Out on the Shelves: Rainbow Picture Books

The number of picture books featuring rainbow families, gender-diverse characters, and depictions of diverse sexualities keeps growing and growing so we've put some of them together in this list.

There are many other picture books out there featuring rainbow characters and families, but we hope that this list helps get you started.

Updated May 28, 2025
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Wellington City Libraries Children's team at Wellington City Libraries
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Rainbowsaurus
Antony, Steve
Paper Book
Uncle Bobby's wedding
Brannen, Sarah S.
Paper Book
Chloe's favorite uncle is getting married, and she's not happy about it. But after a magical day with Uncle Bobby and his boyfriend, Jamie, Chloe realizes she's not losing an uncle, but gaining one. Selected by Kirkus Reviews as one of the best picture books of 2020 and by the American...
I am not a prince!
Davis, Rachael
Paper Book
Hopp is a little frog who definitely does NOT want to be a prince! A fairy tale for the 21st century that challenges gender stereotypes and encourages children to be proud to be themselves.On a misty lagoon in a fairy tale land, young frogs wait patiently to be turned into magical princes....
My own way
Estrela, Joana
Paper Book
Small children are often asked to choose between a gendered binary-"boy" or "girl", "pink" or "blue". This colorful picture book smashes these stereotypes and encourages the reader to follow their own way! "Girl or Boy?" What brings you joy? ...
Red : a crayon's story
Hall, Michael
Paper Book
A blue crayon mistakenly labeled as "red" suffers an identity crisis in this picture book by the New York Times-bestselling creator of My Heart Is Like a Zoo. This funny, heartwarming, colorful picture book about finding the courage to be true to your inner self can be read on multiple...
Mama and mummy and me in the middle
LaCour, Nina
Paper Book
The pirate mums
Lancet-Grant, Jodie
Paper Book
Billy's family is not what you'd call ordinary. His mums won't listen to NORMAL music. They love to sing sea shanties and dance jigs in the lounge. Their clothes are highly unusual, they have a rude parrot for a pet, and their taste in house design is, well . . . FISHY.Billy wishes his family could...
Over the shop
Lawson, JonArno
Paper Book
When Aidan became a brother
Lukoff, Kyle
Paper Book
Stonewall Book Award Winner - American Library Association (ALA) This sweet and groundbreaking picture book, winner of the 2020 Stonewall Book Award, celebrates the changes in a transgender boy's life, from his initial coming-out to becoming a big brother. When Aidan was born...
My mums love me
Membrino, Anna
Paper Book
  This lyrical and heartfelt picture book is a gorgeous celebration of same-sex parents and motherhood. I love my mums and they love me together we are a FAMILY! This beautifully-told story about a same-sex family of two mums and their baby is a love...
The spectacular suit
Patrick, Kat
Paper Book
'What a spectacular story' Phoebe Bridgers A buoyant and heartwarming celebration of individuality, identity, and dressing to suit yourself! It's almost Frankie's birthday and everything is ready--except for something to wear. All of her party dresses feel wrong. Her family tries to...
Pink is for boys
Pearlman, Robb
Paper Book
Pink is for boys . . . and girls . . . and everyone! This timely and beautiful board book rethinks and reframes the stereotypical blue/pink gender binary and empowers kids-and their grown-ups-to express themselves in every colour of the rainbow. Featuring a diverse group of relatable characters,...
My daddies!
Peter, Gareth
Paper Book
A funny, heartfelt picture-book celebrating same-sex parents and shared story time, perfect for introducing children to the different kinds of family in the world today. Set off on a series of incredible adventures with an adorable family as the stories they read burst into...
A plan for Pops
Smith, Heather
Paper Book
"A positive and realistic representation of both a wheelchair user and an elderly, interracial gay male couple." --Kirkus Reviews "A beautiful and uplifting book." --School Library Journal Lou spends every Saturday with Grandad and Pops. They...
My shadow is pink
Stuart, Scott (Children's author)
Paper Book
My Shadow Is Pink is a beautifully written rhyming story that touches on the subjects of gender identity, self acceptance, equality and diversity. Inspired by the author's own little boy,  the main character likes princesses, fairies and things "not for boys." He soon learns...
Grandad's camper
Woodgate, Harry
Paper Book
A Stonewall Honor Book Children's Illustrated Book of the Year--British Book Awards Best Illustrated Book -- Waterstones Children's Book Prize 2022 Discover a wonderful grandfather-granddaughter relationship, as a little girl hatches the...

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