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The Rainbow Sheep
A humorous story about inclusion, self-acceptance, and the joy of being different.
Ricky lives with a flock of sheep that prizes conformity. When one sleeps, they all sleep. When one eats, they all eat. When one ba-a-a-a-s, the all ba-a-a-a. And they all dress the same too. Every single day.
Until a rainbow sheep joins the flock and everything changes! Rainbow is so fun and so free! Ricky becomes friends with Rainbow and starts becoming her true self too. How will the rest of the flock react?
Find out in The Rainbow Sheep, a humorous story by cartoonist David Hayward.
Ricky lives with a flock of sheep that prizes conformity. When one sleeps, they all sleep. When one eats, they all eat. When one ba-a-a-a-s, the all ba-a-a-a. And they all dress the same too. Every single day.
Until a rainbow sheep joins the flock and everything changes! Rainbow is so fun and so free! Ricky becomes friends with Rainbow and starts becoming her true self too. How will the rest of the flock react?
Find out in The Rainbow Sheep, a humorous story by cartoonist David Hayward.
32 pages, Hardcover
Published May 13, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
March 31, 2025
This is a cute little picture book about embracing our own individuality. I think that this is super cute for kids I was a little horrified at the prospect of sheep's just taking off their wool like a shirt but I think that that is my adult autistic brain coming in hot there.
My only other slight struggle with this book is at the very end there's some art that has all these different sheep with all these different colors and there are pride flags included however there are so many that are excluded even just not having a bi or ace flag was wild but I would have loved to see more inclusion on that aspect. I went to the author's Instagram page and I'm not sure why they weren't included because the Instagram page just filled with so many different pride inclusive works of art. I would just like to see that translated to this book as well.
For all the stupid people who think that we're tricking children by slowly incorporating pride flags, just a reminder that a queer book is not going to turn your children queer but it might make them feel accepted which is more than you're doing. Have the day you deserve.
I'm giving this book five stars to combat the absolute nonsense of the negative reviews. I would absolutely buy it for my nieces and nephews.
My only other slight struggle with this book is at the very end there's some art that has all these different sheep with all these different colors and there are pride flags included however there are so many that are excluded even just not having a bi or ace flag was wild but I would have loved to see more inclusion on that aspect. I went to the author's Instagram page and I'm not sure why they weren't included because the Instagram page just filled with so many different pride inclusive works of art. I would just like to see that translated to this book as well.
For all the stupid people who think that we're tricking children by slowly incorporating pride flags, just a reminder that a queer book is not going to turn your children queer but it might make them feel accepted which is more than you're doing. Have the day you deserve.
I'm giving this book five stars to combat the absolute nonsense of the negative reviews. I would absolutely buy it for my nieces and nephews.
March 28, 2025
This book has a great message to encourage kids to be themselves, even if they stick out in a crowd. The illustrations are fun and engaging. The high contrast and bright colors would be great for the developing eyes of babies also.
March 28, 2025
I love this! This is a book about embracing your true self and not succumbing to the pressures of conformity. It's also an empowering message about the impact a single person can make, when they embrace their differences.
May 24, 2025
This book should be available to every pastor and child education coordinator. Accept everyone- gay, straight, differently abled or not. You might learn something.
May 21, 2025
Happy Publishing Day! Rainbows Rainbows all around!
I love this book!!! It's really simple in terms of writing, but that makes this a great book for a wider age range of kids. The plot and the way it developed and grew over the course of the story was absolutely perfect! The author accurately showed how a community can change for the better and the resulting benefits of it. However, Hayward did this in an age-appropriate way that is easy for little ones to understand and follow. Additionally, the main characters of Ricky and Rainbow had much personality without saying much. Their uniqueness and confidence is infectious, and many readers will feel inspired to be themselves, with authenticity and courage. As for the illustrations: they started out a bit more simple, and increasingly more color got added as the story progressed. This relates to my earlier point of this book's impressively seamless development. Lastly, I love how the illustrator weaved in various pride flags towards the end of the story!! This is so important for little ones to see in order for them to build understanding and empathy skills, and it also allows them to feel seen if they identify with the queer community. Bravo!!
I love this book!!! It's really simple in terms of writing, but that makes this a great book for a wider age range of kids. The plot and the way it developed and grew over the course of the story was absolutely perfect! The author accurately showed how a community can change for the better and the resulting benefits of it. However, Hayward did this in an age-appropriate way that is easy for little ones to understand and follow. Additionally, the main characters of Ricky and Rainbow had much personality without saying much. Their uniqueness and confidence is infectious, and many readers will feel inspired to be themselves, with authenticity and courage. As for the illustrations: they started out a bit more simple, and increasingly more color got added as the story progressed. This relates to my earlier point of this book's impressively seamless development. Lastly, I love how the illustrator weaved in various pride flags towards the end of the story!! This is so important for little ones to see in order for them to build understanding and empathy skills, and it also allows them to feel seen if they identify with the queer community. Bravo!!
May 21, 2025
Thank you for the ARC. Rainbow sheep joins the flock and everything changes. This is a wonderful story about acceptance and that being different is ok. We aren’t all the same and should be able to express ourselves and not “follow the flock”.
