Here you'll find a short list of some of the most recent LGBTQIA2S+ inclusive picture books for children and their families. Celebrate Pride 2023 with these rainbow reads!
My moms love me
Membrino, Anna, author. https://isni.org/isni/0000000409555301.
jE Membrino
Picture Books
"Two mommies share a perfect day with their little one in this joyful book! From visiting animals on a farm and sharing a car ride sing-along, to a sudsy bath-time and bedtime snuggles galore, love and warmth beam out of every page of this book. This book is the perfect way to celebrate love for LGBTQ+ families!"--
The rainbow parade
Neilson, Emily, author, illustrator.
jE Neilson
Picture Books
A girl recounts her first time marching with her two moms at a Pride Parade.
'Twas the night before Pride
McClintick, Joanna, author.
jE Mcclinti
Picture Books
A glittering celebration of queer families puts Pride gently in perspective--honoring those in the LBGTQ+ community who fought against injustice and inequality. Pride Day is a day that means "Together, we are strong!" With bright, buoyant illustrations and lyrical, age-appropriate rhyme modeled on "'Twas the Night Before Christmas," it tackles difficult content such as the Stonewall Riots and the AIDS marches.
Miss Rita, mystery reader
Donovan, Sam (Fashion designer), author.
jE Donovan
Picture Books
"Daddy is the Mystery Reader at Tori's school today, and he's coming dressed as Miss Rita! Tori helps Daddy gloss, glitter, glamour, and glimmer to get ready. It takes time-because sparkle is serious business! Tori loves helping Daddy become Miss Rita. But will the other kids at school love Miss Rita like Tori does?"--
The best bed for me
Cornwall, Gaia, author, illustrator.
jE Cornwall
Picture Books
"Mama and Mommy would like Sweet Pea to settle into bed, but it's not quite time. Even though the bed is fluffy, it's not as snuggly as curling up like a pig in the mud, or as spacious as sleeping in the wide ocean like a blue whale. But after mimicking all the ways different animals rest, this little one concedes that a comfy bed, a soft pillow, and a good-night wish offer the best way to fall asleep after all."--
The Best Bed for Me is just as much fun as Gaia Cornwall's other titles like Jabari Jumps! Don't miss this one.
- Casey
Bathe the cat
McGinty, Alice B., 1963- author.
jE McGinty
Picture Books
Dad has posted a list of chores for the family to do before grandma comes, including bathing the cat; but the cat does not want a bath, so she mixes up the instructions, and soon the family is mowing the floor, vacuuming the lawn, mopping the baby--and the house is in chaos.
Bathe The Cat is one of the best read alouds from the last few years! It's just too funny.
- Casey
All moms
Ellis, Sarah Kate, author.
jE Ellis
Picture Books
Some moms are silly, some are sporty or crafty, but all moms are incredible.
The Plastic rectangle
Friedman, Katie, author.
jE Friedman
Picture Books
"Money is an ever intriguing yet difficult concept to grasp for kids. This book playfully explains how money works while reminding kids (and grown-ups) that nothing is more important then spending time with each other. Printed with OpenDyslexic typeface, which helps people with dyslexia read more efficiently."-- From Amazon.com
My sister, Daisy
Karlsson, Adria, author.
jE Karlsson
Picture Books
An older brother reacts to his younger sibling's gender transformation with compassion. Includes a note from the author.
Calvin
Ford, Ronald Martin, Jr., author.
jE Ford
Picture Books
"A transgender boy prepares for the first day of school and introduces himself to his family and friends for the first time"--
Sam is my sister
Rhodes-Courter, Ashley, 1985- author.
jE Rhodes-Courter
Picture Books
Evan, Sam, and Finn fish, climb trees, and play astronauts together, but when Sam wants to have long hair and wear dresses, Evan is confused until he learns what it means to be transgender.
Kapaemahu
Wong-Kalu, Hinaleimoana, author.
jE Wong-Kalu
Picture Books
An Indigenous legend about how four extraordinary individuals of dual male and female spirit, or Mahu, brought healing arts from Tahiti to Hawaii.
What are your words? : a book about pronouns
Locke, Katherine, author.
jE Locke
Picture Books
Ari knows a lot of words for neighbors, including the pronouns each prefers, and with help from Uncle Lior, who always asks "What are your words," figures out which pronouns--and other words--fit best today.
Over the shop
Lawson, JonArno, author.
jE Lawson
Picture Books
"A lonely little girl and her grandparent need to fill the run-down apartment in their building. But taking over the quarters above their store will mean major renovations for the new occupants, and none of the potential renters can envision the possibilities of the space--until one special couple shows up. With their ingenuity, the little girl's big heart, and heaps of hard work, the desperate fixer-upper begins to change in lovely and surprising ways"--Provided by publisher.
I love wordless titles, and this one shines!
- Casey
If you're a drag queen and you know it
Lil Miss Hot Mess, author.
jE Lil
Picture Books
Drag queens sing verses of this popular song that encourages everyone to express their fabulousness by singing, posing, and twirling along.
This is an ICPL storytime favorite!
- Casey
Grandad's pride
Woodgate, Harry
jE/Woodgate
Picture Books
After Milly discovers a pride flag in Grandad's attic, this adorable pair are motivated by the past to start a pride parade in their small town. Activism and celebration go hand in hand as the town gathers to help build a world where everyone is proud to be themselves
The much-anticipated follow-up to Grandad's Camper! I can't wait to see this one.
- Casey
Payden's pronoun party
Jaryn, Blue, author.
jE Jaryn
"Payden has always used he/him pronouns, until one day Payden realizes those words might not fit. Payden's parents promise to throw a big party to introduce whatever pronouns Payden chooses--but which pronouns are the best match? On a colorful quest, Payden talks to friends about a rainbow of possibilities: he, she, they, ze, and so many more! The right pronouns are just waiting to be tried on." --
Riley can't stop crying
Boulay, Stéphanie, 1987- author.
jE Boulay
Four-year-old Riley is inconsolable. He can't stop crying and nothing is making him feel better. His sister, Regina, tries her best to help him figure out what's wrong, but Riley isn't sure. It's not his tummy, or his head, or the monsters under the bed. A story about a child's search for his true self under the compassionate eye of his older sister.
My own way : celebrating gender freedom for kids
Estrela, Joana, 1990- author, illustrator.
jE Estrela
My Own Way is a poem and a picture book that introduces very young children to the wonder of gender diversity. Why feel limited to his or hers, blue or pink, football or ballet?
I adore the illustrations in My Moms Love Me!
- Casey