Celebrating Pride Through Stories: A Colourful Collection for Young Readers
As we celebrate Pride Month, there's no better way to share the spirit of love, acceptance, and diversity with young minds than through the power of stories. Our curated collection of children's books shines a light on 2SLGBTQIA+ themes and characters, fostering understanding and pride from a young age. Here’s a peek at some of the heartwarming and enlightening titles we proudly feature:
Books About Being Yourself
These books highlight self-expression and the joy of discovering who you are.
Julian Is a Mermaid by Jessica Love
(Ages 4–8) – A tender, dreamy story about a child who sees mermaids on the subway and dreams of being one. This book is a celebration of individuality and self-expression, encouraging children to embrace their true selves.Neither by Airlie Anderson
(Ages 3–7) – A beautifully illustrated story about a creature who doesn’t fit into “this” or “that”—perfect for starting conversations about gender and inclusion.Red: A Crayon’s Story by Michael Hall
(Ages 4–8) – A crayon labeled “Red” can’t seem to be red, and after some struggle, discovers he’s actually blue.
Books Celebrating Diverse Families
Families come in all shapes, sizes, and combinations. These books celebrate love and connection in all its forms.
Heather Has Two Mommies by Lesléa Newman
(Ages 3–7) – One of the first widely published picture books featuring same-gender parents.And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell
(Ages 3–6) – A true story about two male penguins who build a nest together and hatch an egg at the zoo.Mommy, Mama, and Me by Lesléa Newman
(Ages 1–4) – A sweet, rhyming board book that follows a toddler’s joyful day with their two moms, from playtime to bedtime, celebrating love, connection, and family routines in everyday moments.Love Makes a Family by Sophie Beer
(Ages 2-7) Through vibrant illustrations, this book showcases the many ways that families can be different yet filled with love. It's a joyful celebration of diversity in family structures.
Books That Explore Pronouns & Identity
Introduce and celebrate the wide world of pronouns, gender identity, and respecting others' choices.
They, She, He, Me: Free to Be! by Maya and Matthew Gonzalez
(Ages 3–7) – A simple and powerful introduction to pronouns and identity, with real-life examples.It Feels Good to Be Yourself by Theresa Thorn
(Ages 4–8) – Offers a child-friendly explanation of gender identity with inclusive language and lovely illustrations.My Shadow is Purple by Scott Stuart
(Ages 4–8) – A powerful story about a child whose shadow doesn’t fit into traditional expectations of "blue" or "pink." With vibrant illustrations and inclusive messaging, this book celebrates the freedom to be yourself and the beauty of embracing all parts of who you are.
The Importance of Celebrating Pride
These books highlight why Pride matters, from exploring LGBTQ+ history to promoting acceptance, understanding, and inclusive language.
Marley's Pride by Francella Funks
(Ages 3–7) – Join Marley and her friends as they get ready for their town’s Pride parade. This vibrant story celebrates community, self-expression, and standing up for who you are.The GayBCs by M.L. Webb
(Ages 4–8) – An alphabet book like no other, this playful and educational read introduces LGBTQ+ terms in a way that’s simple, engaging, and affirming for young readers.The Meaning of Pride by Rosiee Thor, illustrated by Sam Kirk
(Ages 5–9) – A beautifully illustrated look at the history and significance of Pride, featuring LGBTQ+ trailblazers past and present. It’s a great way to teach kids about celebration, identity, and progress.Being You: A First Conversation About Gender by Megan Madison & Jessica Ralli, illustrated by Anne/Andy Passchier
(Ages 2–6) – A gentle, inclusive introduction to gender identity, this book offers questions and explanations that spark meaningful conversations with young children.The Pronoun Book by Chris Ayala-Kronos, illustrated by Marco Tirado
(Ages 1–4) – A bright and simple board book introducing pronouns and gender diversity, designed to affirm and celebrate everyone’s identity from the very start.
At Elemenoe, we believe in the power of stories to inspire and educate. This Pride Month, let’s fill our bookshelves with tales that celebrate every hue of the rainbow. Happy reading! 🌈📚❤️
Where to Find These Books
You can borrow many of these titles at your local library, including:
You can also find inclusive and affirming books at independent bookstores in your neighbourhood.
As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through the links on this page—at no extra cost to you.
