Parenting
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Pride Month reads: 15 heartwarming LGBTQ+ books to share with your child
Cradlewise Staff
Ever feel like the books we read to our kids can shape the way they see the world? And when it comes to teaching love, empathy, and kindness, stories go a long, long way.
As a mom, one of my favorite things about storytime is how books help me open up big, beautiful conversations with my child—about kindness, fairness, and what it means to love someone for exactly who they are.
And during Pride Month, I find myself reaching for books that do just that: stories that celebrate all kinds of families, identities, and ways of being in the world.
There was a time when books with LGBTQ+ characters and themes were hard to find, especially for young kids. But not anymore. These days, there’s a growing stack of picture books that celebrate all kinds of families, identities, and the simple but powerful truth that love makes a family.
Whether you’re raising questions about the rainbow flags you see around town this month, or you’re just looking for stories that nurture empathy and curiosity, these books are such a gentle, age-appropriate way to start. And no, reading them doesn’t mean you’re diving into complicated topics. These stories are for every family that wants to raise little humans who are kind and open-hearted.
So here are 15 of our favorite LGBTQ+ picture books to read this Pride Month (and beyond!). They’re sweet, silly, heartwarming—and most of all, full of love.
1. And Tango Makes Three
By Justin Richardson & Peter Parnell
Published by Simon & Schuster
This real-life tale of two male penguins at the Central Park Zoo who build a nest and raise a chick together is all about love, teamwork, and family, no matter what it looks like. Snuggle up with your little one and show them that there are all kinds of beautiful families in the world.
Best for ages: 2–6
2. Julián Is a Mermaid
By Jessica Love
Published by Candlewick Press
Julián sees some gorgeous mermaids and wants to become one too—and his abuela responds with nothing but love. The dreamy artwork and sweet story make this one a favorite to curl up with and celebrate the magic of being yourself.
Best for ages: 4–6
3. I Am Jazz
By Jessica Herthel & Jazz Jennings
Published by Dial Books
Based on Jazz Jennings’ real-life story, this gentle book helps explain what it means to be transgender. Cozy up with your bubba and introduce them to the idea that being true to yourself is always the right path.
Best for ages: 4–6
4. Maiden & Princess
By Daniel Haack & Isabel Galupo
Published by Little Bee Books
A twist on the classic fairy tale—our brave maiden attends a royal ball and ends up falling for the princess instead of the prince. This one’s perfect for bedtime snuggles and teaching that love stories come in all forms.
Best for ages: 4–6
5. Prince & Knight
By Daniel Haack
Published by Little Bee Books
When the prince finally meets his perfect match, it’s not a princess—it’s a brave knight! This inclusive tale is a swoon-worthy story of courage, kindness, and true love.
Best for ages: 4–6
6. The Rainbow Parade
By Emily Neilson
Published by Penguin Workshop
March along with a little one and her two moms at a joyful Pride parade filled with color, love, and community spirit. It’s a beautiful way to introduce little ones to celebration and acceptance.
Best for ages: 2–5
7. Love, Violet
By Charlotte Sullivan Wild
Published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Violet has a fluttery feeling in her chest and a big secret—she likes her classmate Mira. This sweet, soft story about first crushes is perfect for quiet moments and helping kids name big feelings.
Best for ages: 4–6
8. 10,000 Dresses
By Marcus Ewert
Published by Seven Stories Press
Bailey dreams of sparkly, twirly, magical dresses—but her family doesn’t understand. Then she meets someone who does. This powerful story is all about embracing identity and the joy of being yourself.
Best for ages: 4–6
9. My Shadow is Pink
By Scott Stuart
Published by Larrikin House
What happens when a little boy’s shadow loves glitter and pink? A heartfelt reminder that there’s no one right way to be a boy—or a person. Inspired by the author’s own son, this one is equal parts fun and empowering.
Best for ages: 3–6
10. The Sissy Duckling
By Harvey Fierstein
Published by Simon & Schuster
Elmer is different from the other ducklings—and that’s exactly what makes him shine. This sweet story of being proud of who you are will leave both you and your little one feeling warm and fuzzy.
Best for ages: 4–6
11. From the Stars in the Sky to the Fish in the Sea
By Kai Cheng Thom
Published by Arsenal Pulp Press
This poetic, dreamy story follows a child who is both/neither/both and everything in between—and the mama who loves them unconditionally. A gentle celebration of non-binary identity and limitless love.
Best for ages: 3–6
12. Antonio’s Card
By Rigoberto González
Published by Children’s Book Press
Antonio wants to make a card for both his mom and her partner, Leslie. This story delicately explores love, identity, and the courage to express how we feel. A beautiful read for nurturing empathy in young hearts.
Best for ages: 5–7
13. Stella Brings the Family
By Miriam B. Schiffer
Published by Chronicle Books
Mother’s Day is coming up, but Stella has two dads—what now? With creativity and love, she shows that families don’t have to look the same to be full of warmth and care.
Best for ages: 4–6
14. Donovan’s Big Day
By Lesléa Newman
Published by Tricycle Press
It’s a big day for Donovan—his moms are getting married! This book is full of excitement, pride, and the reminder that love (and a good bowtie) makes everything brighter.
Best for ages: 3–6
15. Jerome by Heart
By Thomas Scotto
Published by Enchanted Lion Books
Raphaël has a best friend named Jerome, and his feelings for him run deep. This poetic book delicately captures the intensity of friendship and love between two boys.
Best for ages: 4–7
Conclusion
Whether your child is already asking big questions or you’re just looking for a sweet story to celebrate Pride Month, these books are a beautiful way to introduce the values that matter most—kindness, inclusion, and love.
Because at the end of the day, we all want the same thing: to raise kids who feel safe in their skin and are kind to others, no matter their background or identity.
So go ahead, add a few of these gems to your storytime shelf. You never know which book might become their favorite, or plant a seed of empathy that lasts a lifetime.
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