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24 Facts (And 24 Stories) About Rainbows

Published by Shreiya | June 30, 2020

Rainbows are exquisite and rare. These beautifully arched, colorful formations are a visual treat. And they are almost magical, hypnotizing its viewers.

But what’s also mesmerising are Rainbow Facts for Kids and Rainbow science! Together they are certain to amaze your kids and excite them!

Table of Contents:

1. How is Rainbow Formed?

2. Rainbow Facts

3. Rainbow Animals

4. Rainbow Books for Kids

How is a Rainbow Formed?

Rainbow Science for Kids

Rainbow is an optical phenomenon, much like Lunar Halo. For rainbow to be seen, three conditions must be met:

1.It should be raining

2. Sun should be visible

3. The observer/viewer must be in between the sun and rain

Rainbow is formed when sunlight is refracted that is bent while passing through the water droplets. The raindrops bend the light acting like tiny prisms, splitting white light of the sun into its individual, different colours.

White light is made of a combination of colours, the ones we refer to as VIBGYOR – the colours of rainbow. As sunlight passes through the water drops, it is bent at different angles, giving rise to the spectacular phenomenon of the rainbow.

Quick Tip: Now that you know the science of Rainbows, try this cute Rainbow Clover Craft for Kids.

24 Fun Facts About Rainbow For Kids

Now that you understand the science behind rainbows, let us dive into Fun Facts About Rainbows.

Quick Tip: Explore the Science of Colours for Preschoolers through hands-on activities and crafts with KidPillar STEM e-journal.

These cool facts about rainbows will amaze your children as well as you! We are sure you will love these rainbow facts for kids and will be looking at rainbows with more wonder than ever!

1. The word rainbow comes from Latin word ‘Arcus Pluvius’, meaning rainy arch.

2. Rainbows are full circles of light. But since you observe them from the ground, you only see a semi-circle.

Related: Did you know India has a festival dedicated to colours? Holi, popularly known as the festival of colours, is a much loved Indian holiday and is celebrated with much rigour across the country.

3. Just like the Lunar Halo, no two people see the rainbow the same way.

4. Some rainbows occur upside down and are referred to as ‘Smile Rainbows’. They occur when sunlight is refracted by tiny ice crystals.

5. Issac Newton was the first person to explain the occurrence of rainbows.

6. Rainbows can occur at night as well, though they are extremely rare. Rainbows occurring at night are called Moonbows.

Rainbow facts for kids

7. The lower the Sun is in the sky, the higher will be the rainbow.

8. Earth is the only planet in the Solar System to observe the phenomenon of the rainbow.

9. Greeks believed that Rainbows connected heaven and Earth

10. Rainbows are difficult to form in winters and form more easily in summers, as during winter season water droplets freeze high up in the atmosphere.

11. Rainbows can be formed by mist, fog, spray and even dew.

12. Rainbows formed by fog, called fogbows, are much larger than those formed by raindrops.

13. Double rainbows also occur in the sky. They happen when light is refracted more than once by the water droplets.

Quick Tip: Pair these cool facts with Trivia Questions to test your smarts!

14. Double Rainbows have their colours reversed. The outer rainbow is less bright and has red on the inside rather than the outside of the arch.

15. Sometimes light can be refracted multiple times within a water droplet, giving rise to tertiary and quaternary rainbows.

16. Rainbow cannot be touched or felt as it is an optical phenomenon.

17. Hawaii witnesses most rainbows than any other place on Earth.

18. The world’s longest-lasting rainbow was seen over Sheffield, England on March 14, 1994.

19. You cannot see the end of the rainbow.

20. Rainbows are regarded as Universal symbols of Peace and Harmony.

21. Red Rainbow also known as a Monochrome Rainbow is an extremely rare variation of rainbow that occurs at sunset or sunrise.

22. Saturn’s moon, Titan, with its moist atmosphere has the perfect condition to form a rainbow.

23. Rainbows are considered to be lucky and symbolise hope.

24. It is believed that rainbows have relaxing and healing qualities.

Love Fun Facts? Check out 150+ Fun Facts for Kids to be amazed!

Rainbow Coloured Animals

Rainbow Animals

Nature is abundant with rainbow colours. The colours of rainbow are bestowed on some of the most wonderful, exquisite creatures in the natural world.

These rainbow-colored animals mimic some of the most beautiful colour combinations and appear to have taken some serious inspiration from rainbow.

