True Colors: The picture book inspired by the beautiful song

True Colors is a gorgeous picture book inspired by the song, and we're crying from page 1.

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? CMP is an Amazon and rstyle affiliate 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.

More in KidsView all picks →

Avenleur Climbing Wall

Avenlur climbing wall: An indoor adventure course for kids

A holiday gift that encourages active, adventurous play for kids • Described as a larger, more substantial Christmas gift • An indoor play space that brings playground energy into the home • Open-ended design encourages imaginative play in different scenarios

A Q&A with author Jamie Sumner about her new book Wish You Well

Q&A with middle grade author Jamie Sumner

Jamie Sumner is a best-selling middle grade author who often writes about the disability experience. • Wish You Well follows three kids who feign friendship to scam a wish-granting foundation.

shannon hale princess in black book and author

Q&A with children’s book author Shannon Hale

Shannon Hale is the bestselling author behind The Princess in Black series. It's a favorite early chapter book series for kids ages 5–8 and boys love it as much as girls do. Her newest book, Princess in Black and the Trick or Treating Trouble, comes out just in time for Halloween. We talked with her about it as part of our Q&A author series and asked about a few of her favorite things too.