Pride Month Children’s Books
Usually, the books we share are books written by Irish authors or from an Irish publisher, but I wanted to give some extra recommendations this month. In honor of June being LGBTQ Pride Month, I wanted to share recommendations of children’s books that feature LGBTQ characters and families. Books like these are not just beneficial for LGBTQ families — every child can learn something from books that center a message of love and affirmation for everyone in our community.
If you are looking for ways to talk to the children in your life about LGBTQ issues these books are a great conversation starter. If you are hoping to give a child a book that represents them or their family, there are some great options here. While LGBTQ rights have come a long way in recent years, there is still so much work to be done to build a society where people can show up as their fullest selves and feel safe and welcome.
Adding these books to your family’s collection is a great first step toward being an ally to LGBTQ folks in our community, but there are great organizations working to advance LGBTQ and provide direct support. I’ve listed some of these organizations at the bottom of this post.
Uncle Bobby’s Wedding by Sarah Brannen (3-6 years)
Chloe loves, loves, LOVES her special uncle Bobby. So when she learns that Uncle Bobby is going to be getting married to his boyfriend Jamie she's not at all pleased. What if Uncle Bobby doesn't have time to play with Chloe anymore? But after spending a fun-filled day with Bobby and Jamie, she soon realizes she's not losing an uncle, but gaining a whole new one! An uplifting celebration of love in all its forms, this book is perfect for any child who has a special grown-up in their life.
Grandad’s Camper by Harry Woodgate (3-6 years)
Celebrate love in all its forms, as Grandad tells his granddaughter about the adventures he used to have with Gramps. Grandad's camper van is hidden away in the garage - now Gramps isn't around anymore, the adventures they shared traveling in it just wouldn't be the same. As she listens to his wonderful stories, Grandad's granddaughter has an idea to cheer him up... A perfect story for Grandad on Father's Day
The Girl With Two Dads by Mel Elliot (3-5 years)
Matilda is a new girl at Pearl's school, but there's something really different and cool about her family; she has TWO dads! Pearl is sure that Matilda's family must be very different from her own but, as they become friends, she starts to discover that maybe Matilda's family aren't so different after all ... A funny and heart-warming tale featuring a same-sex parent family. This light-hearted story will open up discussion and encourage children to be open-minded and inclusive.
This charming tale of friendship is all about celebrating what makes us different and similar to one another and is perfect for sharing with children aged 3 years and up. Mel Elliott is a UK-based artist and writer. She graduated from the Royal College of Art in 2007.
She began designing fun, printed products and has grown her I Love Mel signature into a successful brand that has been featured in several media outlets. She is best known for her contemporary coloring books. Mel lives and works on the south coast of England and her book,The Girl with Two Dads is inspired by her daughter, Pearl.
And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell (3 years +)
Roy and Silo are just like the other penguin couples at the zoo - they bow to each other, walk together and swim together. But Roy and Silo are a little bit different - they're both boys. Then, one day, when Mr Gramzay the zookeeper finds them trying to hatch a stone, he realizes that it may be time for Roy and Silo to become parents for real.
The Hips on the Drag Queen Go Swish, Swish, Swish by Lil Miss Hot Mess (4-8 years)
The Hips on the Drag Queen Go Swish, Swish, Swish encourages readers to boldly be exactly who they are. Written by a founding member of the nationally recognized Drag Queen Story Hour (DQSH), this fabulous picture book offers a quirky twist on a classic nursery rhyme. The story plays off 'The Wheels on the Bus' as it follows a drag queen who performs her routine in front of an awe-struck audience. A fun, freewheeling celebration of how to be your most dazzling self, The Hips on the Drag Queen Go Swish, Swish, Swish will appeal to young and old readers alike.
Queer Heros by Arabelle Sicardi (10-15 years)
This beautiful, bold book celebrates the achievements of LGBTQ+ people through history and from around the world. It features dynamic full-colour portraits of a diverse selection of 53 inspirational role models accompanied by short biographies that focus on their incredible successes. From Freddie Mercury's contribution to music, Emma Gonzalez's brave and powerful message, Leonardo da Vinci's artistic legend, Harvey Milk's refusal to stay quiet and so many more inspiring queer heroes and icons and their tapestry of stories.
Published to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising, this extraordinary book will show children that anything is possible. Discover the inspiring stories of these LGBTQ+ artists, writers, innovators, athletes, and activists who have made great contributions to culture, from ancient times to present day. This is the perfect book for anyone who wants to learn more about a collection of inspiring figures in LGBTQ+ history
Julian is a Mermaid by Jessica Love (3-5 years)
A glimpse of three women dressed as mermaids leaves one boy filled with wonder and ready to dazzle the world. While riding the subway home with his Nana one day, Julian notices three women spectacularly dressed up. Their hair billows in brilliant hues, their dresses end in fishtails, and their joy fills the train carriage.
When Julian gets home, daydreaming of the magic he's seen, all he can think about is dressing up just like the ladies and making his own fabulous mermaid costume. But what will Nana think about the mess he makes - and even more importantly - what will she think about how Julian sees himself?
A, B, C of Gender Identity by Devika Dalal (5-10 years)
A is for Agender, B is for Bigender and C is for Cisgender. Welcome to the ABC of Gender Identity! Gender identity is an important part of who we are, and how we express ourselves in the world. This bright and playful A - Z book is an introduction to 26 different genders, accompanying young readers as they explore and discover their authentic selves.
With simple explanations, a helpful guide for adults by Dr. Michele Angello, and a quirky cast of illustrated characters, this is the perfect book for learning about gender diversity with children aged 5+.
My Two Mums and Me by Michael Joosten (Baby to 3 years)
An adorable board book for the babies and toddlers of lesbian mothers, featuring a variety of diverse, loving families with two moms.
Families with same-sex parents are celebrated in this board book that follows busy moms and their kids throughout their day - eating breakfast, going on a playdate, heading to the pool for a swim, and settling back in at night with a bedtime story and a goodnight lullaby. LGBTQ+ parents and their friends and families will welcome this inclusive and cheerful book that reflects their own lives and family makeup.
With artwork by acclaimed fashion illustrator Izak Zenou, this is a stylish, smart, humorous, family-focused book that will have babies and their two moms giggling as they enjoy it together.
Beyond the Gender Binary by Alok Vaid-Menon (Young Adult)
Pocket Change Collective is a series of small books with big ideas from today's leading activists and artists. In this installment, Beyond the Gender Binary, Alok Vaid-Menon challenges the world to see gender not in black and white, but in full color. Taking from their own experiences as a gender-nonconforming artist, they show us that gender is a malleable and creative form of expression. The only limit is your imagination.
There are so many people working to advance the rights of LGBTQ people across Northern Ireland (where Seaside Books is based). Here are some great organizations doing work across the country. I encourage you to follow them on social media and engage in their campaigns. With marriage equality and a ban on conversion therapy, LGBTQ rights in NI have come a long way, but there is much more work to be done to ensure that LGBTQ folks in this country feel safe and affirmed in their identity.