In this standalone sequel to Rainbow Boy, we see that the titular boy is no longer wearing his pink tutu, green mermaid tail, or purple cape. He doesn’t like rainbows anymore, “because they make me different,” he tells his mother.
His mother suggests they go to “a place where everyone is a rainbow.” Both his mom and dad then take him to a Pride parade, and the book turns into a counting book of sorts as the boy sees “One grand marshal…. Two daddies, ” and so on, each briefly described and commented on through the boy’s first-person narration.
When the boy sees “four boys in sparkly dresses,” he is clearly delighted to “twirl just like them.” When he sees seven mamas giving hugs, his mother explains that “some people at the parade need extra love from a mama,” and she gives him a hug, too.
And when his father explains that “pride” means “feeling happy about who you are,” the boy asks, “Even if you’re different?” and his father responds, “Especially if you’re different.”
At the end of the parade, the boy reflects on all he’s seen and all the people there who were different, and decides that he’s proud to be a Rainbow Boy.
I love that both parents are involved in supporting their child here, and do so without hesitation. They also recognize that their son needs something that they alone can’t give him—a full queer community where he can see his gender creativity reflected. The lessons are clear, but author Taylor Rouanzion keeps them from feeling pedantic, and they’re interspersed with scenes of simple joy, as the boy plays with dogs at the parade or waves to people in decorated wheelchairs.
Stacey Chomiak’s charming illustrations capture the colorful, loving vibe of the parade, and show people diverse in many ways.
A highly recommended tale of parental support, community, and self-affirmation.
Rainbow Boy and his family are White.
