June is National PRIDE Month- a chance to celebrate our brothers and sisters in the LGBTQIA community. The past few years have brought fabulous picture books that celebrate diverse families, curious children, and being your authentic self. Here are just a few picture books to celebrate PRIDE and get your family started in the celebration. Look for them at your awesome Seacoast library or follow the links to Indiebound.org!
Families…
Jack (Not Jackie) by Erica Silverman
This isn’t just a story about a little girl transitioning to embrace the gender they identify with. It is also a story about their family’s journey to fully embrace Jack (not Jackie)’s for who they are. Transitions can be complicated for everyone and I love that this book exists to connect with the whole family. So. Much. Love.
Julian Is A Mermaid by Jessica Love
Like most young children, Julian notices the people around him on the bus home, including some fabulous mermaids. He loves mermaids. When he gets home, what’s the first thing he does? He makes a mermaid costume! Glitter and shiny tails- who could pass that up?! This book is so powerful and yet so simple. It is NOT to be missed. I am in love with Julian and his Abuela.
Donovan’s Big Day by Leslea Newman
Donovan is excited for his big day as a ring bearer. He’s especially excited because this is the wedding of his moms! Any kid– especially those who have been ring bearers or flower girls– will love following Donovan through the excitement of the day as his family celebrates their momentous occasion!
Stella Brings the Family by Miriam B. Schiffer
Stella’s school is celebrating Mother’s Day. What is a girl supposed to do when she has two stupendously loving parents at home but they both happen to be fathers?! Stella uses wit and cunning to figure out a unique solution about who to bring. Heartwarming and clever, you’ll be cheering for spunky Stella the whole time.
Fairy Tales…
Prince & Knight by Daniel Haack
Your whole family will love this fairy tale with a twist. Whimsically illustrated, this gender-bending fairy tale has been hard to keep on the shelves at our library! In this story, the knight in shining armor rescues the prince! They fall in love and live happily ever after! The End. What is there not to love?! Don’t miss the 2019 companion, Maiden & Princess!
& Fun!
Red by Michael Hall
Imagine you were a blue crayon with a red label. No matter how much people insisted, you knew you were not red. Then one day a new friend comes along and sees you for who you really are- BLUE! This is such a sweet and colorful book about staying true to who you are and letting go of the labels! An important PRIDE picture book, to be sure.
Pink Is For Boys by Robb Pearlman
I am probably showing my age, but this book reminds me of the 70’s musical Free To Be You and Me. On the surface, this book busts the stereotypes of pink for girls and blue for boys. More deeply, it encourages everyone to explore their passions, truths, and their inner-selves without the restrictions of stereotypes. Lots of colorful love for this one.