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RAINBOW BOOK CLUB
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ACTIVITY BOOK
Colorful rainbow-themed toy package with a purple badge that says BRAINBOP BIRD, featuring a bird-shaped toy inside.

Rainbow Book Club

Discover Rainbow Piggy approved kids’ books that celebrate identity, kindness, and belonging. These stories highlight diverse voices and help young readers see themselves and others in joyful, affirming ways. Download the free discussion guide filled with prompts and activities you can use with any book.

Colorful book cover titled 'Rainbow Book Club' with cartoon pig characters at the bottom and a logo that says 'Rainbow Piggies Approved'.
DISCUSSION GUIDE!

Guinea Pigs Don’t Wear Pants

Author/Illustrator:
Chris Paul (RAINBOWS) Farias

This whimsically joyful picture book is an empowering children’s book that celebrates individuality across the rainbow-hued spectrum. With playful rhyme and exuberant illustrations, author-illustrator Chris Paul Rainbows Farias (they/them) celebrates the freedom to express yourself and the beauty of being exactly who you are.

Children's book cover titled 'Guinea Pigs Don't Wear Pants,' illustrated with two guinea pigs holding a sign with the title, featuring a pink and blue color scheme.

Pride Puppy!

Author: Robin Stevenson
Illustrator: Julie McLaughlin

A joyful alphabet adventure that follows a lost puppy through the fun and community spirit of a Pride parade.

Colorful illustration of a diverse group of people and a dog celebrating Pride, holding rainbow flags, balloons, and wearing rainbow-themed clothing, with the text 'PRIDE PUPPY!' at the top and the names Robin Stevenson and Julie McLaughlin at the bottom.

Except When They Don’t

Author: Laura Gehl
Illustrator: Joshua Heinsz

A rhyming picture book that challenges gender stereotypes by encouraging kids to play with whatever toys they like and be exactly who they are.

Children engaging in activities on both the left and right sides, with colorful text in the middle that says "Except When They Don’t."

Not Quite Narwhal

Author: Jessie Sima
Illustrator: Jessie Sima

Kelp, born under the sea among narwhals, discovers he’s actually a unicorn and must figure out what “home” truly means.

Book cover of 'Not Quite NARWHAL' by Jessie Sima, featuring a cute, cartoon narwhal with a horn, floating underwater with two small, colorful fish nearby and seaweed at the bottom.

The Day You Begin

Author: Jacqueline Woodson
Illustrator: Rafael López

A child who feels different and alone learns that sharing one’s story opens up connections and helps others see they’re not so different after all.

The cover of a children's book titled "The Day You Begin" by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by Rafael López, features an illustration of a young girl with dark, curly hair holding a purple book. There is a colorful floral design and a wooden ruler on the left side of the cover.

I Absolutely, Positively Love My Spots

Author: Lid’ya C. Rivera
Illustrator: Niña Mata

A young girl with vitiligo celebrates her unique appearance and learns that her spots are part of what makes her beautiful.

Colorful children’s book cover titled "I Absolutely, Positively Love My Spots" featuring an illustration of a smiling girl with dark brown, curly hair in puffs, wearing a navy blue top and a purple tutu, hugging herself.

Stella Brings the Family

Author: Miriam B. Schiffer
Illustrator: Holly Clifton-Brown

When Stella is asked to invite her mother to the class Mother’s Day celebration, she worries—until she realizes her two dads and whole family make the perfect team.

Children holding hands outside in front of a white fence, with a girl with red curly hair wearing a blue jacket and red and white striped dress, and two boys with one wearing a yellow sweater and the other in a plaid shirt, holding a book titled 'Daddy Papa'.

Be Kind

Author: Pat Zietlow Miller
Illustrator: Jen Hill

A young girl learns the many ways kindness can make a difference, from small acts to big impacts.

Illustration of two children smiling under a yellow umbrella in the rain, with the title "Be Kind" above them, and the author and illustrator names at the bottom.

Uncle Bobby’s Wedding

Author: Sarah S. Brannen
Illustrator: Lucia Soto

Chloe worries she’ll lose her special bond with Uncle Bobby when he gets married, but she discovers that love only grows.

Illustration of three people at a wedding, with a man in a blue suit, a man in a dark suit, and a young girl in a yellow dress holding flowers, all surrounded by floral decorations and confetti.

My Shadow Is Pink

Author: Scott Stuart
Illustrator: Scott Stuart

A boy with a pink shadow learns to accept and celebrate who he is, even when others expect him to be different.

Cover of a children's book titled 'My Shadow is PINK' featuring a cartoon boy with brown hair, wearing a yellow shirt, standing with hands on hips, and a pink shadow figure with a unicorn horn, standing on one leg with arms outstretched.

Peanut Goes for the Gold

Author: Jonathan Van Ness
Illustrator: Gillian Reid

A guinea pig named Peanut follows their own path to shine as a rhythmic gymnast, inspiring kids to embrace individuality.

