You probably know the song True Colors as Cyndi Lauper’s hit song from 1986 (whoa) or one of its many covers, but the lyrics were written by Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelley. And it turns out those lyrics are exquisite as the prose filling the new True Colors picture book, which celebrates all the diversity and individuality that make the world great.

Steinberg and Kelley’s words are so delightfully illustrated by Sarah Walsh it was hard to even pull a few favorites to share here. I kind of want each spread framed as artwork for my walls, don’t you?

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I mean, yes I’m the kind of person who cries at every movie, regardless of genre. But how do you not get emotional when you think of these lyrics as a parent talking to a child? Or you talking to your own child. Especially when they’re feeling sad or left out or just…different.

It’s hard to take courage
In a world full of people
You can lose sight of it all
And the darkness inside you
Can make you feel so small

But I see your true colors
Shining through
I see your true colors
And that’s why I love you

So don’t be afraid to let them show
Your true colors
True colors are beautiful
Like a rainbow

True Colors board book: The popular song makes the most gorgeous picture book for kids illustrated by Sarah Walsh

True Colors is a wonderful book to add to our list of favorite inspirational books for grads that become keepsakes.

I think it’s also perfect for Pride Month — or, like the book Love is Love, for any month at all. Because the message that we celebrate our children for their individuality and love them for who they are, no matter what, is one they can never hear enough.

Find True Colors online at our affiliate Amazon, or support your favorite indie bookseller.