Elmer and the Rainbow
The artwork on this book cover deserves to be displayed on a child's bookshelf. But the story itself is even more beautiful. Elmer and all of his best elephant friends are waiting patiently for the rainbow after a storm. Much to their dismay, the rainbow that finally appears is absent of color. Elmer considers giving his patchwork of color to the rainbow in the sky but worries about whether he will be dull in doing so.
Beautiful Kids' Books About Rainbows
One of the most common themes in artwork that little kids design involves a rainbow. They are incredible creations that occur in nature that children can easily mimic with a box of crayons. The simple arches formed with colors in a formation easily memorized- red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple- is what makes rainbows so popular to draw.
But maybe it's more than that. Rainbows symbolize goodness in ways that even children, as young as preschoolers, seem to understand. They are the calm after a storm. They lead to pots of gold. They represent people of every race and gender. And, miraculously, they look almost identical wherever they appear. Children's books about rainbows capture the essence of these colorful, awe-inspiring apparitions. After your little ones have learned everything about rainbows, move on to read children's books about thunderstorms for more awe-inspiring natural events.
Best Children's Rainbow Books
Rainbows after after a storm can be explained scientifically, but for children they are a magical occurrence. They are a mystical creation from a place that is always out of reach. They look like gigantic, colorful sliding boards that drops kids off into playgrounds of billowing clouds. Little ones with big imaginations will also love reading children's mermaid books about beautiful sea creatures with colorful, sparkling tails all colors of the rainbow.
Rainbows may just be rays of airy light, but for kids they are so much more. There are no rules or boundaries when imagining a life filled with rainbows. So enjoy browsing this list of our favorite children's rainbow books and add a few to your little reader's bookshelf.
More children's nature books -
Kids' Books About Butterflies and Caterpillars
Best Children's Books About Fireflies
How the Crayons Saved the Rainbow
An amazing picture book about how a friendship gone sour threatens the existence of rainbows. Sun and Cloud get into a fight and refuse to occupy the sky together. Without their presence, all rainbows disappear and the earth becomes a place absent of color. A determined pack of crayons realizes that they must do something big in order to salvage the friendship and restore rainbows everywhere.
Raindrops to Rainbow
An adorable color concept book that celebrates all the good things that happen on a rainy day. A little girl, her mother, and her dog take a walk and enjoy the beautiful rainbow that appears after the storm passes. A good reminder to kids of all ages to focus on the positive outcomes, even on the dreariest days.
The World Made a Rainbow
Ever feel a little lonely? Paint a rainbow and hang it in your window. It's a display of unity and love for others. A trend started during the pandemic where children, feeling isolate, started making rainbows for the world to see. These rainbows soon became a symbol of love and togetherness even when physically apart. This picture book celebrates this act of kindness inspired by glorious rainbows.
The Smell of a Rainbow
An expert fragrance designer offers a fresh book about rainbows. Here readers explore all the scents and feelings we associated with specific colors. In a scratch-and-sniff board book, each stripe in a rainbow has it's own smell. This interesting book also implores children to talk about how each of these colors makes them feel. A thoughtful rainbow book that takes kids on an exploration beyond the visual appeal of nature's colorful gift.
A Rainbow of My Own
A little boys heads out for a walk on a rainy day and discovers a rainbow in the sky. On his way home, he imagines what it would be like to be the owner of his very rainbow. This whimsical story captures the essence of a young child's imagination. This classic rainbow book would be a great to give along with a rainbow night light or rainbow toy.
Rain Before Rainbows
Some picture books are beautifully balanced between telling a story to a young child while at the same time conveying a deeper, more meaningful message to adult readers. This gorgeously illustrated rainbow book follows a little girl and her fox companion on their journey toward light and happiness. Any person, young or old, who is going through a challenging time in their lives will benefit from reading this inspiring book.
The Hidden Rainbow
A rainbow of colors is blooming in the garden. This interactive picture book starts with one little bee who needs the blooms to survive. As readers turn each page, more flowers blossom and more bees are drawn to all the colors. A lovely tribute to nature and the interdependence of bees and flowers for survival.
