As a gay dad, it should come as no surprise that I read LGBTQ children's books to my son. But what about all of you awesome straight parents out there? How many kid's books with LGBTQ characters or storylines have you read to your children?
I asked this question in a Facebook group of 1,200+ parents, and was disappointing that the most common answer was none. Even more surprising was that many hadn't even considered it. Further, the majority polled didn't know what LGTBQ children's books were available... or if they even existed at all.
Luckily, Designer Daddy is here to help!
The list below contains books that are about same-sex parents or LGBTQ people; others address gender expression or identity. Some simply include queer characters as part of the story, without directly focusing on them. All are valuable stories to help normalize LGBTQ people and to teach children (and parents!) empathy and acceptance. It also sends the message that should your child ever identify as LGBTQ, you will be there to celebrate and support them.
There are certainly more exhaustive lists to be found, but this one is unique in that it's DESIGNER DADDY APPROVED™ - meaning the stories are great, but the pictures are also pretty fabulous. Happy reading!
An ABC of Equality
0-5 years * Buy on Amazon
Simple explanations pair with whimsical artwork teach children about the world we live in and how to navigate our way through it. "L is for LGBTQIA. Find the words that make you, you."
Baby's First Words
0-3 years * Buy on Amazon
Brief text relates the daily lives of a baby and her two fathers. Features terms for objects, actions, and sounds on tabbed, die-cut board pages. Mis Primeras Palabras (en español)
Being You: A First Conversation About Gender
2-5 years * Buy on Amazon
This read-aloud board book helps begin important conversations with young children in an informed, safe and supported way.
Daddy, Papa, and Me/Mommy, Mama, and Me
0-3 years * Buy on Amazon: Daddy, Papa, and Me * Mommy, Mama, and Me
Rhythmic text and sweet illustrations show a toddler spending the day with their two fathers/mothers. Also great at showing how same-sex parents often don't adhere to gender norms - a caring parent is a caring parent, regardless of the task!
Federico and All His Families
2-6 years * Buy on Amazon
Roof to roof, Federico the cat visits all his families everyday: Tadeo and his grandparents, Anna and her two Moms, Paula and her two Dads... All of them different, all of them loved. Unconditionally. Federico y sus familias (en español)
Kevin Keller's Favorite Colors
2-5 years * Buy on Amazon
Archie's gay pal, Kevin Keller shares why this particular rainbow is so important to him. Each spread of this board book explores a stripe from the Pride flag.
Love Makes a Family
0-3 years * Buy on Amazon
This fun, inclusive board book celebrates the one thing that makes every family a family...and that's LOVE.
Our Rainbow
2-5 years * Buy on Amazon
This nifty flag-shaped board book teaches the youngest of readers about the colors of this rainbow and the simple acts of kindness that can brighten up our world! Published in partnership with GLAAD to teach LGBTQ inclusivity and acceptance.
People of Pride series
2-5 years * Buy on Amazon: RuPaul Charles * Ellen DeGeneres * Harvey Milk
This beautifully illustrated board book series celebrates the accomplishments of LGBTQ heroes and introduces children to the trailblazers who have shaped the queer community and the world.
Pink Is for Boys
0-3 years * Buy on Amazon
An empowering and educational picture book that proves colors are for everyone, regardless of gender. Also available as a picture book (4-8 years).
3-7 years * Buy on Amazon
For parents and caregivers who want their kids to grow up in a world that celebrates environmental justice, civil rights, LGBTQ rights, and everything else that activists believe in and fight for.
And Tango Makes Three
2-5 years * Buy on Amazon
A longtime favorite in our family, And Tango Makes Three is the true story of two male penguins in the Central Park Zoo. They're observed coupling like their male/female counterparts, yet face challenges when trying to hatch an egg.
Harriet Gets Carried Away
2-6 years * Buy on Amazon
When Harriet dons her special penguin costume to find the perfect party hats, she winds up on an adventure with real penguins! Can she find her way back to her dads in time for the party?
Heather Has Two Mommies
3-7 years * Buy on Amazon
One of the very first LGBTQ children's books, originally published in 1989. This 2016 update features new illustrations and a more positive take on a young girl realizing her family is different from everyone else's.
4-8 years * Buy on Amazon
The story of a transgender child based on the real-life experience of Jazz Jennings, who has become a spokesperson for trans kids everywhere.
It Feels Good to be yourself: A Book About Gender Identity
4-8 years * Buy on Amazon
This sweet, straightforward exploration of gender identity will give children a fuller understanding of themselves and others.
Julián is a Mermaid
4-8 years * Buy on Amazon
In this exuberant picture book, a glimpse of costumed mermaids leaves one boy filled with wonder and ready to dazzle the world. A radiant celebration of individuality.
Little People, BIG Dreams series
4-7 years * Buy on Amazon: Billie Jean King * Megan Rapinoe * RuPaul * Elton John
These books make the lives of these LGBTQ role models accessible for children, providing a powerful message to inspire the next generation of outstanding people who will change the world!
Also available, queer artists and icons Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Georgia O'Keeffe, Josephine Baker and David Bowie.
Maiden & Princess/Prince & Knight series
4-8 years * Buy on Amazon: Maiden & Princess * Prince & Knight * Prince & Knight: Tale of the Shadow King
In these twists on classic fairy tales, iconic characters find true love in unexpected places... and people.
