Daniel Gray-Barnett pens book to celebrate his rainbow family

An award-winning author and illustrator has released his latest children’s book, in celebration of pride month and rainbow families. 

Daniel Gray-Barnett never dreamed he would become an award-winning author and illustrator, but he has always been a trailblazer.

Gray-Barnett and his then-fiance were engaged for four years in anticipation of marriage equality.

On December 9, 2017 they were the first same-sex couple in Sydney to lodge their intent to marry.

Now living in Tasmania, the couple have recently welcomed their first child- a son named Till. 

The couple’s journey to creating their own rainbow family was the inspiration behind Gray-Barnett’s latest children’s book- All The Colours of Our Rainbow.

Released to coincide with Pride, All the Colours of Our Rainbow is an exploration of the meaning behind the colours in the rainbow flag.

The unique design of the board book sees coloured ribbons woven through the pages, culminating with a rainbow on the final page.

Gray-Barnett said creating the book was especially poignant as he and his husband awaited the birth of their son.

“It’s been a special time, and writing the book knowing that he’ll grow up and understand that I wrote it for him is really special,” Gray-Barnett said.

Celebrating diversity

Gray-Barnett said he wrote the book for young children, to start the conversation about rainbow families and diversity early.

‘Thinking about the questions my son will face at school and in broader society about having two dads, I wanted to make sure all children can learn from an early age that not every family fits into the ‘typical’ mummy and daddy mould that we see in mainstream children’s media,” he said. 

Amongst the excitement, the Gray-Barnetts have been slowly settling into their new life as a family of three.

“We’re getting about five hours of sleep a night now,” he said.

“So we’re tired, but very happy. He’s a really good baby so we’re very lucky.”

All the Colours of Our Rainbow is available to purchase via Booktopia.

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