My Rainbow Surprise
A gorgeous novelty rainbow book that is shaped just like the real thing. Die-cut pages with a little rhyme that celebrates bright colorful rainbows. Stimulating chunky book will stand up to toddlers' curious exploration.
Moonbear's Skyfire
A classic rainbow picture book about a bear who is convinced that the sky is on fire. What else could explain the brilliant colors spilling from above? He sets out with a bucket of water to solve this problem. Then a little bird whispers a different idea in his ear...something about a pot of gold.
Ava and the Rainbow (Who Stayed)
This dreamy rainbow book has a valuable message about appreciating rare and precious moments in life. A little girl falls in love with a brilliant rainbow that she wishes it would stay forever. She, along with her neighbors, is overjoyed to find that the rainbow has not disappeared overnight. While the rainbow continue to light up the sky day after day, people start to lose interest in it. The girl learns that perhaps the most precious moments in life are indeed fleeting after all.
Curious George Discovers the Rainbow
What better way to teach kids a science lesson than with Curious George? This mischievous monkey, along with his best friends Betsy and Steve, takes a walk in the rain and becomes mesmerized by a beautiful rainbow. He gets a little carried away chasing after a pot of gold, but eventually focuses on the learning about how rainbows are made.
Rainbow Boy
A picture book celebrating all the colors in a rainbow while eschewing gender norms. A little boy loves the bright orange hue of a basketball. He also adores his brilliant pink tutu and soft yellow pajamas. The subject of this book may be rainbow colors but the message has a much broader application. This is a great selection for parents who want to encourage their kids think outside the box and stay true to themselves.
Rainbows Never End and Other Fun Facts
A non-fiction book for kids who are fascinated with scientific facts. In addition to learning some cool things about rainbows (they are full circles!), children will learn that all snowflakes have six sides, and all kinds of other amazing environmental trivia. Colorful and funny illustrations on every page keep the mood light and entertaining.
Happiness is a Rainbow
A whimsical, rhyming book about rainbows for preschoolers. Every color is associated with something in nature- blue is for birds, red is for roses- in this joyous ode to rainbows. Pastel colors and drawings reminiscent of a child's nursery add a soft touch.
Our Rainbow
A board book that introduces toddlers to the pride flag. The meaning of the colors is explained in this book promoting inclusivity. Simple text emphasizes kindness and love for everyone.
Rainbow Hat
A jovial little bear is most distraught when his beloved rainbow hat gets carried away by the wind. From there, it goes on journey flying from friend to friend. Finally, this very special hat makes its way back to a very happy bear. A short and sweet story with a happy ending.
There is a Rainbow
A rainbow book that delivers a message of hope, love and interconnectedness. This beautiful picture book will appeal to children of all ages, as well as adults, with its words of inspiration. No matter how alone or isolated we may feel at times, we are all at one end of the rainbow or other.
What is a Rainbow?
Mia, Seb, Oli and Ava are inquisitive kids who want to know the science behind everything. In this non-fiction book about rainbows, readers will learn about the relationship between light affects color and the facts about how rainbows are created.
Uni Paints a Rainbow
A magical unicorn needs to restore color after it stops raining. Uni uses her special horn to tap objects and bring them back to their original, brilliant colors. This rainbow book for preschoolers is a great way to teach them their colors.
Bake a Rainbow Cake!
A whimsical board book about making a delicious rainbow cake. This sweet story is full of interactive elements like lifting flaps, spinning wheels, and pulling tabs. Readers will love participating in all the steps of baking, from mixing the batter to opening the oven, until the final masterpiece is ready to eat.
What Makes a Rainbow?
A charming, over-sized board book with a ribbon of rainbows inside. This novelty book is a fun way to teach a toddler all the colors of the rainbow. Every time a page is turned, a new ribbon in a different color appears. Darling illustrations and easy to understand text just right for the preschool reading group.
How Do You Make a Rainbow?
Rainbows are symbols of hope, love, and brighter days ahead. A little girl learns this lesson one rainy day with her grandad. It's dark and cloudy outside, so she asks her grandfather for his assistance in painting a rainbow in the sky. He lovingly shares a lesson with her about all the other ways we can bring light and color into the world.
