Love is love is love.

If you’re looking for a way to celebrate Pride Month with the littles in your life, try one of these fantastic LGBTQ books that make explaining big concepts to little people a whole lot easier. (And more fun!)

Related: These 31 books for kids will help you navigate tough topics

Books are a wonderful way of understanding the world around us. Your child might see themselves reflected in these powerful stories or they might just be a good starting point for different conversations. With themes that center on acceptance, love and challenging the gender stereotypes around us, you can’t go wrong with any of these picks.

Strong

Strong

With a rainbow mohawk, bright leggings and unicorn T-shirts, Rob Kearney doesn’t look like other champion strongmen. But that doesn’t mean he can’t achieve his big dreams of becoming the strongest man in the world. Filled with colorful illustrations, this biographical story reminds kids (and parents!) that being your true self is not only allowed, but encouraged.

Mighty Red Riding Hood

Mighty Red Riding Hood

A clever twist on the classic tale, Mighty Red Riding Hood tells the story of Little Red–a boy who loves nothing more than wearing his favorite frilly red hood. And nothing–not even a big old wolf bully–can convince him to be anything but himself.

a family is family book

A Family Is a Family Is a Family

This whimsically illustrated story serves as a good reminder that all families are different—but they’re all special in their own way.

keith among pigeons book

Keith Among the Pigeons

When Keith knows he feels different from other cats and feels more comfortable around pigeons, he begins to question who he really is. Can he find a way to be himself? A great book to have a discussion on identity and accepting who we become.

sparkle boy book

Sparkle Boy

Casey is a little boy who loves blocks + trucks, but he also loves things that sparkle + shimmer. This heartwarming story assures little boys that it’s okay to challenge gender stereotypes and just be yourself.

stella brings the family book

Stella Brings the Family

It’s Stella’s Mother’s Day celebration at school—but Stella has two dads. What will she do?

worm loves worm book

Worm Loves Worm

Love is love is love (even if it’s between two worms 😉) and should be celebrated in all its amazing forms!

pink is for boys book

Pink Is for Boys

Pink isn’t just for girls—it’s for boys, too. This thought-provoking picture book challenges gender stereotypes and assures kids that it’s wonderful to enjoy what you love.

and tango makes three book

And Tango Makes Three

The bestselling heartwarming story of two boy penguins in the Central Park Zoo who created their own nontraditional family.

the bravest knight who ever lived book

The Bravest Knight Who Ever Lived

Cedric is on a journey to become a knight, but finds himself having to be brave in his own fairytale. Full of dragons and princesses, it has a sweet LGBTQ ending.

the family book

The Family Book

This bright, colorful picture book sends the important message that even though families may look different, they all share one important thing: love.

julian is a mermaid book

Julián Is a Mermaid

This beautifully illustrated picture book tells the story of a little boy named Julián who is inspired when he sees three women dressed as mermaids while he’s riding the subway. It’s a subtle but powerful story of self-exploration and self-acceptance.

families, families, families book

Families, Families, Families

This fun, silly book packs a powerful message: that no matter the size or the makeup, if you love each other, you are a family!

pride story book

Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag

The first picture book to tell the story and history of the Rainbow Pride Flag.

i am jazz book

I Am Jazz

Whether they identify as transgender or not, this book about the real life experiences of Jazz Jennings, a spokesperson for transkids everywhere, is a must read.

heather has 2 mommies book

Heather Has Two Mommies

This modern classic has recently been relaunched with gorgeous new illustrations for a new generation, and will help little ones to understand that not all families are made up of a mom and a dad.

my princess boy book

My Princess Boy

A story about tolerance & unconditional love, this book is based on the author’s son and her initial struggles to understand what he was going through.

harriet gets carried away book

Harriet Gets Carried Away

This sweet, funny story about a little girl who loves costumes (and happens to have two dads) is both fun for kids to read and a great way to normalize families with same sex parents.

mommy mama and me book

Mommy, Mama, and Me

Children with two moms will see themselves reflected in this sweet, rhythmic story about a loving family.

daddy papa and me book

Daddy, Papa, and Me

A companion to Mommy, Mama, and Me , this board book is perfect for families with two dads.

introducing teddy book

Introducing Teddy

This is a sweet story about gender identity, friendship and learning to accept a person for who they truly are.

jacob's new dress book

Jacob's New Dress

This heartwarming, reassuring story speaks to the unique challenges of boys who don’t fit the stereotypical ‘norm.’

A version of this story was published June 7, 2020. It has been updated.