One of the best reasons to get kids reading as early, and as much, as possible is because it gives them a mirror onto their own lives, their family, and their world. For a long time, children growing up in LGBTQ+ families could have all the picture books in the world, and none of the pictures would have their parents, their siblings, or themselves in it. Thankfully, that’s not the case anymore– if anything, children’s books today have more color, humor, and humanity than ever before!
Oh No, the Aunts Are Here
Written by Adam Rex, Illustrated by Lian Cho
Juvenile Fiction – Family – LGBTQ+
Chronicle Books
One girl’s all-too-recognizable experience—a visit from a troupe of overwhelming and overly enthusiastic relations—escalates to new heights of chaos, absurdity, and delight in a laugh-out-loud take on family reunions. Written with signature humor by Adam Rex and illustrated by Lian Cho, this picture book is a celebration of the universal and endearing strangeness of family.
A Child’s Introduction to Pride
Written by Sarah Prager, Illustrated by Caitlin O’Dwyer
Juvenile Nonfiction – LGBTQ+
Black Dog & Leventhal
The history of the LGBTQIA+ community has often been overlooked, but it’s one that is filled with heroes, struggles, triumph, and joy. A Child’s Introduction to Pride is full of remarkable stories of groundbreaking events and inspirational people, featuring profiles of dozens of queer icons from various time periods and walks of life. Young readers will meet members of the community who have made big contributions to politics—like Harvey Milk and Marsha P. Johnson—as well as important people from the worlds of sports, music, literature, dance, science, and more. Kids will also be introduced to key terms like “gender” and “identity” while learning about the importance of coming out and what it means to be a good ally.
Cinderelliot: A Scrumptious Fairy Tale
Written by Mark Ceilley & Rachel Smoka-Richardson, Illustrated by Stephanie Laberis
Juvenile Fiction – LGBTQ+
Running Press Kids
Cinderelliot is stuck at home taking care of his ungrateful stepsister and stepbrother. When Prince Samuel announces a kingdom-wide competition to join the royal staff as his baker, the stepsiblings insist that Cinderelliot bake their entries, leaving no time for he, himself, to compete. Fairy Godfather Ludwig appears and magically helps Cinderelliot bake his best chocolate cake, clean up, and get to the competition via limo. At the bake-off, Prince Samuel falls in love with Cinderelliot’s cake, but our hero has to run off as the clock strikes midnight, leaving behind his chef hat. The next day, Prince Samuel searches the kingdom for the owner of the hat and finds that it fits perfectly on Cinderelliot’s head. The prince is delighted to find not only his new baker but also the man of his dreams, and Cinderelliot creates a magnificent wedding cake–and the two live scrumptiously ever after.
Julián is a Mermaid
Written and Illustrated by Jessica Love
Juvenile Fiction – LGBTQ+
Candlewick
While riding the subway home from the pool with his abuela one day, Julián notices three women spectacularly dressed up. Their hair billows in brilliant hues, their dresses end in fishtails, and their joy fills the train car. When Julián gets home, daydreaming of the magic he’s seen, all he can think about is dressing up just like the ladies in his own fabulous mermaid costume: a butter-yellow curtain for his tail, the fronds of a potted fern for his headdress. But what will Abuela think about the mess he makes — and even more importantly, what will she think about how Julián sees himself? Mesmerizing and full of heart, Jessica Love’s author-illustrator debut is a jubilant picture of self-love and a radiant celebration of individuality.
The GayBCs
Written and Illustrated by M.L. Webb
Juvenile Noniction – LGBTQ+
Quirk Books
A playdate extravaganza transforms into a joyful celebration of friendship, love, and identity as four young friends sashay out of all the closets, dress up in a wardrobe fit for kings and queens, and discover the wonders of their imagination. In The GayBCs, M. L. Webb’s playful illustrations and lively poems delight in the beauty of embracing one’s truest self—from A is for Aro and Ace to F is for Family to T is for Trans. An accessible gift to show kids and adults alike that every person is worthy of being celebrated. A bonus glossary offers opportunities for further discussion of complete terms, communities, and inclusive identities.
Rainbow: A First Book of Pride
Written by Michael Genhart, Illustrated by Anne Passchier
Juvenile Noniction – LGBTQ+
Magination Press
This is a sweet ode to rainbow families, and an affirming display of a parent’s love for their child and a child’s love for their parents. With bright colors and joyful families, this book celebrates LGBTQ+ pride and reveals the colorful meaning behind each rainbow stripe in a simple and engaging format for young readers. Readers will celebrate the life, healing, light, nature, harmony, and spirit that the rainbows in this book will bring.