From ground dwelling insects to sky conquering birds, there are rainbow animals all around in nature. While some of these vibrant coloured animals are blessed with bold combination of colours, others choose to change their colouring to camouflage.

Whatever the case may be, these animals are nature’s splendid creations and give us some major fashion inspirations.

1. Rainbow Leaf Beetle

Hands down the most beautiful beetle you will ever see, Rainbow Leaf beetle is found across Eurasia and is extremely rare. Its stunning rainbow colours make it one of the most beautiful insects.

Rainbow Animal
Source: commons.wikimedia.org

2. Wattle Cup Caterpillar

Another colourful creature has quite many rainbow colours though not all. Nonetheless, it does remind us of VIBGYOR.

Animals with rainbow colours

3. Rainbow Fly

These flies shine a bright spectrum of rainbow colours when looked up close.

Rainbow coloured insects

4. Rainbow Lorikeets

These lorikeets certainly pack a lot of colours and are a bird watcher’s true delight. These rainbow-colored animals are certain to catch your attention for good.

Rainbow animal with photo

5. Cortez Rainbow Wrasse

When talking about colours in the natural world, oceans cannot be far behind. This fish packs beautiful rainbow colours.

Rainbow animals with photos

6. Gouldian Finches

These pretty finches are quite rare and difficult to spot. Consider yourself lucky to spot one in wild.

Rainbow coloured birds

7. Red Eyed Tree Frog

Not equipped with all rainbow colours but certainly one of the most colourful frogs you would see.

Rainbow animals

8. Cuckoo Wasp

These metallic coloured wasps are stunningly beautiful. It’s exoskeleton is covered in tiny, dense pits, which gives these wasps an almost glittery appearance, making them one of the most beautiful insects. These insects get their name from the fact that like cuckoos, who they lay their eggs in the nests of other birds, these wasps too lay their eggs in the nests of other solitary wasps.

Rainbow colours animals

While the above animals are naturally bestowed with gamut of rainbow colours, not all animals are so lucky. But a few can change colours to adapt to their environments and stay hidden from predator (and prey).

Colour Changing Animals

1. Chameleon

One of the most popular of the colour changing animals, chameleons are the masters of disguise. They quickly adapt to their surroundings by changing their colour and blending in the environment.

Colour changing animal

2. Golden Tortoise Beetle

These beetles change colour when agitated or while mating. They quickly change their colour from gold to bright red.

rainbow colored animal
Source: commons.wikimedia.org

3. Pacific Tree Frog

These amphibians can quickly change colour to blend in their surroundings to protect themselves from predators.

rainbow colored animals
Source: commons.wikimedia.org

4. Thorny Seahorse

These seahorses are expert at camouflage. They change their colour for various reasons from frightening predators to attracting mates.

Colour changing animals

5. Crab Spiders

These are one of a few arachnids that can change colour to match the flower they are sitting on. Hard to spot, they are great at camouflaging.

Animals that change Colour
Source: commons.wikimedia.org

6. Mimic Octopus

These amazing creatures change their body colour to mimic other sea creatures.

Colour changing animals

7. Peacock Flounders

These sea creatures quickly adapt to their surrounding by changing their colour and pattern on their body.

Rainbow animals for kids
Source: commons.wikimedia.org

8. Cuttlefish

Yet another sea creature which can quickly change its colour and pattern to match the environment.

Colour changing animals

9. Squid

These marine cephalopods change colour to escape predators as well as to hunt.

Colour changing animals

10. Rock Goby

This small fish is a master of camouflage and quickly changes its colour to escape from predators.

Rainbow fish

While we are on the topic of Colors, here’s a Journal for Kids on COLOR THEORY:

24 Rainbow Books for Kids 

Spark joy of reading with these lovely stories about rainbows. Full of wonder and delight, these rainbow books for kids are sure to get your children happy and bright.

Rainbow Books For Kids

These Rainbow Books for kids are well suited for preschoolers and all the way through kindergarten. A pure delight for children who love rainbows and all things vibrant, these books make for wonderful bedtime stories for kids as well!

1. Elmer and the Rainbow

This is a beautiful, heartwarming story about Elmer the elephant who decides to give his colours to the rainbow. A great book about rainbows and sharing, this is a must read.

Rainbow stories for kids

Related: Gamify math with these Fun Math Games for Kindergarten.

