Stories are a big deal for little kids. The narratives and images that we share with young ones (especially before age 5) help them develop values, empathy, a sense of themselves, their imaginations, and an understanding of the world they live in. Our children naturally insert themselves into what they hear and see. They relate with each of the characters and find their way through the unfolding tale.
So, what are we storying their precious minds with? Some kids get the pleasure of oral traditions through parents, grandparents, or other adults in their lives. But the story landscape in most of our children’s lives comes from books. We’re lucky these days to have access to a wide array of books for kids. Yet, it’s still true that the majority of them prop up outdated and limiting ideas about gender, race, class, and what’s “normal.”
This month is LGBTQ Pride month (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning). Most people just call it Pride month. Not only because all those letters are a mouthful, but because, for many of us, Pride month is about honoring and celebrating diversity and acceptance of all gender identities.
In essence, Pride month is about having pride in who you are, who and how you love, and pride in each of our contributions to the resilient diversity that makes a healthy human culture. It’s also a fantastic time to teach and learn about the struggles and triumphs of the LGBTQ communities.
For pride month, we’ve put together a list of children’s books full of diverse, authentic gender identities and sexual orientations. The heroes and heroines of these narratives step outside the stereotypical boxes boys and girls can get stuck in. By doing this, they set examples for all the kids who read about them that it’s okay (and even awesome) to be exactly who and how you naturally are. We hope that reading these fun and inclusive stories to your little ones will plant seeds of acceptance – for themselves and others – in their developing minds.
This post contains affiliate links. Income earned from these referrals allows us to keep offering free services to the community like childbirth education classes and pre/postnatal support groups. There is no additional cost to you for making purchases through our site.
A Family Is a Family Is a Family
This book is adorable and I love how it has soooo many examples of different kinds of families. It is easy to find an example of all kinds of families and kids of all ages really liked that. It is a great way to talk about diversity. And not only is there a varied array of family units…there is also characters of all sizes, shapes, and colors! Very simple text will appeal to young listeners and early readers and the illustrations are fabulous!
Donovan’s Big Day
This book is a delight to read and it is not an “issue” book explaining marriage equality. Issue books are important but often the stories and writing aren’t that compelling outside of the lesson imparted. This is a great way to introduce the idea of same sex parents and families to young children. It is told through the eyes of the young boy, the words and tone are perfect. And the build up is excellent as the reader thinks they know what the big day is all about until the big reveal and by then, everyone has to admit that it is a big day and special no matter who is getting married.The art is just beautiful and I teared up during the wedding ceremony… just like I do at real weddings!
Pink Is for Boys
Pink is for boys . . . and girls . . . and everyone! It’s a short and simple beautiful picture book that rethinks and reframes the stereotypical blue/pink gender binary and empowers kids-and their grown-ups-to express themselves in every color of the rainbow. Featuring a diverse group of relatable characters it is perfect for young ones, but it also opens up limitless conversations about breaking down gender stereotypes with older children too. I think it’s an all around great family book covering simple color concepts and bigger ideas like social norms.
Daddy, Papa, and Me
Sweet story with Dr Seuss-type rhymes and sweet illustrations that show a toddler spending the day with its daddies. From the familiar activities of hide-and-seek to dress-up, then bath time and a kiss goodnight this book shows the loving bond between same-sex parents and their children. I think what makes this book different than other same-sex led family story books is that the fact that the baby has two dads is not the plot in and of itself. It’s just a normal children’s book, but there happens to be two dads. You will find that a lot of the books featuring same-sex couple parents make such a central point of it. I appreciate having this book to have just a simple bedtime story that normalizes same sex families.
From the Stars in the Sky to the Fish in the Sea
Finally! This book has so many things missing from children’s literature. First, the main character, Miu Lan, is nonbinary: neither a boy nor a girl. Second, Miu Lan is clearly non-white. There are few depictions of trans children of color in children’s literature. Lastly, this book reads like a fairy tale picture book. It presents its message about gender calmly and age-appropriately, and teaches the reader to value people for who they are, not which box they fit in.
Antonio’s Card/ La tarjeta de Antonio (English and Spanish Edition)
I really like this book it portrays one boys struggle to fit in without hurting anyone’s feelings. The book centers around the fact that Antonio has two mother figures which makes it difficult to explain to his classmates. For families who are raising bilingual children, I especially love that the book is written in English and Spanish on each page. This story teaches not only tolerance but also reassures children that a household filled with love is something to cherish.
