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
A joyful and fun read-along tale of one family's quest to find the Rainbowsaurus, featuring lots of colorful creatures. A joyful and fun read-along tale of one family's quest to find the Rainbowsaurus, featuring lots of colorful creatures. We're following a...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Te?o's tutu
Macias, Maryann Jacob
Paper Book
This story of a boy's first ballet recital celebrates gender-creativity, the joy of dance, and being yourself Teo loves to dance, whether it's the cumbia with Papi, the bhangra with Amma, or ballet class with Miss Lila. He also loves the way his tutu makes him feel, inside and...
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 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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