Esther's Rainbow
A sweet, little story about a girl who discovers a lovely rainbow. The next time she looks, this ephemeral object is gone. But Esther is left with a lasting appreciation of color which she observes everywhere. While she sees beauty everywhere, Esther wonders whether she will see another rainbow again. A lovely picture book about exploring the world with a fresh perspective and wonder.
Rainbows
A non-fiction book about rainbows for preschoolers. A basic scientific explanation is covered along with some beautiful photographs of real rainbows. The pictures alone make this book a worthy purchase. A nice complement to fictional stories about rainbows for young children who are eager to learn how they are formed.
The Rainbow Hunters
A beautiful story reminding readers that the journey is more important than the destination. Four close friends grab handfuls of candy and nets for catching rainbows. They head out on a whimsical mission to capture an elusive rainbow that always seems within reach. While this group may never trap the colorful treasure, they discover a much more beautiful treasure along the way.
Happy Rainbow
An adorable, rainbow-shaped novelty book for toddlers. Each page covers a color of the rainbow along with a succinct little poem. A loving little book for babies that adds a pop of color when displayed on a bookshelf in the nursery.
The Rainbow Goblins
This is not your typical rainbow book. Originally published in the 1970s, this strangely moving book is about living in harmony with nature instead of exploiting it for personal benefit. The book is at once disturbing and beautiful. The text is sparse and the pictures are a bit trippy. Most certainly a unique addition to your child's collection of rainbow books.
Rainbows Activity Book
Almost forty pages of beautiful rainbow activities will keep kids busy for hours. The scratch and reveal pages come to life as each rainbow shines through. This sparkly book takes little ones on a magical adventure sliding down rainbows and searching for creatures in the magical forest. A great activity book for long car rides and rainy afternoons.
The Hidden Rainbow
The colors of the rainbow are hidden in the garden, and a little bees need the reader's help to find them. After a dull, grey winter, it's time to wake up all the flowers and foliage. With each page, a new, colorful explosion of blossoms draw in more and more bees. The watercolor collage illustrations showcase the beauty of a garden in full bloom and show readers that rainbows are everywhere in nature.
Planting a Rainbow
A classic book by Lois Ehlert will open children's eyes to the rainbows that appear everywhere in nature. In this lovely story, and mother and her daughter are planting bulbs and seeds in a garden. Together they tend to their plants until they bloom into a colorful rainbow. Sparse text complements the paper collage illustrations that make the flowers appear to pop off the pages.
The Rainbow Fish
An enchanting story about the vanity, loneliness, and selfishness of the most beautiful fish in the ocean. The Rainbow Fish is the envy of all the others with its iridescent scales that light up the water. This sparkly, colorful fish knows its appearance is special and steers clear of all the fish that are plain and dull. But soon The Rainbow Fish can't shake its sadness, so one by one, it distributes colorful scales to the other fish in the ocean. As its appearance fades in color, The Rainbow Fish finally finds happiness and comfort with friends who each possess one of its vibrant scales.
Rainbow Weaver
The colors of the rainbow are inspirational and symbolize hope and dreams across cultures. In this uplifting story, Ixchel is a little girl living in a Mayan village who desperately wants to weave just like all the other women. For thousands of years, the tradition of making weaves and selling them at the market has been passed down. But resources are scarce and there is not enough thread for Ixchel to practice. So the resourceful child gathers colorful, discarded plastics bags from the streets, cuts them into strips, and weaves them into the fabric. The result is a most stunning rainbow of colors on a piece that can now be sold at the market, just like her Mayan ancestors have done.
My Body is a Rainbow: The Color of My Feelings
A soothing book to help kids deal with anxiety based on the colors of the rainbow. Children are coaxed into a relaxed state by getting in touch with their inner and outer selves. The author introduces the concept of using colors to identify emotions and feelings, both big and small. Through this expression of color in combination with breathing techniques, children will have some valuable techniques to cope with all the stress life throws at them.
