The Rainbow Parade: A Celebration of LGBTQIA+ Identities and Allies

by Shane Jordan, Rick Hendrix, Jieting Chen (Illustrator)

Overview

Join the celebration at the Rainbow Parade and witness a heartwarming story of acceptance and friendship. In this joyful picture book, LGBTQ+ advocates Shane Jordan and Rick Hendrix take young readers on a colorful journey of self-expression and acceptance.

Set at a stormy pride parade, the story follows a child who is free to express their gender identity, celebrating with their father. But when they come across a non-binary child who doesn't feel comfortable in their own skin, they lend a helping hand and show them that they are seen, accepted, and loved.

Gentle storytelling and stunning illustrations play on the magical experience of finding one's community. Featuring expert back matter, The Rainbow Parade encourages children and gatekeepers to break down stereotypes and embrace diversity. This book offers a timely and important lesson on the power of love, friendship, and acceptance.

Perfect for children of all identities, The Rainbow Parade is a must-have addition to any bookshelf. Let your own rainbow shine with this wonderful story of celebrating who you are and accepting others for who they are. 

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781464224195
Publisher:	Sourcebooks
Publication date:	05/21/2024
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	32
File size:	15 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.
Age Range:	4 - 10 Years

About the Author

Shane Jordan is an author, philanthropist, consultant, and digital media strategist, as well as a staunch advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. His debut book was published in 2020. When not advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, he often spends time with his French bulldog, Izzy, deciding which fabulous dress she will wear each day! 

Rick Hendrix is a writer, director, political consultant, and filmmaker. For more than two decades, he’s owned one of the most influential institutions in the music industry, promoting renowned artists such as U2 and Mariah Carey, among others. His most recent book, released in 2020, became a national bestseller. In his free time, Rick enjoys volunteering, spending time at the beach, and conducting research for his projects. 

Jieting Chen is a New York-based illustrator and animator. With years of experience, she produced and directed several award-winning short animations. She is passionate about inclusivity and representation, ensuring that everyone's story is heard and celebrated. When not illustrating, she enjoys watching films with her wife and cats.

Editorial Reviews

04/01/2024

“Each and every one of us is born full of color... when all the colors come together, they make something even more amazing... A rainbow!” Chen’s vibrant hues and energetic scenes convey infectious joy as a child prepares for and attends a Pride parade, celebrating individuality and connection. When it begins to rain, they offer an umbrella—and encouragement—to another child, who feels uncomfortable letting their rainbow shine. And as the rain abates, they join a crowd of people depicted with various abilities, body types, and skin tones under a post-storm rainbow—“the colors of all the love in the world.” Throughout this lightly instructional feast for the eyes, questions posed by Jordan and Hendrix (“How does it feel to share what you love?”) invite young readers to reflect on their own relationship to Pride. Extensive back matter includes a note for caregivers, advice for allyship, reflections, and definitions. Ages 4–10. (May)

Publishers Weekly

"The Rainbow Parade is filled with warmth, beauty, and most importantly, a message of Pride for who you are and who you love. An important message and read for children, allies, and anyone who needs a reminder of our shared humanity." — Chelsea Clinton

"A warm and colorful journey of what it means to truly love yourself." — Elton John

"The Rainbow Parade is a love letter to pride and acceptance for all gender identities and sexual orientations. A must-read for everyone." — Sarah Kate Ellis, President & CEO, GLAAD

"The Rainbow Parade gives young readers the permission to be exactly who they are—a message that is needed now as much as ever. Heartwarming, and a true lesson on accepting ourselves and those around us, this story belongs on family bookshelves for generations to come." — The Trevor Project

"The Rainbow Parade will let kids know their stories and their friends' stories are a beautiful part of the fabric of humanity. That's something every child deserves." — Kelley Robinson, President, Human Rights Campaign

"The Rainbow Parade is such an important book. We have to give children the space to be heard when they have questions and especially when they need help." — Paris Hilton

"Filled with color and joy, The Rainbow Parade is something to share with any child or even someone who just needs to know they can be proud of who they are." — David Burtka & Neil Patrick Harris

