All the Colours of the Rainbow

By Rae White & Sha’an D’anthes

Reviewed by Mia Macrossan

Rae White (they/them) is a non-binary transgender writer, educator, poet and zine maker based in Brisbane. Sha’an is based in Sydney and has a passion for creating vibrant and joyful pieces that embody a childlike way of looking at the world. Together they have created a picture book that will help teachers and parents navigate the complex territory of gender identity with children.

Jem is a little person who sometimes feels most like a girl, other days most like a boy, and sometimes ‘I feel like a boy and a girl. I feel like both and neither.’ Some adults in Jem’s world see things in black and white but the class teacher is supportive as is Mum. Colour is used to show how things are not always just one way. Using the examples of trees and sky we see how their colours change at different times. The conclusion is that people are ‘like rainbows, made up of many colours and each one is different.‘ It is a clever way to open up a conversation with a child who may be wondering where they fit in the scheme of things.

The book, which is a gorgeous riot of rich colour, is always positive and non judgemental, assuring children they can be ‘any colour of the rainbow.’ The exhuberant illustrations and careful text  provide a joyful pathway to starting important conversations about identity, diversity and acceptance.

A welcome resource for parents, teachers and children.

Lothian Children’s Books 2025

Rae White

Sha’an D’anthes