On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, Pride And The Rainbow Warriors by Ian H Watkins of Steps is a vibrant children’s book celebrating diversity, self-acceptance, and kindness through a magical adventure inspired by the Pride flag’s colors.
Pride And The Rainbow Warriors
Ian ‘H’ Watkins, best known as a member of the iconic 90s pop group Steps, has stepped into the world of children’s literature with his debut book, Pride and the Rainbow Warriors. Released in 2025, this vibrant and heartfelt story celebrates diversity, self-acceptance, and the power of kindness, making it a meaningful read for families, allies, and “rainbow warriors” of all ages.
Illustrated by David Gregory, Pride and the Rainbow Warriors weaves a magical adventure inspired by the colors of the Pride flag, with each character embodying a unique hue and its associated meaning—ranging from life and healing to joy and spirit. The book’s core message is clear: being different is a superpower. It resonates with children who may feel they don’t quite fit in and adults striving to create a more inclusive world.
Through its diverse characters, Pride and the Rainbow Warriors celebrates intersectionality and the beauty of individuality while promoting love, pride, and kindness toward others, especially those who are different. The book’s enchanting narrative and vivid illustrations make it an ideal read for families looking to spark conversations about identity and acceptance.
Pride and the Rainbow Warriors is now available, inviting readers to embark on a colorful journey of self-discovery and compassion. Perfect for young readers and the young at heart, it’s a powerful reminder that love and pride can light the way to a brighter, more inclusive world.
Ian H Watkins
Watkins, who came out publicly as gay in 2007, is a proud father to twin sons, Macsen and Cybi, born via surrogacy. His personal journey and experiences as a parent infuse the book with authenticity and heart. “This story is for every child who feels different and every adult working to make the world better for them,” Watkins shared, emphasizing the book’s universal appeal.
Steps: The Iconic ’90s Dance-Pop Sensation
Steps, a British dance-pop group formed in May 1997, became one of the defining pop acts of the late ’90s and early 2000s, known for their infectious hits and synchronized dance routines. The quintet—Claire Richards, Lee Latchford-Evans, Lisa Scott-Lee, Faye Tozer, and Ian “H” Watkins—was assembled through auditions advertised in The Stage newspaper by producers Steve Crosby, Barry Upton, and manager Tim Byrne. Their name reflected their signature choreographed dance steps, included with most singles to engage fans in learning the routines.
Bursting onto the scene with their debut single “5,6,7,8” in 1997, Steps blended catchy pop with a line-dancing vibe, achieving massive success despite peaking at number 14 in the UK. Their follow-up, “Last Thing on My Mind,” marked their first top-10 hit, and they went on to score 14 consecutive UK top-5 singles, including two number-ones: the double A-side “Heartbeat”/”Tragedy” (a Bee Gees cover) and “Stomp.” Their debut album, Step One (1998), and sophomore release, Steptacular (1999), both hit the UK charts with massive sales, earning multi-platinum certifications. With over 22 million records sold worldwide, including 15 million albums, Steps became a pop powerhouse, earning a BRIT Award nomination for Best Newcomer in 1999 and supporting Britney Spears on her debut U.S. tour.
Despite their success, internal tensions led to a split on Boxing Day 2001, when H and Claire departed to form a duo, leaving the remaining members to disband. The group reunited in 2011 for a Sky Living documentary, Steps: Reunion, sparking a comeback with their third number-one album, The Ultimate Collection. Since then, Steps have continued to thrive, releasing albums like Tears on the Dancefloor (2017) and What the Future Holds (2020), and achieving a historic milestone in 2022 with Platinum Collection, their fourth number-one album across four decades—the first British mixed-gender group to do so.
Known for their campy, ABBA-inspired sound and feel-good anthems like “Deeper Shade of Blue” and “One for Sorrow,” Steps remain a beloved act, celebrated for their nostalgic appeal and enduring fanbase. Their vibrant performances, such as at Brighton & Hove Pride 2023, and upcoming projects like the 2025 musical Here & Now, keep their legacy alive.
Find more from Ian H Watkins now:
Amazon: https://amzn.to/409Gl5v
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