"Pride Month is just beginning, so we’re celebrating! If you’re looking to add even more diverse books to your home’s library to honor and learn more about the LGBTQ+ community, we’ve rounded up 30 of our favorite picture and board books for kids featuring storylines with gay, lesbian, non-binary, and transgender topics and characters.
We love that these books encourage little ones to become their authentic selves through inspiring stories of others who have paved the way. Whether someone in your family or someone you know is part of the community or not, all kids can learn something from hearing these stories.
There are options for informational books to teach kids about different LGBTQ+ terminology and gender stereotypes, as well as personal stories of perseverance and acceptance. There’s something for little and big kids, toddlers, and preschool-age kiddos here. Little ones will love the bright and colorful illustrations, as well as the rhythms of some of the books, while older kids can be inspired by the tales of overcoming adversity.
While we celebrate pride with bright colors and fun parades, it’s also important to remember what this month is all about. Celebrate Pride Month with the list of LGBTQ+ books for kids below!
Embark on a journey where magic is all around you, reflected by the many colors of the rainbow. Along that journey, this story invites kids to see past the limited scope of what girls and boys are “supposed” to like or do, and love whatever inspires them.
In this queer-affirming fairytale, it’s not the classic trope of the prince falling in love with the princess. Instead, as the dashing prince defends his kingdom from danger, he meets a brave knight who makes his heart sing.
This sweet board book celebrates all different types of families and stresses that the most important part of any home is unconditional love.
A young transgender boy named Aidan prepares to welcome a new sibling and celebrates the many transitions a family can experience together.
When Stella’s school has a Mother’s Day celebration, the little girl finds a unique solution for who to invite to the party since she has two dads.
You’re not going to find a more fun or vibrant LGBTQ+ book for littles than this one—embrace dancing, dress up, and the freedom to be yourself with this story’s colorful and empowering group of drag queens.
This fascinating story teaches children the history of the rainbow-toned Gay Pride Flag alongside the achievements of Harvey Milk, who bravely advocated for gay rights and other social causes.
For kids who are a bit older, this is a useful guidebook covering topics that range from gender fluidity and sexual identity, to body exploration and consent. Its down-to-earth, honest, and inclusive approach is perfect for sparking that first birds and the bees talk.
Written by trans teen and LGBTQ+ activist Jazz Jennings, this picture book is based on Jazz’s real-life experience as a transgender kid.
This book celebrates and explains Pride month with easy-to-understand LGBTQ+ history and culture.
A board book featuring diverse families with two moms as they go about their daily schedules of breakfast, playdates, bedtime stories, and more.
Featuring a diverse set of leaders who also happen to be LGBTQ+, Queer Heroes showcases the remarkable feats of creators, athletes, activists, and inventors throughout history up to the here and now.
A thoughtful read for older kids, this story illuminates what it’s like to navigate the emotions of genuinely feeling like both a boy and a girl. More than that, it’s about transcending gender stereotypes and discovering friendships where you’re simply accepted as you are.
Many kids can feel like they have to hide what really brings them joy to avoid being teased or losing connections. This heartwarming story brings to life the precious love and support that can help each of us befriend these joys that hide in our shadows.
When Julián gets a glimpse of costumed mermaids on a subway ride home from a visit to the pool, he’s mesmerized and daydreams of dressing up like the ladies in his own mermaid costume.
Check out the next part of Julián’s story in Julián at the Wedding.
A young boy named Lenny follows his friend Jasmine for a school project and learns she has two dads.
This sweet board book tells the story of two male Central Park Zoo penguins who create a nontraditional family by welcoming a baby of their own.
In this two-for-one learning experience, little kids can work on their ABCs while learning about the LGBTQIA+ community.
Families come in all shapes and sizes in this sweet board book. With bright illustrations and rhyming words, Families Belong celebrates the unconditional love of families.
With adorable illustrations, this book is a great intro to LGBTQ+ pride and reminds kids that families come in all varieties.
This board book tells the story of a toddler with two moms as they spend the day together.
Similar to Mommy, Mama, and Me comes the story of a toddler spending the day with their two dads.
Pride Colors explains and celebrates the unconditional love between parents and children through rhymes and colorful imagery.
When Heather and her classmates are asked to draw pictures of their families at school, the little girl realizes that no two families are exactly the same.
A Top Ten Title on the 2015 American Library Association Rainbow List, this poetic book inspires kids to question the expectations of gender stereotypes and be who they want to be.
In the latest book from Beaty and Roberts’ The Questioneers series, Aaron Slater sees the world differently from his peers. He also has dyslexia (and the book is printed in dyslexia-friendly font). Readers will love following Aaron as he begins to tell his story through art. We also learn through pictures that Aaron has the loving support of his two moms.
From the A Kids Book About series, this new book explores what being non-binary means in kid-friendly terms.
Many little kids can relate to this story! As Téo gets ready for his dance recital, he faces the challenge of picking out the perfect outfit. With the help of his parents and teachers, he learns a lot about becoming his authentic self.
Books offer great conversation-starter opportunities. With this book, parents can open the door for discussions on gender stereotypes.
For fans of the Rebel Girls book collection, be sure to add this to the library. This book celebrates 25 inspiring stories of members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