Book cover of 'Peanut Goes for the Gold' featuring an illustrated piglet with a big smile, wearing a green shirt, holding a red ribbon, and standing against a light blue background. The title and author's name are displayed prominently, with images by Gillian Reid.

Red: A Crayon’s Story

Author: Michael Hall
Illustrator: Michael Hall

A crayon labeled red but who actually colors blue discovers his true self with the help of supportive friends.

The book cover titled 'Red: A Crayon's Story' by Michael Hall, featuring a red crayon character with a blue tip, set against a background of blue and white. The cover includes illustrations of crayons with funny expressions and the words 'What?' and 'Uh-oh.'

’Twas the Night Before Pride

Author: Joanna McClintick
Illustrator: Juana Medina

A family reflects on the history and meaning of Pride while preparing for the parade the next day.

Illustration of a rainbow with four children and two adults walking on it, celebrating Pride. The background has colorful confetti and the text "'Twas the Night Before Pride" in multicolored letters. Written by Joanna McClintick and illustrated by Juana Medina.

A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo

Author: Jill Twiss (with Marlon Bundo)
Illustrator: EG Keller

Marlon Bundo, a bunny, finds love with another boy bunny, showing that everyone deserves a happily ever after.

Book cover illustration of a bunny with a colorful bow tie in front of a large house. The title reads 'A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo,' written by Marlon Bundo with Jill Twiss, and illustrated by EG Keller.

Jack (Not Jackie)

Author: Erica Silverman
Illustrator: Holly Hatam

A story about a sister learning to understand and support her younger sibling who identifies as Jack, not Jackie.

Book cover of 'Jack (Not Jackie)' showing a smiling girl with brown hair wearing a black hat, a vest, and black pants, standing on wooden floorboards next to pink accessories and a pink dress. Background features blue starry pattern.

Love Is Powerful

Author: Heather Dean Brewer
Illustrator: LeUyen Pham

Based on a true story, a little girl joins a Women’s March and learns how even small voices can make a difference.

A diverse group of people participating in a pride march, holding signs advocating for equality and love. Some wear rainbow-themed clothing and hats. A house with a cat sitting on the window ledge and a mural with the words 'Love is Powerful' is in the background.

It’s a Mitig!

Author: Bridget George
Illustrator: Bridget George

A colorful exploration of nature that introduces Ojibwe vocabulary to young readers.

Colorful illustrated book cover titled 'It's a Mismatch' by Bridget George, featuring jungle animals including a lion, a sloth, a bird, and a bee, surrounded by green leaves.

I Like Myself!

Author: Karen Beaumont
Illustrator: David Catrow

A joyful celebration of self-love and confidence, encouraging kids to embrace who they are inside and out.

Cover of a children's book titled 'I Like Myself!' by Karen Beaumont, illustrated by David Catrow, featuring a smiling girl with wild curly hair, arms raised, wearing a striped dress and standing on a green and white checkered ground, with a pink background.

Runs With the Stars

Author: Darcy Whitecrow and Heather M. O’Connor
Illustrator: Lenny Lishchenko

A dual-language picture book (English and Ojibwe) about a young boy who forms a bond with horses and finds healing through tradition.

Cover of a children's book titled "Runs with the Stars" featuring a girl with dark hair, wearing a red jacket, standing between two glowing unicorns under a starry sky with colorful swirling patterns.

All Are Welcome

Author: Alexandra Penfold
Illustrator: Suzanne Kaufman

A vibrant classroom story that celebrates diversity, inclusivity, and the welcoming of every child, no matter who they are.

Children walking with a smiling adult, carrying books and backpacks, with the title 'All Are Welcome' in colorful letters above them.

My Magic Breath: Finding Calm Through Mindful Breathing

Author: Nick Ortner and Alison Taylor
Illustrator: Michelle Polizzi

A gentle guide that helps children use breathing to find calm, release worries, and feel peace in the moment.

Children's book cover titled "My Magic Breath" with subtitle "Finding Calm Through Mindful Breathing". Illustration of a girl with brown hair and glasses breathing out colorful, swirling lines representing her breath, with small sparkles and whimsical shapes around her.

Our Rainbow

Author: Little Bee Books
Illustrator: Various LGBTQ+ artists

A board book introducing young children to the meaning of each stripe in the Pride flag through colorful, simple illustrations.

A colorful rainbow with horizontal stripes in black, brown, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple. The words 'OUR RAINBOW' are written in large white letters across the rainbow.

I Am Human: A Book of Empathy

Author: Susan Verde
Illustrator: Peter H. Reynolds

A celebration of compassion and empathy, encouraging kids to embrace their humanity, make mistakes, and grow kinder every day.

Cover of the children's book titled "I Am Human: A Book of Empathy" showing a smiling child with closed eyes, arms open, surrounded by colorful sketches of diverse children's faces.