Discover the best rainbow books for kids of all ages! From colorful fiction to educational non-fiction, these vibrant reads include fun read-alouds to inspire young minds.
Books filled with rainbows aren’t just visually stunning—they also inspire imagination, celebrate diversity, and teach valuable lessons. Whether you’re looking for a whimsical picture book for toddlers, an engaging story for early readers, or an informative non-fiction book about the science behind rainbows, there’s something for everyone.
In this book guide, we’ve rounded up the best rainbow-themed books for kids of all ages, blending fiction and non-fiction to bring vibrant learning and storytelling into your home or classroom.
Get ready to explore a world of color, creativity, and wonder!
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Rainbow Books for Kids
Reading books about rainbows to kids offers a variety of benefits, including:
- Encourages a Love for Colors and Nature
Rainbow books introduce children to the beauty of colors, helping them recognize and appreciate the natural world, including weather phenomena like rainbows. - Boosts Early Learning and Literacy
Books with colorful visuals and engaging stories improve vocabulary, comprehension, and early reading skills, especially when paired with read-alouds. - Teaches Scientific Concepts
Non-fiction rainbow books explain the science behind rainbows, including light refraction, weather, and the color spectrum, fostering curiosity about STEM subjects. - Promotes Diversity and Inclusion
Many rainbow-themed books celebrate diversity, self-expression, and acceptance, helping kids understand and appreciate different identities, cultures, and perspectives. - Sparks Creativity and Imagination
Vibrant rainbow books encourage children to think creatively, inspiring art projects, storytelling, and imaginative play. - Creates a Positive and Uplifting Experience
Rainbows symbolize hope, joy, and positivity, making these books a great way to introduce optimistic themes and encourage a growth mindset in children.
Whether through fiction or non-fiction, rainbow books provide a colorful and meaningful reading experience that educates and inspires kids of all ages!
Fiction Rainbow Books for Kids
A Rainbow of My Own by Don Freeman (Listen to Read Aloud)
There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Rainbow! by Lucille Colandro (Listen to Read Aloud)
How the Crayons Saved the Rainbow by Monica Sweeney (Listen to Read Aloud)
The Little Raindrop by Joanna Gray (Listen to Read Aloud)
Rain Before Rainbows by Smriti Prasadam-Halls (Listen to Read Aloud)
The World Made a Rainbow by Michelle Robinson (Listen to Read Aloud)
My Color is Rainbow by Agnes Hsu (Listen to Read Aloud)
Over the Rainbow (Book & Audio CD) by Eric Puybaret (Listen to Read Aloud)
Raindrops to Rainbow by John Micklos Jr. (Listen to Read Aloud)
Ruby the Rainbow Witch by Kim Ann (Check out the Rainbow Witch Series) (Listen to Read Aloud)
I Can Eat a Rainbow by Olena Rose (Listen to Read Aloud)
How To Catch A Rainbow by Naomi Jones (Listen to Read Aloud)
Rainbow Stew by Cathryn Falwell (Listen to Read Aloud)
Elmer and the Rainbow by David McKee (Listen to Read Aloud)
Moonbear’s Skyfire by Frank Asch (Listen to Read Aloud)
Hope Is a Rainbow by Hoda Kotb (Listen to Read Aloud)
Raindrops ARE Rainbows by Valerie Bessette (Listen to Read Aloud)
Rainbow Weaver / Tejedora del arcoíris by Linda Elovitz Marshall (Listen to Read Aloud)
The Hidden Rainbow by Christie Matheson (Listen to Read Aloud)
Planting a Rainbow by Lois Ehlert (Listen to Read Aloud)
Rainbow Bear by Bill Martin
The Rainbow Cleanup: A Magical Organizing Adventure by Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin
My Body Is a Rainbow: The Color of My Feelings by Mallika Chopra (Listen to Read Aloud)
Reena’s Rainbow by Dee White
The Rainbow by Ros Moriarty
Dream A Rainbow by Carlotta Penn (Listen to Read Aloud)
Spike: The Penguin With Rainbow Hair by Sarah Cullen and Carmen Ellis (Listen to Read Aloud)
Chasing Rainbows by Gabby Grant
Ava and the Rainbow (Who Stayed) by Ged Adamson (Listen to Read Aloud)
Over the Rainbow: The Science, Magic and Meaning of Rainbows by Rachael Davis
Why?: A Sciencey, Rhymey Guide to Rainbows by Billy Dunne
How Do You Make a Rainbow? by Caroline Crowe (Listen to Read Aloud)
Rainbow Magic Fairy Books Series by Daisy Meadows
Maisy’s Rainbow Dream by Lucy Cousins (Listen to Read Aloud)
Rainbows Never End: and other fun facts by Laura Lyn DiSiena and Hannah Eliot
The Rainbow Book by Kate Ohrt (Listen to Read Aloud)
A Rainbow in Brown by Pavonis Giron (Listen to Read Aloud)
Singing in the Rain by Tim Hopgood (Listen to Read Aloud)
The Rainbow Mystery by Jennifer Dussling (Listen to Read Aloud)
The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister (Listen to Read Aloud)
Unicorns Don’t Love Rainbows by Emma Adams (Listen to Read Aloud)
What Makes a Rainbow? by Betty Schwartz (Listen to Read Aloud)
Chasing Rainbows (Dr. Seuss/Cat in the Hat) by Tish Rabe (Listen to Read Aloud)
Curious George Discovers the Rainbow by H. A. Rey (Listen to Read Aloud)
The Magic School Bus Makes A Rainbow by George Bloom (Listen to Read Aloud)
Non-Fiction Books About Rainbows
Light Makes a Rainbow by Sharon Coan (Listen to Read Aloud)
Rainbow: Ready-to-Read Level 1 by Marion Dane Bauer (Listen to Read Aloud)
Rainbows by Martha E. H. Rustad (Listen to Read Aloud)
Let’s Make a Rainbow!: The Science of Light and Optical Physics for Kids by Chris Ferrie (Listen to Read Aloud)
Light Waves by David A. Adler (Listen to Read Aloud)
All the Colors of the Rainbow by Allan Fowler (Listen to Read Aloud)
Here are some amazing STEM Activities to extend your rainbow fun.
