Washington – – October 12, 2026 -- A new picture book, "Mommy Is a Rainbow," gives families a way to talk about bipolar disorder by turning a mother's changing moods into the colors of a rainbow.
A child's view of a mother's shifting moods
Author Arlette E. Jackson tells the story from a daughter's perspective. To explain her mood changes, the mother describes herself as a rainbow, with emotions such as joy and sorrow represented as colors. In the book, Jackson writes that the daughter learns her mother is "a wonderfully different artist."
The story centers on a mother and child, but its color approach is meant to work for talking about changing emotions and mental health in other relationships too.
Facts and helplines are included in the book
An informational section explains bipolar disorder and its symptoms, including manic, depressive and mixed episodes. It also covers the three basic types of the condition and lists mental health organizations and helplines. The material is intended to support conversations about bipolar disorder, mental health and changing emotions.
Author draws on chaplaincy and psychiatric work
Jackson is a certified chaplain who worked in psychiatric units at Bellevue Hospital. She holds a master's degree in Psychiatry and Religion and founded a mental health nonprofit, Wondrous Pillars of Light Inc.
Hardcover and e-book editions are on sale
The book is published by WestBow Press. The hardcover carries ISBN 9798385070138 and the electronic edition ISBN 9798385069521. Both are available from WestBow Press, Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Bookshop.org.