Families come in all shapes and sizes, with all kinds of genders and ages of people. However, for many years, the families we saw represented in children’s books were all the same: a mom and a dad, and children.
You may also enjoy these Picture Books with Trans Characters!
However, that trend is changing, thanks to the work of some amazing authors. Today, we have books even for babies and toddlers that teach us that love is love, no matter the gender identity of the people involved.
The books on this list show the beauty of family in all of its forms. Some of them teach about LGBT+ history, and others show the beauty of what it means to love each other, no matter what. All families, no matter their makeup, should read these books with their little ones, to show all the ways a family can be a family.
13 LGBT+ Board Books for Babies and Toddlers
And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell
A groundbreaking classic! Roy and Silo, two penguins at the Central Park Zoo, love each other and want to pass on that love. Through the help of a caretaker at the zoo, they are able to build a family together. This book is the perfect way to introduce the fact that “love is love is love” to your little ones.
Love Makes a Family by Sophie Beer
How can we show love? Sometimes love is baking a cake for a birthday. Sometimes love is finding a lost shoe in a messy room. Sometimes love is a kiss goodnight.
This book explores all the ways family members can show love to each other, while illustrating all kinds of families, including those with two moms or two dads. It’s a powerful reminder that family isn’t dependent on the gender or orientation of its members; what makes a family is love.
The Family Book by Todd Parr
This book is the perfect way to introduce very young kids to all kinds of families. Parr shows how families can be different based on their color or their members, but reminds readers that all families share things in common, too. His bold illustrations make the book fun and engaging for babies and toddlers.
Our Rainbow by Little Bee Books
This sweet and simple board book explains the meaning behind each color in the pride flag. It’s the perfect way to introduce the concept of pride and inclusive acceptance, while reinforcing the skill of identifying colors. This small but powerful book brings learning and love together.
Pride Colors by Robin Stevenson
Another fun book of colors! This book explores the colors of the pride flag, while showing real families showing love for one another. I love this book because it includes gorgeous photographs of all types of families. It shares a beautiful message of unconditional love and togetherness, no matter what your family looks like.
Mommy, Mama, and Me and Daddy, Papa, and Me by Leslea Newman
These sweet board books show the loving bond between parents and children. Toddlers and their parents spend a day playing, learning, and growing together. They’re the perfect choice for very young children who have two parents of the same gender, and will help all children see the love that all families have in common.
Prince and Knight by Daniel Haak
In this modern fairy tale, a prince travels with is parents all over the world to find a princess he would like to marry. However, none of the princesses he meets are quite right, and he finds he doesn’t fall in love with any of them. When a dragon threatens the kingdom, the prince meets a brave knight, and they work together to protect the community from harm. As the prince gets to know the brave knight, he realizes that he has found the love he was looking for. This book is a truly beautiful fairy tale!
My Family, Your Family by Kathryn Cole
One family has a mom and a dad. Another has two moms. Another has just one dad. And even another has parents, step-parents, and step-siblings! Families come in all different kinds of arrangements, but the common factor between them all is love. This adorable board book shows that love, and illustrates all the different ways that love can make a family.
Pride 1-2-3 by Michael Joosten
This fun board book takes all the common elements of a Pride festival and combines them with numbers. The result is a bright and colorful story babies and toddlers will love. Little ones will have a blast counting activists, parade floats, and fierce divas.
My Two Moms and Me and My Two Dads and Me by Michael Joosten
Both versions of this site are absolutely delightful! This book follows a normal family, doing their thing and enjoying time together. The family featured in this book just happens to have two moms or two dads. The illustrations in this book are absolutely beautiful, and the sweet story shows just how normal it is to have a two-dad or two-mom family.
People of Pride: Harvey Milk by Little Bee Books
This book is impressive because it is so simple, but so informative. It tells the story of Harvey Milk, who made history as the first openly gay person elected to office in California. This book tells the story of his life and all that he accomplished, and how he worked to make the world a more accepting place for everyone. The book does not include the story of Milk’s tragic death, which makes sense for a book for very young children. This book is a great start to help little ones learn about LGBTQ world-changers!
Spirit Day: A Book About Spreading Joy by Little Bee Books
On Spirit Day, folks put on purple shirts and stand up to bullying against members of the LGBT+ community. This book explores Spirit Day, and teaches young people how they can support their friends and family and be a strong ally for those facing bullying.
They She He Me: Free to Be! by Maya Christina Gonzalez and Matthew SG
This gorgeous book breaks down many of the assumptions we make about gender and pronouns, in a way that even young children can understand. The book shows all kinds of people embracing all different pronouns, showing kids that they can embrace whichever terms and gender identity feels right for them. You’ll want to read this one with your children early and often!
