The best books to read to your rainbow baby

Samantha Gassman Author Of Dear Rainbow Baby
By Samantha Gassman

Who am I?

When I started writing children’s stories in 2018, I never would've guessed that my first book would be about rainbow babies. I hadn’t even heard of the term until I miscarried the following year. As I grieved the baby we would never hold, I used writing to work through the mess of emotions I felt: pain, disappointment, sorrow… until the words “Dear Rainbow Baby” appeared. My husband and I didn’t know if we could or would have a rainbow baby, yet, writing a letter filled me with hope that one day she would come. We recently celebrated our daughter’s second birthday, and the publication of my first picture book Dear Rainbow Baby.

I wrote...

Dear Rainbow Baby

By Samantha Gassman, Timothy Lange (illustrator),

Book cover of Dear Rainbow Baby

What is my book about?

Dear Rainbow Baby is the perfect book for expecting parents and parents of rainbow babies. Rainbow babies are children born following a miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss. Because rainbows often follow storms, these children represent hope and light after loss.

Written as a letter to the rainbow baby, parents and children alike will enjoy its lyrical language, stunning illustrations, and beautiful message. 

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The books I picked & why

It Had to Be You

By Loryn Brantz,

Book cover of It Had to Be You

Why did I love this book?

The first thing I noticed about this book was its simple black, white, and red illustrations. They are simple and clean and add so much to the book’s message. While the text doesn’t explicitly mention rainbow babies, parents who have endured previous losses will resonate with its beautiful refrain: it had to be you. 

It Had to Be You

By Loryn Brantz,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked It Had to Be You as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

This sweet and playful board book features bold, high-contrast black-and-white illustrations that babies can actually see!

In simple, beautiful verse, bestselling Feminist Baby creator and two-time Emmy Award winner Loryn Brantz narrates the journey that parents take to have their perfect little one.

New York magazine's The Strategist chose It Had to Be You as one of the "Best (Nonobvious) Baby Books to Bring to a Shower." As The Strategist stated: "Because of its high-contrast color scheme (with red accents), it's easy for babies to see the illustrations. Plus, the lyrical text is a love poem to the child that's…

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Welcome to the Party

By Gabrielle Union, Ashley Evans (illustrator),

Book cover of Welcome to the Party

Why did I love this book?

Welcome to the Party takes a different twist on bringing home a baby by likening the event to a party. The rhyming text makes it an easy read aloud for parents and caregivers while the illustrations add heart and humor. The book has wide appeal for anyone reading to a new baby but will be especially meaningful to parents of rainbow babies. 

Welcome to the Party

By Gabrielle Union, Ashley Evans (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Welcome to the Party as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Praised by fan favorites including Hoda Kotb, Kim & Khloe Kardashian, and Jimmy Fallon!

Inspired by the eagerly awaited birth of her daughter, Kaavia James Union Wade, New York Times bestselling author and award-winning actress Gabrielle Union pens a festive and universal love letter from parents to little ones, perfect for welcoming a baby to the party of life!

Reminiscent of favorites such as The Wonderful Things You'll Be by Emily Winfield Martin, I've Loved You Since Forever by Hoda Kotb, and Take Heart, My Child by Ainsley Earhardt, Welcome to the Party is an upbeat celebration of new life…

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These Precious Little People

By Frankie Brunker, Gillian Gamble (illustrator),

Book cover of These Precious Little People

Why did I love this book?

The artwork in this book brought tears to my eyes. Gillian perfectly captured the poignant text with her gorgeous illustrations. I love how both the text and the art reflect the whirlwind of emotions people feel after suffering a loss. While the experience is unique, Frankie’s words bring the universal emotions to light and remind parents they are not alone in their grief.

These Precious Little People

By Frankie Brunker, Gillian Gamble (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked These Precious Little People as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

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  • Coming soon!

Because You're Mine

By Nancy Tillman,

Book cover of Because You're Mine

Why did I love this book?

I love all of Nancy Tillman’s picture books. I love her imaginative illustrations, depicting children living their wildest dreams, befriending animals, and romping through nature. This book is a sweet, sentimental reminder of how amazing it is to have a child. This book is sure to touch the hearts of all parents, especially at the end when the author reminds us that “the reverse is true—I also belong to you.” 

Because You're Mine

By Nancy Tillman,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Because You're Mine as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Bestselling author/artist Nancy Tillman celebrates the lifelong bond between parent and child. Not just about newborns, Because You're Mine stands as a testament to a parent's protection and support of their child through all ages and stages.

The clouds can blow, the wind can call,
the snow can come, the rain can fall-
but they’ll just have to wait in line . . .

Because you’re mine. Because you’re mine.

Like Love You Forever, this is sure to be an evergreen gift and a new classic.

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Just in Case You Ever Wonder

By Max Lucado, Eve Tharlet (illustrator),

Book cover of Just in Case You Ever Wonder

Why did I love this book?

This book hardly needs an introduction! It has sold over a million copies worldwide, and for good reason. The most recently released version with art by Eve Tharlet is absolutely lovely. Rich with beautiful imagery and touching text, this book brings a religious element to having a baby. What I love most about this book is that the story can be read to a child of any age, from baby to toddler to kid because its message resonates with every age group. 

Just in Case You Ever Wonder

By Max Lucado, Eve Tharlet (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Just in Case You Ever Wonder as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

This book assures children of God's love through all their experiences--including during hard times such as being afraid of the dark or being bullied--and gives assurance that their parent was there when they were first born and will be with them in heaven.

From New York Times bestselling author Max Lucado comes Just in Case You Ever Wonder, the classic children's book that has made its way into hearts and story times around the world. This award-winning book about the love between a parent and child

has sold 1.7 million copies, touching lives for more than 25 years; reminds children…

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5 book lists we think you will like!

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The best YA books about first love, discovering yourself, and all that good stuff
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Interested in rainbows, friendships, and parenting?

9,000+ authors have recommended their favorite books and what they love about them. Browse their picks for the best books about rainbows, friendships, and parenting.

Rainbows Explore 9 books about rainbows
Friendships Explore 466 books about friendships
Parenting Explore 303 books about parenting

And, 3 books we think you will enjoy!

We think you will like Love Makes a Family, The Age of Shiva, and Love, Mama if you like this list.

Book cover of Love Makes a Family Book cover of The Age of Shiva Book cover of Love, Mama