4-8 years * Buy on Amazon
This colorful, simple and touching story promotes diversity and offers a valuable lesson to the youngest of audiences: it is our differences that unite us.
Papa, Daddy, & Riley
4-8 years * Buy on Amazon
Families are made of love in this heartwarming story that shows there are lots of ways to be part of one.
Todd Parr books
3-6 years * Buy on Amazon: The Daddy Book * The Family Book * The Mommy Book * It's Okay to be Different * We Belong Together: A Book About Adoption
Todd Parr books are a staple in many a family library (including ours), and for good reason. Parr illustrates life through a child's eyes using the simplest of words and pictures, always finding ways to be the most inclusive, regardless of the topic.
Peanut Goes for the Gold
4-8 years * Buy on Amazon
A charming, funny and heartfelt picture book that follows the adventures of Peanut, a gender nonbinary guinea pig who does everything with their own personal flare. Written by Queer Eye's Jonathan Van Ness.
Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag
5-8 years * Buy on Amazon
Stirring text and evocative images combine to tell this remarkable story of the beginnings of the modern LGBTQ rights movement.
Purim Superhero
4-9 years * Buy on Amazon
Nate loves aliens and he really wants to wear an alien costume for Purim, but his friends are all dressing as superheroes and he wants to fit in. What will he do? With the help of his two dads, he makes a surprising decision.
Real Sisters Pretend
6-8 years * Buy on Amazon
Told with simple words and playful illustrations, this book touches on the topics of adoption, two moms, and multiracial family life.
This Day in June
4-8 years * Buy on Amazon
A whimsical and validating reflection of the LGBT community that welcomes readers to experience a pride celebration and share in a day when we are all united.
Also included is a note to parents and caregivers with information on how to talk to children about sexual orientation and gender identity in age-appropriate ways, as well as a reading guide full of facts about LGBT history and culture.
Uncle Bobby's Wedding
3-6 years * Buy on Amazon
Produced in coordination with GLAAD, this adorable picture book is a positive example of same-sex marriage and a celebration of family.
When Aiden Became A Brother
4-7 years * Buy on Amazon
This sweetly poignant picture book celebrates the changes in a transgender boy's life, from his initial coming out to becoming a big brother.
Worm Loves Worm
4-8 years * Buy on Amazon
When a worm meets another worm and they fall in love, you know what happens next: They get married! But their friends want to know - who will wear the dress, and who will wear the tux?
A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo
6-8 years * Buy on Amazon
HBO's Emmy winning Last Week Tonight with John Oliver presents a children's picture book about a very special boy bunny who falls in love with another boy bunny.
Better Nate Than Ever
9-13 years * Buy on Amazon
Nate leaves his small town with dreams of starring on Broadway. His adventures include gradually discovering that he is gay.
The Breakaways
8-11 years * Buy on Amazon
A beautifully honest graphic novel that looks into the lives of a diverse and defiantly independent group of kids (including LGBTQ characters) learning to make room for themselves in the world.
10-14 years * Buy on Amazon
Callie joins the middle school drama production, and drama ensues - both onstage AND offstage. In the process she befriends a pair of brothers, one of who is gay and the other bisexual.
8-12 years * Buy on Amazon
George knows she's a girl, not a boy - though others don't see her that way. She hatches a plan to get a part in the school play that will help everyone see who she really is.
Kid Activists
9-12 years * Buy on Amazon
Moving, relatable and totally true childhood biographies of 15 changemakers, including gay politician Harvey Milk, trans activist Janet Mock, and author James Baldwin.
Lumberjanes
9-12 years * Buy on Amazon
Five best friends spending the summer at Lumberjane scout camp...defeating yetis, three-eyed wolves, and giant falcons...what's not to love?! This long-running series of graphic novels freatures LGBTQ characters amidst the otherworldly summer camp adventures. A recent family favorite!
Totally Joe
9-13 years * Buy on Amazon
Twelve-year-old Joe shares his private thoughts (including a secret boyfriend) for a school assignment in a book that is both funny and heartfelt.
Two Grooms on a Cake
6-9 years * Buy on Amazon
The story of the first legally married gay couple in the United States. This beautiful book celebrates the love story of two pioneers of marriage equality, all through the baking of their wedding cake!
Who Was/Is series
8-12 years * Buy on Amazon: Stonewall * Harvey Milk * Elton John * RuPaul
This wildly popular biography series (192 books and counting!) covers several key figures and events in LGBTQ history, including Harvey Milk, Stonewall, Elton John and RuPaul. LGBTQ artists and authors Frida Kahlo, Maurice Sendak, Walt Whitman and Leonardo da Vinci are also part of the series.
While LGBTQ children's books are becoming more common, they're still not always easy to find in bookstores or libraries. This is where the work of being an ally comes into play. Buy these books for your kids, for your nieces and nephews, for birthday parties and Christmases. Request them to be stocked at the public library or your child's school. Donate them to your church, synagogue or childcare center. Yes, this is part of the Gay Agenda - thanks in advance for your help!
Have a book to suggest for my list? Post it in the comments or shoot me a message!
DISCLOSURE: This post contains affiliate links - meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you click through and purchase one of the books.
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