Rainbow Stew
Real rainbows may be apparitions in the sky, but they also can be found in lush gardens full of ripe vegetables. One rainy day, a few children head out into Grandpa's garden to pick red tomatoes, green cucumbers, purple eggplant, and other vibrant veggies. Then they head inside to make the most delicious rainbow stew. The book includes a great recipe for you to try with your own children. A mouth-watering kids' rainbow book that promotes healthy eating.
Peppa's Rainbow
Rainbows are enormous apparitions that fill the sky after a rainstorm. Peppa Pig and her friends are delighted when they witness this magical creation by nature. After witnessing its beauty, the gang learns all kinds of interesting facts about how and why rainbows appear. Preschoolers will love this colorful story and the accessible rainbow fact sheet at the end.
God's Love is a Rainbow
A pint-sized rainbow book that is just the right size for toddler hands. A soft rainbow finger puppet is attached to actively engage little ones. The faith-based story encourages readers to appreciate all the beautiful colors and creatures created by God.
Peek-a-Boo Rainbow
A whimsical board book about rainbows that helps babies learn basic concepts. The die cut hole gives little readers a glimpse of the next page. Each one features a different color of the rainbow with little objects like red apples and green frogs to support learning. It's never too soon to start working on eye hand coordination and critical thinking, both of which are supported in this rainbow book for babies.
Rainbow Colors Peekaboo!
The vibrant colors in this sturdy board book will capture the attention of babies. They will enjoy lifting the tabs to find hidden surprises behind each one. This is a great book to teach little ones all the colors of a rainbow.
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Best Kids' Rainbow Books Inspire Creativity and Wonder
Rainbows are a gift from nature, a glimmer of hope and renewal after a rainstorm. Their ephemeral appearance elicits feelings of warmth and longing for something that is out of reach. Through the eyes of a child, rainbows in the sky appear to exist in faraway lands with unicorns, fairies, and other figments of the imagination.
Kids' books about rainbows foster a vision for magical places where there are no boundaries. After reading some of these rainbow books together, gather some art materials and encourage your child to make a rainbow creation. And then take it a step further and ask them to write a story about this rainbow. Every child has a creative imagination and sometimes all it takes is a rainbow to bring it to fruition!
Colorful Gifts for Kids Who Love Rainbows
Rainbows are timeless symbols of colorful happiness. For this reason, they often appear as part of toys, decorations, clothing and children's jewelry. If you are looking for the perfect gift for a rainbow-loving child, buy a rainbow book and add a fun rainbow-themed toy to go with it.
Rainbow Night Light Projector
This cool projector brings a wall to life with a burst of rainbow color. Kids will love this night light that automatically turns off after 10 minutes, just when they have drifted off into a deep sleep dreaming of rainbows.
Rainbow Night Light
This little rainbow provides just enough light for little children to feel safe at bedtime. The smooth finish of the rainbow arches are pretty and the smiling little cloud is sweet. Perfect for a baby's nursery or a young child's bedroom.
Rainbow Sterling Silver Earrings
These darling little earrings will brighten the day of a little girl who loves rainbows. Choose a children's book about rainbows and pair it up with these little rainbow earrings for a special birthday gift.
Rainbow Unicorn Hooded Blanket
An uber soft unicorn rainbow blanket that is perfect for afternoon snuggles. This machine-washable blanket will inspire imaginary play and guarantee peaceful naptime.
Rainbow Birthday Party Decoration Kit
A rainbow party will come to life with this kit. Includes a cake topper, colorful balloons, a banner, and other rainbow-themed decorations. Bright, bold and festive.
Plush Rainbow Pillow
This 16-inch wide plush and squishy rainbow pillow will add the perfect pop of color to a child's bedroom. Bold and bright throw pillow that is comfy enough for sleepy heads to rest.
Plush Toy Set With Rainbow Case
A darling group of five magical animals that can be easily stored and toted around in a rainbow case. Pair this plush gift with a children's book about rainbows for a very colorful birthday gift.
Rainbow Necklace
Little girls will wear this charming rainbow necklace every day. It's the perfect gift for a rainbow-themed birthday party or just to brighten a child's day.
Rainbow Wall Décor
A touch of color to a child's bedroom with this charming rainbow wall weave and coordinating pom-pom strand. Add a couple of rainbow books to this purchase and you've got an adorable birthday or baby shower gift.
