Rainboy by Dylan Glynn is a beautifully illustrated picture story book that I was lucky enough to share with some of the students in my kura in South Auckland. This book explores concepts of differences, acceptance, popularity and loving yourself for who you are. Through the use of a carefully structured narrative and breath-taking illustrations, the reader learns the story of Rainboy - who brings rain and wet weather everywhere he goes, which means he’s not very popular. Sun Kidd, who brings sunshine everywhere she goes, sees what is truly special about Rainboy.

This story is great for all students, and the year two students who I shared this with loved it. They commented on how “[they] didn’t like it when Rainboy was crying” and empathised with the protagonist’s plight. They were able to make connections with the story’s main themes of acceptance for all, and the importance of self love!

I would highly recommend this book to fellow educators and anyone looking to explore these themes with their own tamariki.