In honor of Pride Month, here are some of my favorite books to read to preschoolers to talk to them about the LGTBQ+ Community. I have a two-year-old and a five-year-old and they start understanding things before they can even speak. I love reading to them and starting these conversations early, even if we keep them really simple.
4 LGBTQ+ Books to Read to Your Preschooler:
1. ‘Love Makes a Family’ by Sophie Beer:
Love Makes a Family is a heartwarming board book that celebrates the many different kinds of families that exist in the world. The book features illustrations of families of all shapes and sizes, from traditional nuclear families to single-parent households to same-sex couples. The text simply states that “love makes a family” and that “love is all that matters.”
The book is a great way to teach young children about the importance of acceptance and diversity. It is also a great way to start a conversation about family with your child. Love Makes a Family is a beautiful and inclusive book that is sure to be a hit with parents and children alike.
2. ‘Rainbow A First Book of Pride’ by Michael Genhart
Rainbow: A First Book of Pride is a must-have for young readers and a great gift for Pride events and throughout the year. This sweet ode to rainbow families celebrates LGBTQ+ pride with bright colors and joyful illustrations. The book reveals the colorful meaning behind each rainbow stripe, representing life, healing, light, nature, harmony, and spirit. Readers will celebrate all that rainbows bring, from love and acceptance to hope and joy.
3. ‘Julian is a Mermaid’ by Jessica love
Julian is a Mermaid is a heartwarming picture book that celebrates the power of imagination and acceptance. When Julian sees three women dressed as mermaids on the subway, he is inspired to create his own mermaid costume. With the help of his abuela, Julian transforms into a beautiful mermaid and joins the Coney Island Mermaid Parade.
The book is beautifully illustrated in gouache and features a diverse cast of characters. Julian is a young boy of color who is free to be himself, and his abuela is a loving and supportive figure. The book’s message of acceptance is heartwarming and empowering, and it is sure to resonate with readers of all ages.
4. ‘And Tango Makes Three’ by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell
Sure, here is a book description of ‘And Tango Makes Three’ by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell:
And Tango Makes Three is a heartwarming picture book that tells the true story of two male penguins, Roy and Silo, who create a family together at the Central Park Zoo. When the zookeepers see that Roy and Silo are devoted to each other, they give them an egg to adopt. The egg hatches into a baby penguin named Tango, and Roy and Silo become Tango’s loving parents.
The book is beautifully illustrated by Henry Cole and has been praised for its positive message about acceptance and diversity. It has won numerous awards, including the Stonewall Book Award and the Lambda Literary Award.
I hope these books help you! Feel to comment with any questions and Happy Pride Month!
