Pride Month, honored throughout each June in the United States, is a time for commemorating the LGBTQ+ civil rights movement and recognizing the LGBTQ+ community. It is a joyful celebration and a serious reminder that all people, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation, deserve the same rights as everyone else. 

Children develop concepts of gender, families, and love well before the age of five. When adults at home and school are able to cultivate inclusive environments that welcome all children as they are, regardless of gender or family structure, it helps children feel safe, seen, and valued. 

In addition to sparking conversation about gender and diverse families, these books invite conversations about self-expression, respect, and LGBTQ+ pride. The team at Rainbow Kids has created this resource highlighting some simple strategies for discussing these topics with young children. It is our hope that you will use these books and strategies—and that the book-sharing experiences they spark will help us build the language, understanding, and empathy that’s foundational for a world where everyone can be free.

We are Little Feminists: Families

Written by Archaa Shrivastav

The first ever board book to win the American Library Association medal, this identity-affirming title includes stunning photographs that highlight all the wonderful forms of family, gender, and sexuality while poetic text builds empathy, vocabulary, and phonological awareness.

Age level: 1 – 3

Talking Tip: Compare one (or more) of the photographs in this book with a photograph of your family doing something similar. How is the family in the photograph(s) like yours? How is this family different?

Extra Credit: Gather your family photos to make your own book using either printed photos, paper, and glue or digital photos and the notes app on your phone. Caption the photos with your child using rhyming text for an extra challenge.

Pride 123

Written by Michael Joosten
Illustrated by Wednesday Holmes

Teach your little ones about the Pride Parade with this colorful, energetic counting book! This board book celebrates the LGBTQIA+ community, love, and standing up for who you are – all while counting to ten. 

Age level: 1 – 5

Talking Tip: Let’s count! Talk with your child about what they see on every page – from two DJs spinning fabulous tunes to four activists fighting the good fight. Explain what colors you see. What emotions are the people experiencing in these illustrations?

The Pronoun Book

Written by  Chris Ayala-Kronos
Illustrated by Melita Tirado

This board book features eye-catching illustrations of a diverse cast of people and simple text that introduces their pronouns. Engaging and educational for readers of all ages, The Pronoun Book is a helpful reminder to ask, not assume, how someone wants to be addressed.

Age level: 1 – adult

Talking Tip: How do you know what someone wants to be called? Ask! She, he, they, her, him, them, hers, his, theirs. All together, US! Talk about the importance of pronouns with your child.

Bye, Bye, Binary!

Written by Eric Geron
Illustrated by Charlene Chua

A joyful baby refuses to conform to the gender binary and instead chooses toys, colors, and clothes that make them happy. This board book is a perfect tool for encouraging children to love what they love, and for families to love their children just as they are and for who they are.

Age level: 0 – 4

Talking Tip: Talk with your child about how the baby is learning and experiencing the world around them. Are bow ties only for boys? Are hair bows only for girls? What are some ways we can say “bye bye” to gender norms?

Adventures with my Daddies

Written by Gareth Peter
Illustrated by Garry Parsons

A young pigtailed protagonist and their two fathers are the stars of this picture book that details their family’s evening routine (storytime, tub time, and bedtime), lifting up the ideas that families are diverse and unconditional love is universal. The family dog included in every scene makes for a delightful easter egg!

Age level: 3 – 7

Talking Tip: Families come in all shapes and sizes. What makes your family amazing? What are some of your favorite things to do as a family?

The Hips on the Drag Queens Go Swish, Swish, Swish

Written by Lil Miss Hot Mess
Illustrated by Olga de Dios Ruiz

A play on “The Wheels on the Bus,” this playful picture book follows a drag queen who performs her routine in front of an awestruck audience. Written by a founding member of the Drag Queen Story Hour, it is a call to action to readers to boldy be exactly who they are.

Age level: 3 – 8

Talking Tip: Talk with your child about what it means to be a drag queen. There are different ways to be a drag queen. What differences do they see? Don’t forget to dance and sing together!

My Rainbow

Written by DeShanna Neal and Trinity Neal
Illustrated by Art Twink

Based on the real-life experince of mother-daughter duo Trinity and DeShanna Neal, this book tells the story of a dedicated mom who creates a rainbow-colored wig for her transgender daughter.

Age level: 4 – 8

Talking Tip: Talk with your child about a time when someone did something special (it could be a small, everyday thing) for you that made you feel loved, seen, and valued. Ask your child if they’ve had a similar experience. How are your examples like that of Trinity’s?

The Big Book of Pride Flags

Written by  Jessica Kingsley
Illustrated by Jem Milton

Featuring all the colors of the rainbow, this book teaches children about LGBTQIA+ identities through 17 different Pride flags. With fun facts, simple explanations, and a short description of each flag accompanying beautiful illustrations, children will uncover the history of Pride and be introduced to different genders and sexual orientations.

Age level: 4 – 8

Talking Tip: Talk with your child about all the different Pride flags and what they represent. Are there flags you already knew about and have seen before? Any new flags you learned about?

Being You: A Conversation about Gender

Written by Megan Madison and Jessica Ralli
Illustrated by Andy Passchier

A thoughtful and straightforward book that helps children understand what gender is, how it can change, and how it shows up in the world around them. With simple language, inclusive illustrations, and discussion questions on every page, this book encourages children and caregivers to talk openly about identity, fairness, and feelings. A helpful “Continue the Conversation” section and glossary at the end makes it easy to explore gender-related terms and ideas together.

Age level: 4 – 8

Talking Tip: As you read together, pause to explore the questions on each page. These prompts help your child reflect on their feelings and identity. Encourage curiosity and remind them that it’s always okay to ask questions and share their thoughts.

Mama and Mommy and Me in the Middle

Written by Nina LaCour
Illustrated by Kaylani Juanita

A young girl misses her Mommy while she’s away on a work trip. As the week goes on, small changes in routines bring big feelings, but with love from Mama and a special plan to welcome Mommy home, the child finds comfort and joy. This warm story celebrates family, love, and the ways we stay connected even when we’re apart.

Age level: 4 – 8

Talking Tip: Talking openly about feelings helps children feel seen and supported. Ask: 

• Have you ever missed someone special? What helped you feel better?
• What could we do to stay connected when someone we love is far away?

Nen and the Lonely Fisherman

Written by Ian Eagleton
Illustrated by James Mayhew

Nen and Ernest both feel lonely, as if something is missing from their lives. Nen is a curious merman drawn to the world above, while Ernest is a gentle fisherman who cares deeply for the sea and its creatures. When they meet one night, a spark of connection grows into a deep friendship and, eventually, love. This fairy tale celebrates acceptance, love, and the courage to connect across differences.

Age level: 4 – 8

Talking Tip: Ask your child, “How do you think Nen and Ernest felt when they first met?” and “Have you ever made a new friend who was different from you?” You can also talk about what it means to be kind and open to others, even if they come from a different place or have a different story. This helps children learn about friendship, acceptance, and love in all its forms.