Chapter 1: A Question of Magic

“Do you believe in magic?” Sally inquired of her mother.

“Well… it really depends on what you consider magic,” answered Sandra.

They stood by a fountain, where just moments earlier, Sandra had pointed out a rainbow appearing in the spray of water. With summer just beginning, this marked the first warm, sunny day after a week of overcast skies and rain—an ideal reason for them to venture outside and enjoy some ice cream.

Sally pulled out a small dictionary she had discovered among the discarded items near her school. She had taken to carrying it everywhere, eager to find definitions of words both familiar and unfamiliar.

“Something supernatural,” she declared confidently.

Sandra responded, “So, something that cannot be explained by science, logic, or observation? I suppose I don’t believe in magic in a traditional sense, but I do think the Universe has a kind of magic in a metaphorical way.”

Sally wasn’t entirely certain she understood her mother’s explanation, a realization Sandra noticed. Over her decade of motherhood, she had often struggled to find the best way to convey her thoughts to her daughter.

“I’m sorry, Sally. I should have articulated my thoughts better. Do you see the rainbow in the fountain?” She paused for her daughter's nod before continuing, “This phenomenon can easily be explained through concepts like dispersion, light, and refraction, which I’m sure you’re aware of. But if you didn’t know how it occurred, wouldn’t it seem magical?”

“I would think so. Even though I know how rainbows are created, it still feels magical to me.”

“Exactly,” Sandra said. “That sense of wonder we all experience when confronted with something unusual is what I consider to be magical.”

“But once I understand something that initially seems magical and can explain it with reasons, it no longer feels ‘magical’ to me,” Sally replied.

This elicited a smile from Sandra. “I understand, sweetheart. And you know what’s truly enchanting about the Universe? It continuously presents us with puzzles to explore and understand—not just in the realm of science, but in our daily lives.”

Sally felt a twinge of missing out on some wisdom her mother seemed to possess, but she didn’t want to dwell on it. Her mother’s words filled her with a sense of hopeful mystery that she wished to cling to indefinitely.

Section 1.1: The Rainbow Fountain

Chapter 2: Discovering the Magic of the Universe

In this segment, we take a closer look at the fascinating phenomenon of rainbows and the science behind them.

Closer Look: The Rainbow Fountain

This video explores how rainbows form in fountains, showcasing the interplay of light and water.

As we delve deeper into the narrative, we also share a delightful story that captivates the imagination of children.

Kids Fun Story: Cleo the Clever Cat and the Rainbow Fountain

Join Cleo on her whimsical adventure involving the enchanting rainbow fountain, perfect for young audiences.