Read the Rainbow:
9 Illuminating Color Books for Babies
by Janssen Bradshaw
I love teaching my children their colors.
It’s one of the earlier skills they can pick up and there are opportunities to practice all around, whether you’re walking through the grocery store, playing at the playground, or getting dressed in the morning (or the afternoon. No judgment here!).
My toddler is still at the stage where every color is “boo,” but she’s getting a little better every day. These are some of my favorite books to help little ones learn all the colors of the rainbow.
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The Crayons’ Book of Colors
Available from:What better way to introduce colors than with crayons! Duncan's crayons are making him a birthday card, coming together to create a truly spectacular drawing.
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Ellie in Color
Available from:A rather artistic elephant, Ellie uses her trusty paintbrush to teach little ones about her favorite colors, bringing them together to create a beautiful picture.
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Duck & Goose Colors
Available from:This book from Tad Hills features the ever-popular duo Duck and Goose, who have previously introduced numbers and opposites, and now take on colors!
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A Color of His Own
Available from:Elephants are gray and pigs are pink, but what color is the ever-changing chameleon? Animals, colors, and friendship all collide in this classic board book.
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Guinea Pigs Go Painting
Available from:Guinea pigs Bob and Ginger decide to give their bedroom a makeover by painting an underwater scene on the wall. Little hands will love pointing to the green turtles, yellow fish, gray sharks, and other marine life.
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The Very Hungry Caterpillar Eats Lunch
Available from:The Very Hungry Caterpillar is ready for his midday meal. Will he have the orange mac and cheese, a green salad, or a bowl of red tomato soup? Even the pickiest eater will love this new spin on the beloved classic!
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Sylvie
Available from:When little Sylvie discovers her pink coloring comes from the shrimp in her diet, she decides to experiment! As Sylvie tries out several different colors and patterns, she discovers that sometimes it's best just to be yourself.
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Show Your Colors
Available from:The animals want to show off their special color in this adorable rhyming board book. Duck has soft brown feathers, donkey bares strong white teeth, parrot ruffles purple feathers, and so much more. A surprise pop-up at the end that will have toddlers giggling with delight!
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Red House, Tree House, Little Bitty Brown Mouse
Available from:A little brown mouse eagerly explores the world, introducing young minds to early concepts from colors and counting to animals and vehicles. Deceptively simple but completely engaging, little ones will love searching for little mouse on each page.
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Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2015 and updated in 2023.