10 Children’s Books about Rainbows

Looking for the best children’s books about rainbows? This post has you covered! This list has 10 of our favorite rainbow books for kids, including picture books and read alouds that the whole family can enjoy together.

It’s spring and that means…it’s time for lots and lots of rain. But, the great thing about rain is that you also get to see plenty of rainbows! As the days get longer and we enjoy more sunlight, we’ll (hopefully) get to observe these beautiful phenomena with our kids.

So, this is a great time of year to talk about rainbows! And what better way to introduce them to our kids than with books? Today, we’re sharing 10 children’s books that are all about rainbows!

What is a Rainbow?

A rainbow is actually an optical illusion that occurs when sunlight is refracted (bent) through water droplets in the air. As you probably know, the colors of the rainbow are Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, and Violet (ROYGBIV). Do you know why red is always listed first?

It’s because the color red has the longest wavelength of all colors, so it bends the least. As a result, it always appears on top of the rainbow. By contrast, violet bends the most, so it has the sharpest curve. That makes violet the lowest color in every rainbow. Neat, huh? You can find out more about the science of rainbows from the NOAA.

Books about Rainbows for Kids

And now, 10 children’s books about rainbows! These are great for kids of all ages and include fiction and nonfiction selections.

A Rainbow of My Own by Don Freeman

A charming classic, this picture book follows a young child’s imaginative adventure as they dream of catching and playing with their very own rainbow. With simple, engaging text and beautiful illustrations, this book sparks curiosity and wonder about nature’s colorful magic.

All the Colors of the Rainbow by Allan Fowler

Part of the Rookie Read-About Science series, this non-fiction book explains how rainbows form and why they appear in the sky. Using simple language and real-life photos, it introduces young readers to the science of light, colors, and weather.

What Makes a Rainbow? by Betty Ann Schwartz

This interactive board book engages little learners with a fun, hands-on approach to understanding colors and rainbows. As they turn the pages, colorful ribbons appear, building a rainbow as the story unfolds. A delightful way to introduce color recognition and sequencing!

The Rainbow Book by Kate Ohrt

This vibrant book explores emotions through colors, associating each hue with a different feeling. With stunning cut-out pages and poetic text, it helps children connect their emotions to colors in a fun and meaningful way.

Chasing Rainbows by Tish Rabe, Aristides Ruiz, and Joe Mathieu

Join the Cat in the Hat as he takes Sally and Nick on a wild adventure to learn how rainbows are made! This Cat in the Hat’s Learning Library book combines fun rhymes, lively illustrations, and engaging science facts to introduce young readers to the magic of light and color.

Elmer and the Rainbow by David McKee

Elmer, the beloved patchwork elephant, sets out to help a fading rainbow get its colors back. In this heartwarming tale, Elmer learns that kindness and generosity bring happiness, even if it means making a small sacrifice. A beautiful story about sharing and the joy of giving.

Rainbow Stew by Cathyrn Falwell

Three siblings visit their grandfather on a rainy day, and instead of being disappointed, they enjoy a colorful adventure picking fresh vegetables from the garden to make “rainbow stew.” With rich illustrations and a focus on healthy eating, family bonding, and nature, this book is a joyful celebration of simple pleasures.

The Colors of the Rainbow by Jennifer Moore-Mallinos and Marta Fabrega

This thoughtful book uses the beauty of a rainbow to highlight the importance of diversity and inclusivity. Through an engaging story, children learn how different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives come together to make the world a more vibrant place—just like a rainbow.

Geckos Make a Rainbow by Jon J. Murakami

A playful and colorful Hawaiian-themed story, this book follows a group of geckos as they create a rainbow using different objects they find. With engaging illustrations and a fun storyline, it introduces young readers to colors in an entertaining way.

Ruby’s Rainbow by Grosset & Dunlap Books

In this sweet story, Ruby the bunny explores the world around her, discovering colors and creating her own rainbow. Perfect for young children, this book teaches color recognition in a gentle and engaging way, making learning fun and interactive.

For even more spring learning fun, check out these related activities:

You can find some free rainbow coloring pages in this post.

You’ll also want to give this rainbow paper towel art a try!

Enter your email address in the form below to receive a free Rainbow Activities printable pack!