Celebrating Pride Month with Children’s Books
June is Pride Month, a time for the LGBTQIA+ community and allies to come together to celebrate diversity, promote inclusivity, and honor the struggle for equality. It’s never too early to teach children about the importance of embracing differences and accepting others for who they are. One fantastic way to introduce these concepts is through the power of children’s books. As part of our LGBTQIA+ Pride month series, we are highlighting five kids’ books that celebrate LGBTQIA+ characters, families, and stories. We hope Pride Month will provide you the perfect occasion to foster understanding, empathy, and love with your kids.
And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell
Based on a true story, the book follows the journey of two male penguins, Roy and Silo, as they care for an egg and raise their chick, Tango. It’s a heartwarming tale that beautifully conveys the idea that love comes in many forms and introduces children to the concept of same-sex parenting
Stonewall: A Building. An Uprising. A Revolution. by Rob Sanders:
This empowering non-fiction book recounts the events of the historic Stonewall Riots, a pivotal moment in the LGBTQIA+ rights movement. Through vivid illustrations and accessible language, young readers can learn about the bravery and resilience of the individuals who fought for equality, emphasizing the importance of standing up for what is right.
When Aidan Became a Brother by Kyle Lukoff
Aidan is a transgender boy who is about to become a big brother. He wants to make sure he does everything right for his new sibling. This is a great book siblings, love, and acceptance. It is also a great book to share with anyone about to become an older sibling.
Prince & Knight and Maiden & Princess by Daniel Haack:
In these charming fairy tales, the protagonists set out to find their perfect spouse and learn that love can be found in unexpected places and that love is love.
In Prince & Knight, a brave prince embarks on a quest to find his true love, and along the way, he encounters a valiant knight. Together, they defeat a fearsome dragon and discover a deep connection.
In Maiden & Princess, a maiden reluctantly attends a prince’s ball. She is supposed to catch the prince’s attention, but instead ends up forming a connection with the prince’s sister.
These enchanting stories teach children that love transcends gender, and helps normalize LGBTQIA+ relationships.
The Boy & the Bindi by Vivek Shraya
The Boy & the Bindi is a beautifully illustrated tale about a young boy who becomes fascinated with his mother’s bindi, a traditional dot worn on the forehead. As he explores his curiosity, he learns about cultural traditions, self-expression, and the importance of embracing one’s identity, regardless of societal expectations.
Books have the power to shape young minds and open up discussions about diversity, acceptance, and equality. By introducing children to LGBTQIA+ characters and stories during Pride Month and beyond, we can instill empathy, compassion, and a sense of belonging in the hearts of the youngest generation. These children’s books are just a few examples of the rich and diverse literature available to nurture a more inclusive and understanding society.