The Rainbow Parade

An exploration of community and belonging that's highly recommended for all families and all bookshelves. 

This welcome addition to picture books for young children directly addresses the Pride parade and LGBTQ+ community and promotes the straightforward, positive message of recognition and acceptance.

Joy, love, and sacred tradition are shared across generations in Neilson's personal-feeling tribute to Pride, situated in a city that resembles San Francisco. The excitement is palpable as young Emily and their two moms, who read as white, ride the train to join their "family of friends" for the march. Along the way, they see people of varying ages, body types, gender expressions, and skin tones, all wearing "whatever makes them feel most like themselves." When the event at last begins, Emily observes its participants as "extra loud," "super proud," and "very colorful." And indeed, digital spreads and spot illustrations are alight with pattern and movement that soon show the characters heading out from behind the parade route's barrier to march with other families--naming Pride as something to practice, not just to observe. The creator's familiarity and fondness is clear in this title that represents the queer community's exuberant spectrum and honors Pride as a place for families, for community, and above all for connection. Ages 2-5. (May)

Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

PreS-Gr 2--The excitement builds as Emy and her mothers board the train taking them to the Pride Parade. Joined by her "family of friends," she watches with eager anticipation as the streets fill with motorcyclists, jugglers, dancers, marchers, singers and most importantly, rainbows! Everyone is so loud, proud, and colorful that Emy gets swept up in the energy of the parade. But when she gets invited to actually join in the march, she is shy. When she tells her parents that perhaps she isn't "loud enough or proud enough," one of her mothers reminds her that she belongs in the "Rainbow Parade" just as she is. As the family joins an LGBTQ+ families group, Emy learns that pride comes in all varieties and that finding her own pride happens a step at a time. Drawn from the author's own experiences, this is an encouraging and heartwarming introduction for young readers. Showcasing a broad range of racial diversity, gender identity, and sexual orientation, the book helps readers see and hear that Pride is for everyone. Thanks to simple language, purposeful layouts, and well-placed page turns, readers are whisked through the story with a vibrant energy. Digital illustrations contrast the muted tones of Emy and her family with the bright rainbow colors of the parade. By the end, however, all participants are wrapped up in a blanket of color, reminding readers that we can "practice pride all year long." VERDICT A must-have for all collections and a perfect peek into the Pride Parade for even the littlest readers.--Louie Lauer

Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

★ Delightfully dynamic... A buoyant tale that fleshes out the notion of Pride......[P]itch-perfect visual pacing...An exploration of community and belonging that's highly recommended for all families and all bookshelves. -Kirkus, starred review