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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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.

Drag items up and down to your preferred order then select the "Save Order" button.
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
My Own Way is a poem and a picture book that introduces very young children to the wonder of gender diversity. Why feel limited to his or hers, blue or pink, football or ballet?
Red : a crayon's story
Hall, Michael
Paper Book
This is a story about a crayon I know. I wrote it for you.
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
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
An empowering and educational picture book by a New York Times bestselling author, proving that colors are for everyone, regardless of gender.  Pink is for boys ... and girls ... and everyone! This timely and beautiful fully illustrated book rethinks and...
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...
My shadow is pink
Stuart, Scott (Children's author)
Paper Book
My Shadow Is Pinkis 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 (through...
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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