Rainbow Pop Fidget Toys
Kids will love this four-pack rainbow fidget toy with a silicone texture. These little gadgets are excellent tools used to reduce anxiety and stress. Plus they add a bold pop of color on wherever they rest.
Camelbak Rainbow Water Bottle
Drinks have never tasted better than when sipping from this colorful 14 oz rainbow bottle. Fill it with some rainbow colored candy and pair it with a children's book all about rainbows.
Rainbow Stacker Puzzle
A popular silicone rainbow stacker provides endless options for sensory stimulation and play. Preschoolers can practice their motor skills and eye hand coordination with this flexible, easy-to-clean rainbow toy.
Pink Rainbow Stuffed Unicorn
A soft pink plush unicorn with rainbow wings and a rainbow horn is guaranteed to brighten a child's day. At eight inches tall, she is the perfect size for snuggles and to tuck into a backpack for travel.
Rainbow Cuddle Pal
A soft, huggable pillow filled with the softest, squishiest stuffing. Kids will love snuggling up with this colorful pillow that will add a touch of whimsy to any bedroom.
Rainbow Facts for Kids
The appearance of a rainbow after a storm is breathtaking. The arches look like they are created by an artist high above the clouds, eliciting a sense of wonder, awe, and mystery. Their perfect formation looks like a creation by use of a compass.
And the colors, sometimes pale and pastel and other times rich and vibrant, reflect a moody and emotional sky that rivals work found in the world's greatest museums. Reading children's books about rainbows will help little ones develop an appreciation for nature's beauty.
Next time you witness a rainbow's formation with a child, here are some interesting facts to share.
- The term RAINBOW is derived the Old English word, renboga. "Regn" means rain and "boga" signifies anything that is bent or arched.
- Rainbows are arched because they reflect light from the spherical shape of the sun. Most people believe rainbows are semi-circles because that is how the human eye sees them when standing on the ground. However, in reality rainbows are full circles of colorful light. When viewed from an airplane, the complete rainbow circle is visible.
- In 250 years, there have been a total of 5 reports of a triple rainbow. This rare phenomenon occurs when rays of light are reflected three times within a drop of rain.
- The longest lasting rainbow ever observed graced the sky for 6 hours. On March 14, 1994 in Sheffield, England, the amazing spectrum of colors lit up the sky from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.
- Two people observing the same exact rainbow do not see the same thing. Rainbows are optical experiences, not tangible objects that can be touched or felt. They form when light rays bend The arc, shape, and width of its color bands varies based on the viewer.
- Earth is the only planet that has rainbows due to its liquid precipitation and sunlight. You will notice that rainbows never appear on cloudy, overcast days when the sunlight is obstructed. This optical illusion required both the light from sun and droplets from a rainstorm to be present simultaneously.
- Rainbows only appear during or immediately after rain. That is because white light is reflected and refracted through water droplets. This light then separates into the seven different colors on the spectrum.
- Although rainbows are most easily visible during the day, photographers have snapped their beautiful arches at night. This phenomenon is known as a moon bow. The illusion occurs when the light from the moon is dispersed through water droplets in the air. To the human eye, the bow will appear white since moonlight is dimmer than sunlight. But cameras with long exposures are able to capture the colorful arches against the dark night sky.
- Greek philosopher Aristotle is credited with being an early pioneer in the study of rainbows. He devoted an entire book, Meteorology, Book III, to the study of light and color formation. Some of his theories were later proven incorrect, like the suggestion that rainbows were only made of three colors. But he was the first to discover that the separation of white light into a color spectrum results in the arches that form across the sky.
- Have you ever noticed that rainbows only seem to appear in the morning or early evening? The truth is that rainbows are actually present during all hours, but may be blocked by buildings, trees, or other objects. When the sun is too high or too low in the sky, the angle projects light that falls below the horizon, thus making it difficult to see.
- Hawaii is home to the most frequent appearance of rainbows than any other location on the planet. The tropical climate on these islands, combined with a plethora of waterfalls, sea sprays and geysers, contributes to the constant formation of colorful arches across the sky.