Religious Rainbow Books for Kids
What Color Is God’s Love? by Xochitl Dixon (Listen to Read Aloud)
The First Rainbow by Jordon P Frye
Noah’s Ark by Peter Spier (Listen to Read Aloud)
Noah’s Ark (Little Golden Book) by Barbara Shook Hazen
Color Books for Kids
Bear Sees Colors by Karma Wilson (Listen to Read Aloud)
Dog’s Colorful Day: A Messy Story About Colors and Counting by Emma Dodd (Listen to Read Aloud)
Mix It Up! by Herve Tullet (Listen to Read Aloud)
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr. (Listen to Read Aloud)
Mouse Paint by Ellen Stoll Walsh (Listen to Read Aloud)
Penguins love Colors by Sarah Aspinall (Listen to Read Aloud)
Mixed: A Colorful Story by Arree Chung (Listen to Read Aloud)
Monsters Love Colors by Mike Austen (Listen to Read Aloud)
How Do Dinosaurs Learn Their Colors? by Jane Yolen (Listen to Read Aloud)
Cat’s Colors by Jane Cabrera (Listen to Read Aloud)
My Many Colored Days by Dr. Seuss (Listen to Read Aloud)
Make this adorable Mouse Count Color Activity with your child.
Learn to read Color Words with Lids!
Head outdoors for this fun and playful Car Color Sort.
Board books About Rainbows
Happiness Is a Rainbow by Patricia Hegarty
Happy Rainbow by Hannah Eliot
The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s Rainbow Colors by Eric Carle
Rainbow of Emotions: Making Friends with Your Emotions by Elena Ulyeva
Nature Stories: Little Raindrop by IglooBooks
Rainbow Colors by Words & Pictures
Colors by John J. Reiss
Eat Your Colors by Amanda Miller
The Smell of a Rainbow by Dawn Goldworm
Little Owl’s Colors by Divya Srinivasan
Goodnight, Rainbow Cats by Bàrbara Castro Urío
Colors with Ladybug by DK
- The Magic of Snuggling Up and Reading with Babies and Toddlers
- Tips for Reading with an Active Toddler
- Selecting Board Books for Toddlers
Download Rainbow Book List for Kids
Download your copy today and explore a world of wonderful books! This carefully curated rainbow book list is filled with engaging, high-quality stories that spark imagination, encourage a love of reading, and introduce kids to a wide range of characters and experiences.
Rainbow Book Activity Ideas for Kids
Doing rainbow activities after reading a book about rainbows with your child is fun because it brings the story to life through hands-on creativity. These activities encourage imagination, reinforce learning about colors, and provide a sensory experience that keeps kids engaged.
Whether painting, crafting, or experimenting with light and water, rainbow-themed play deepens their understanding and makes learning feel magical. Plus, it’s a great way to bond and create joyful memories together!
- Drip Painting Rainbow Name Activity
- Rainbow Sea Shells
- Rainbow Activities for Spring
- Rainbow Themed Language Book
- Rainbow Snack Ideas
- Rainbow Acorn Math Activity
- Making Rainbow Clothespins Plus Game Ideas
- Rainbow Color Word Game with Lids
- Rainbow Name Activity Inspired by the Book Mouse Paint
- Rainbow Ice Sculptures
- Rainbow Stew Felt Food Activity
- Rainbow Busy Bag Ideas
- Rainbow Ice Painting with Watercolors
- Rainbow Density Experiment
- Make a Rainbow with Technology
- Crayon Sensory Bottle and Math Activity
- Giant Color Wheel Collage Group Activity
Bring More Color to Storytime with Rainbow Books!
Rainbow books offer a vibrant way to engage young readers, blending fun storytelling with valuable lessons in science, diversity, and creativity. Whether you’re looking for a whimsical picture book, an inspiring story about inclusion, or a fascinating non-fiction read about the science of rainbows, there’s something for every child to enjoy.
So, gather your little ones, pick a colorful book, and make storytime a bright and joyful experience.
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