"The Rainbow Parade is a beautiful and kind message about loving who you are and accepting others for who they are. These stories will help generations to come embrace diversity and uniqueness and give so many children and their families the gift of feeling seen and heard." — Anne Aslett, Chief Executive Officer, Elton John AIDS Foundation

"The Rainbow Parade is a beautiful book to help a child navigate their own personal journey." — Kristin Chenoweth

"The Rainbow Parade is as much for adults as it is for kids. It's a warmly written and beautifully illustrated reminder that all people deserve to be safe, celebrated, empowered, and loved." — Brian K. Bond, Executive Director, PFLAG National

"A beautiful story about self-acceptance, love, and having the space to be heard." — Whoopi Goldberg

"What a beautiful and inspiring book about inclusivity and finding and sharing your inner rainbow." — Cheyenne Jackson

"A thoughtful and accessible approach to teach kids that PRIDE is a joyous and colorful gift." — Kelly Osbourne

"This book reminds us that we are all rainbows, even on our darkest days, and that somewhere over the rainbow is a place within us. " — Alexander Roque, Ali Forney Center

"The Rainbow Parade is the type of children's book we need now: one that encourages children to be themselves and embrace others who let their true colors show." — Brooke Sopelsa, NBC Out

"Loving who you are and being your true authentic self can be a scary thing, but knowing you aren’t alone is half the battle and The Rainbow Parade shines a beautiful light on that." — Tom Daley, Olympic Gold Medalist

"What an awesome book! Something the world needs right now! A book to teach love and acceptance and equality!" — Trinity The Tuck, Winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars

"Every vibrant, colorful page of The Rainbow Parade will help make all of our children feel seen, heard, and loved for who they are. This book offers a vital, timely message for kids and adults alike about the importance of embracing diversity and taking pride — because the beauty is in the mix!" — Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi

"The Rainbow Parade is a must-read for fostering a world where every child’s voice is cherished and valued." — Congressman Eric Swalwell

"A beautiful, heartwarming story that reminds us to live every day with pride." — New Jersey Governor, Phil Murphy

"The Rainbow Parade is beautifully drawn and written. This book could not come at a more important time, and will help children explore themes of love, difference, and pride." — Deborah Archer, President of the ACLU

"The Rainbow Parade is a story that awakens the love, kindness, acceptance, and beauty that lies within each of us." — Billie Jean King

"An inspiring celebration of family, community, and our unique identities that teaches children about the power of unity and acceptance." — J.B. Pritzker, Governor of Illinois

"Engaging and bright" — Kirkus Reviews

From the Publisher

2024-04-05
LGBTQ+ advocates Jordan and Hendrix urge readers to celebrate their unique selves.

Everyone has a rainbow, “made up of all the things that make you happy.” As the book begins, a pale-skinned, black-haired child takes part in a variety of activities: having a bubble bath, trying on different clothes (including overalls and a dress), and attending a Pride parade alongside adults of various races, abilities, and gender expressions. The mood shifts as the protagonist notices a sad-looking child curled up amid gray rain clouds. “Everyone has their own rainbow, but not everyone feels comfortable letting theirs shine,” we’re told. Readers are reminded “that the sun will appear again soon” and that rainbows appear “when the sun shines through the rain.” Though rainbows and other queer symbols are everywhere in Chen’s dreamy, color-strewn artwork, the text sticks to generalities. Pride is described as “the feeling that wraps around you like a cozy hug” and “when you are loved for being yourself.” It’s a laudable, reassuring sentiment, but without context from adults, young readers won’t grasp the message that all LGBTQ+ identities should be celebrated, though backmatter fills in some gaps. The jewel-toned illustrations are engaging and bright, but the tale’s many platitudes (“Just be true to who you are!”) leave the book feeling cliched.

In this story, rainbows feel like an overworked symbol rather than a genuine mark of Pride. (note for caregivers, reflection questions, glossary) (Picture book. 4-7)

Kirkus Reviews