Rainbow: A First Book of Pride

In a festive introduction to Pride that doubles as a color primer, Genhart shows readers the meaning behind each hue in the rainbow flag: "Every color means something." Scenes by Passchier show diverse, smiling figures taking part in everyday activities. Two parents and their child explore a forest brightly colored in shades of green ("Green is nature"), and families visit an outdoor market with blue booths ("Blue is harmony"). Rainbows, Genhart writes, are universally loved: they "make the world smile." In a final spread, families are seen waving Pride flags and walking together in solidarity ("Be happy. Be love. Be proud"). A joyous tribute to LGBTQ families. Ages 3-5. (May)

Copyright 2019 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Toddler-PreS-Clinical psychologist Genhart's latest book introduces some of the youngest readers to the symbolism behind each stripe of the famous rainbow flag. Confetti endpapers lead to an opening scene with a cluster of flags held aloft. A page turn reveals an exuberant, racially diverse group of kids each holding up a rainbow flag of their own. Subsequent spreads go through the colors one after the other. Each spread also depicts same-sex couples (some interracial) lovingly interacting with their children. The result is a joyful celebration of rainbow families and the way the day-to-day brings out the six meanings of the flag: life, healing, sunlight, nature, harmony, and spirit. Passchier's colorful cartoon style casts many characters in the same simplistic mold. Still, the scenes shine a noteworthy and positive light on LGBTQIA+ parenting. The illustrations also augment Genhart's economical text to expand the story, striking a good balance between depicting families in isolated scenes and as part of a larger, not exclusively LGBTQIA+ community. A final page goes further to suggest global pride via several flag-waving individuals in front of cultural landmarks. Though excellent for anytime sharing, the text functions as a wonderful bridge between Stevenson's Pride Colors, Sanders and Salerno's Pride, and Pitman and Clifton-Brown's Sewing the Rainbow --the latter two of which expand on the flag's origins for older readers. VERDICT A win for LBGTQIA+ families and libraries seeking to diversify their shelves.--Alec Chunn, Eugene Public Library, OR

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

"A positive tool for celebrating a wide range of human diversity and all kids of familial love." —Booklist

"A win for LBGTQIA+ families and libraries seeking to diversify their shelves." —School Library Journal

"A joyous tribute to LGBTQ families." —Publishers Weekly

"A welcome addition to rainbow bookshelves." —Kirkus Reviews

"A bright introduction to the colors of Pride and images of LGBTQ families." —Mombian

"Imagine if we lived in a world where picture books were more like this one?" —Unleashing Readers

"A primer that celebrates LGBTQ+ families by exploring the colorful meaning behind each rainbow stripe. It describes parental love and also the love a child holds for their parents. This is a much needed book." —Book Riot

"This reaffirming look at rainbow families emphasizes their love and identity." —Oregon Coast Youth Book Preview Center

"A vibrant and inclusive book that celebrates the diverse rainbow of families and the love that brings people together. Told with bold and and spirited illustrations, the rainbow comes to mean so much more than individual colors but represents the pride, power and unity that exist when they all are celebrated together." —Jesica Sweedler DeHart, Librarian and Influencer, @WanderingBookseller