March 28, 2025
The Rainbow Sheep is a story about acceptance, happiness in one’s identity and interests, and honoring differences. Inclusivity is the main theme which subtly has themes to support our LGBTQ+ friends and family (there is no mention of LGBTQ+ ideas other than a rainbow colored sheep and one in trans colors, but many solid color characters too, even the elusive black sheep).
Ricky is a sheep that does just that, follows everyone around her. She eats when the flock eats, sleeps when the flock sleeps, looks identical to her flock (white wool). Humor added in by showing the sheep getting dressed in their onsie-inspired wool clothing everyday (complete with snap buttons).
The one day a new sheep, Rainbow, arrives in a rainbow wool covering. Immediately the flock hands over a white wool outfit telling Rainbow to change into it. Rainbow is true to himself and continues in his own clothing and enjoys different things: frolicking with butterflies, jumping in puddles, and just being him.
Ricky decides she would like to befriend Rainbow! And eventually, she shows her true colors and even more of the flock decide they want to try new things!
But a flock meeting is called! What will happen? Will they accept differences or keep pushing their sheep mentality and want all to stay the same?
The illustrations are simple, delightful, and colorful! A great read for kids to accept differences in others.
Thank you @NetGalley and @BroadleafBooks for the advanced digital copy
Ricky is a sheep that does just that, follows everyone around her. She eats when the flock eats, sleeps when the flock sleeps, looks identical to her flock (white wool). Humor added in by showing the sheep getting dressed in their onsie-inspired wool clothing everyday (complete with snap buttons).
The one day a new sheep, Rainbow, arrives in a rainbow wool covering. Immediately the flock hands over a white wool outfit telling Rainbow to change into it. Rainbow is true to himself and continues in his own clothing and enjoys different things: frolicking with butterflies, jumping in puddles, and just being him.
Ricky decides she would like to befriend Rainbow! And eventually, she shows her true colors and even more of the flock decide they want to try new things!
But a flock meeting is called! What will happen? Will they accept differences or keep pushing their sheep mentality and want all to stay the same?
The illustrations are simple, delightful, and colorful! A great read for kids to accept differences in others.
Thank you @NetGalley and @BroadleafBooks for the advanced digital copy
March 25, 2025
As a mother of two, we absolutely loved The Rainbow Sheep by David Hayward! The story follows Rainbow, a sheep who doesn’t conform to the flock and prefers to do things their own way. My kids couldn’t stop laughing when they saw the hangers with all the sheep’s wool hanging up. As a parent, I appreciated how one of the sheep, Ricky, chose to befriend Rainbow, despite the rest of the flock wanting to cast Rainbow aside. It can be hard to stand out from the crowd, but we all feel different at times, and sometimes all it takes is one person to validate those feelings. The illustrations were perfect for the story, and my children and I had fun spotting the different colors each sheep chose. This book is a beautiful reminder to celebrate our differences and embrace what makes us unique. I would highly recommend it to any family with elementary-age kids!
Thank you to NetGalley and beaming books for this eARC!
Thank you to NetGalley and beaming books for this eARC!
April 22, 2025
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to publisher Beaming Books and author David Hayward for an opportunity to review this book.
Some of my favorite quotes address individuality and uniqueness:
"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment."
– Ralph Waldo Emerson
"The things that make me different are the things that make me."
– A. A. Milne
"Why fit in when you were born to stand out?"
– Dr. Seuss
“Be yourself” is always good advice. And when sheep in a children’s story show that it is okay to express individuality, embrace inclusiveness and differences, and be brave—-those are always great messages.
This is a charming, uplifting book with infectious positivity.
Well done!
Some of my favorite quotes address individuality and uniqueness:
"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment."
– Ralph Waldo Emerson
"The things that make me different are the things that make me."
– A. A. Milne
"Why fit in when you were born to stand out?"
– Dr. Seuss
“Be yourself” is always good advice. And when sheep in a children’s story show that it is okay to express individuality, embrace inclusiveness and differences, and be brave—-those are always great messages.
This is a charming, uplifting book with infectious positivity.
Well done!
May 30, 2025
Ricky lives with a flock of sheep who are all the same - they all sleep at the same time, eat at the same time and dress in the same way. One day, a rainbow sheep joins them and Ricky learns how to find joy in learning to be who she really is.
Such a beautiful little story about inclusion, accepting who you are and celebrating our differences. A wonderful picture book to help children understand that diversity and acceptance is so important and that it's ok to be who you are and not feel pressured to be the same as everyone around you. An encouraging message we can all take away in a fun and simple manner that children can understand.
I loved this book! ❤️💛🧡🩵💚💙💜🤎🖤🩶🤍🩷
Thank you to NetGalley and Broadleaf Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.
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October 20, 2025I don’t know how an actual kid would respond to this, though I expect it would depend on their age. For me, I found it a little on the nose, but that would be fine for some kids.