2. I Am a Rainbow

A lovely book by Dolly Parton, this one deals with rainbow feelings you experience. This one must have to build emotional acumen.

books about rainbows for kids

3. The Rainbow Fish

This beautiful, eye-catching book will mesmerise your kids while delivering a strong message on how to make friends.

Rainbow book for kids

4. Rainbow Chameleon

Teach your children why change is only constant and an essential part of life with this lovely story about a chameleon that changes colours to adapt and thus grow.

Rainbow books for Kindergarten

5. The Greedy Rainbow

Read about a greedy rainbow and how its greed affects the rest of the jungle. This is a story your children will surely love.

stories about rainbows

6. Why Do We See Rainbow?

Delve into the science of rainbow with your kids and explore in detail how rainbow is formed with this enlightening read.

Rainbow story for kids

7. How the Crayons Saved the Rainbow

This is a great book to teach the value of perseverance and teamwork to your kids. Find out how crayons come to rescue when sun and clouds get into a fight.

Rainbow story in English

8. I Can See a Rainbow

Explore the rainbow colours of the animal kingdom with this beautiful, stunning board book.

Short story about Rainbow for kids

9. Maisy’s Rainbow Dream

Enchant your children yet again with another lovely title from Maisy. This book will take your children on adventure as Maisy dreams of a Rainbow land.

Best Children's books about rainbows

10. The Leprechaun Who Lost His Rainbow

This is a lovely story that will surely delight your kids and teach them great lessons about family values.

books about rainbow for toddlers

11. Esther’s Rainbow

Suited for a younger audience, this book teaches colours of the rainbow and days of the week through a cheerful storyline.

Rainbow Storytime books

12. Isaac’s Ice Cream Tree

Just like the title, this book spells magic on its readers through its imaginative and beautiful story.

Rainbow stories for kids

13. Rainbow Bird

An Aboriginal Folktale From Northern Australia – This is quite a tale about a crocodile man and a bird woman. Suited for an older audience, it is a lovely folklore.

Books about Rainbows read aloud

14. The Straight Rainbow

Targeted at the younger audience, this book teaches the significance of being unique and yet finding your own lovely spot in the scene of things.

picture books about rainbows

15. How the Sky’s Housekeeper Wore Her Scarves

This is a great story about the Sky’s housekeeper and how she ends up wearing all her scarves the same day to create an enchanting rainbow.

Children's books about rainbows

16. The Rainbow Weaver

This is a magical book that children and even adults will love. Read to find out why the rainbow is getting shorter and what must be done to save it.

kindergarten books about rainbows

17. Two Rainbows

This is a stirring story of a girl who moves to places and how she discovers that beauty surrounds us everywhere we live.

Preschool books about rainbows

18. The Rainbow Bear

This is a story about a polar bear who is bored of his colour and white surroundings. He dreams of soaking the rainbow colours but finds himself in a catch. A beautifully illustrated book, this one is quite a prize.

books about rainbows

19. Ned’s Rainbow

This is a touching tale of a boy named Ned and his discovery. Suited for younger audiences who have just progressed over board books.

Rainbow stories

20. A Surprise for Tiny Mouse

Read this book to find out what will make the tiny mouse, who loves all weathers but rain, come out of its hole on a rainy day.

Rainbow stories for children

21. Geckos Make a Rainbow

This fun-filled book about Geckos will make your little ones squeal in delight. A great book for little kids who are just learning to recognise colours.

Rainbow book for children

22. Chasing Rainbows (Dr. Seuss/Cat in the Hat)

Another classic from Dr. Suess, this book will take your kids on rainbow exploration. Packed with facts and humour, this book is our personal favourite.

Best Rainbow books for kids

23. The Rainbow and You

Join hands with Rainbow patrol and discover the magical secrets of the rainbow. Equipped with cultural facts and knowledge, this book will help your kids understand the significance of rainbows across cultures.

Rainbow books for kids

24. A Rainbow of My Own

How about having your own personal rainbow? That’s the idea behind this book. The story unfolds around a boywho dreams of having a rainbow of his own.

books for kids about rainbow
This post may contain Amazon affiliate links, which means that I earn a minuscule (< 5%) commission if you purchase. 

Also Read:

16 Watery Science Experiments Kids Can Do in the Monsoon

How and When Do Animals Sleep?

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