paint, and immerse herself in the magical world of fairies and her imagination. Coming from a lineage of fine artists and with a background in wallpaper design and other commercial arts, Shirley's creations are a testament to her artistic heritage. Her paintings, known for their stunning fairy imagery, also feature exquisite illustrations of animals, flowers, and plants, reflecting her deep love for the natural world.

On showery days, Annie often saw a rainbow so close it sparked a question for Gran: "Can I try to find the fairies' crock of gold at the end of the rainbow?" But Gran replied, "Stay away from rainbows, Annie. They are strange. You could get stuck beneath them and not return home." When Annie and Little Dog Bozo were playing in the fern forest one day, a rain shower ensued. Huddling in a hollow tree, soon the sun shone again and out curved a big, beautiful rainbow that reached the mossy ground in front of them. Amazed, they saw a crock filled with gold just inside the rainbow.