I’m not going to hold up Dr. Seuss as a paragon of anything, but I remember reading books like The Sneeches, where there was a story and fun mayhem beyond the obvious message about being yourself. I enjoy layered stories more, and there are children’s books that achieve that beautifully. This was more direct and had almost no plot, per se. So: I like the meaning but was tepid on the book itself. Perhaps better for a readaloud/discussion or classroom scenario than for reread value?
I’m not going to hold up Dr. Seuss as a paragon of anything, but I remember reading books like The Sneeches, where there was a story and fun mayhem beyond the obvious message about being yourself. I enjoy layered stories more, and there are children’s books that achieve that beautifully. This was more direct and had almost no plot, per se. So: I like the meaning but was tepid on the book itself. Perhaps better for a readaloud/discussion or classroom scenario than for reread value?
March 25, 2025
I received an electronic ARC from Broadleaf Books through NetGalley.
Readers meet a flock of sheep who do absolutely everything together. One day a disrupter arrives and chooses to be themself. Others find the courage to change how they look and what they do so they no longer conform to the status quo. A gentle way to introduce being yourself to young and not so young readers. The message shines through the simple illustrations and text. The story can be applied to such a broad field that it will fit for different situations at all ages.
Readers meet a flock of sheep who do absolutely everything together. One day a disrupter arrives and chooses to be themself. Others find the courage to change how they look and what they do so they no longer conform to the status quo. A gentle way to introduce being yourself to young and not so young readers. The message shines through the simple illustrations and text. The story can be applied to such a broad field that it will fit for different situations at all ages.
May 6, 2025
I’ve followed David Hayward as @nakedpastor for years.
Not only have I loved his drawings, but his commentary on the current state of Christianity, has been really clarifying.
This book, with only 23 words (not counting ba-aa-ahs) is equally clarifying.
You don’t need words to understand what this book so clearly conveys.
All you need is love, acceptance, and, maybe, an amazing technicolour dream coat.
Not only have I loved his drawings, but his commentary on the current state of Christianity, has been really clarifying.
This book, with only 23 words (not counting ba-aa-ahs) is equally clarifying.
You don’t need words to understand what this book so clearly conveys.
All you need is love, acceptance, and, maybe, an amazing technicolour dream coat.
May 8, 2025
Ricky (She/her) is a sheep that sticks with the Flock in all regards of the same coat, same bleet, same eating times and same sleeping times.
A new sheep, Rainbow, joins the flock and shakes up the routine.
Ricky decides to find her own look and join in Rainbow's fun. Will the rest of the flock accept or shun them? Will there be some changes made?
David Hayward gives a fun story of identity, empowerment and a subtle (not so-subtle) nod to PRIDE.
A new sheep, Rainbow, joins the flock and shakes up the routine.
Ricky decides to find her own look and join in Rainbow's fun. Will the rest of the flock accept or shun them? Will there be some changes made?
David Hayward gives a fun story of identity, empowerment and a subtle (not so-subtle) nod to PRIDE.
March 11, 2025
Thank you PW Grab a Galley for the eARC of The Rainbow Sheep.
The concept is good that not everyone is the same and people/sheep should be themselves. But there was nods to LGBTQ that almost felt like it was meant to trick people who weren't familiar with LGBTQ flags/colors.
The concept is good that not everyone is the same and people/sheep should be themselves. But there was nods to LGBTQ that almost felt like it was meant to trick people who weren't familiar with LGBTQ flags/colors.
March 28, 2025
This is very cute! I recognize those flag colours! Quite simple, but gets the message across.
The Advanced Review Copy (ARC) was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Advanced Review Copy (ARC) was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 28, 2025
This is a super sweet short children’s book. At one point I worried it might devolve into being a bit dark… but not it all, it with a delightful plot twist.This story is a wholesome allegory beginning to end, with adorable drawings. The back endpaper is an aesthetic highlight.
March 11, 2025
Love the message and the illustrations!
April 1, 2025
Beautiful story demonstrating why diversity it’s important. Lovely, suitable for any age. Thank you to the author. Thank you to # NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC.
April 26, 2025
Cute, fast picture book read that focuses on themes of identity and self-acceptance. I loved the use of pride flag colors and would recommend it for my library's queer family storytime program.
May 13, 2025
Beautifully written and illustrated book encouraging us all to embrace our individuality.
May 21, 2025
Rainbow sheep’s story is an important one of identity and being yourself. Sadly, it’s been done better in other picture books.
June 27, 2025
Great book about inclusiveness
September 5, 2025
Sheep or color ST. A sheep is colorful and stands out. Others learn to accept him and be free to be themselves too. Cute but not anything stand out. Good length for a ST though.
March 26, 2025
Ricky and his flock show readers that it is ok to be yourself, even if your "flock" has always done things the same and you have followed others. Break free from the norm and be your best self!
May 22, 2025
It’s so important to teach and advocate for inclusivity, especially given what’s happening in the world right now. Everyone deserves the right to be themselves without fear or discrimination. Books like this play a crucial role in spreading awareness, fostering empathy, and inspiring change. Thank you for writing this and contributing to a more accepting and compassionate world.
Thank you Net Galley for ARC ❤️😇
Thank you Net Galley for ARC ❤️😇
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews