30 Great LGBTQ+ Picture Books for Kids
by Denise Schipani
There was a time when LGBTQ+ parents and children had a hard time finding their family’s faces and feelings in the pages of children’s books. No more. Ever since Heather Has Two Mommies appeared on shelves in 1989, more LGBTQ+ books, geared to everyone from the youngest tots to questioning tweens and teens (not to mention to their parents), are filling the gap and helping families grow in understanding.
And of course, these books aren’t just for families with a direct connection to LGBTQ+ issues; everyone can use these books’ messages of unconditional love and acceptance.
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Love Makes a Family
Buy from:This book shows that it doesn’t matter what your family looks like, the only thing that makes a family a family, is love! Each page showcases bright illustrations of diverse families doing special activities together, from baking a cake to finding a lost shoe. Your little one will love looking through the pages to see their own family reflected, and of course feel the love your family shares together.
(Ages 0 – 3)Buy from: -
Families Belong
Buy from:Families Belong is a sweet look at the unconditional love within a family. The beautiful illustrations and rhyming text of families singing together, reading together, and going on a picnic together, feels like a warm hug. This one will be a comforting favorite for both children and parents.
(Ages 0 – 3)Buy from: -
Pride Is Love
Buy from:When a young girl gets frustrated making a colorful flower crown for the local Pride parade, her two dads remind her that it’s okay to make mistakes. Pride Is Love reminds us we are all perfect just the way we are and we are all worthy of love!
(Ages 0 – 3)Buy from: -
My Two Moms and Me
Buy from:This sweet board book features a diverse array of families with lesbian mothers going about their daily routines, including playdates, pool-dates, and bedtime reading. Published in 2019 with artwork by an acclaimed fashion illustrator, it’s a welcome follow-up to Heather Has Two Mommies. Don’t miss My Two Dads and Me by the same creators!
(Ages 0 – 3)Buy from: -
Daddy, Papa, and Me
Buy from:Like the above author-illustrator duo, Leslea Newman and Carol Thompson add their unique touch to the rainbow-family compendium with Daddy, Papa, and Me and Mommy, Mama, and Me. Rhythmic text and charming illustrations make these board books a must-have for all families.
(Ages 0 – 3)Buy from: -
My Little Golden Book About Pride
Buy from:This nonfiction Little Golden Book shares the history of Pride, from the 1969 Stonewall Rebellion to the creation of the Pride flag and the meaning behind each color. Colorful, expressive illustrations pair beautifully with Lukoff's message of inclusivity and love.
(Ages 2 – 5)Buy from: -
I Think We Can!
Buy from:Visit the pride parade with this vibrant and colorful book. Filled with anticipation and excitement, The Little Engine That Could travels to the pride parade, but an untimely breakdown makes her worry that she will miss all the fun. Bright colors, simple text, and the familiar character make this story an excellent choice for little ones.
(Ages 2 – 5)Buy from: -
Téo's Tutu
Buy from:As Téo gets ready for his first dance recital, he makes one of the biggest (and most exciting) decisions of his life—what outfit to wear! Even though he’s nervous, Téo’s parents and teachers give him the encouragement he needs to choose the best costume for his special day. Dancers of all ages will adore this sweet story of self-acceptance and affirmation.
(Ages 3 – 5)Buy from: -
ABC Pride
Buy from:Teach your child inclusivity, acceptance, and the alphabet in this colorful picture book! They’ll learn that A is for “acceptance,” K is for “kindness,” and O is for “out,” among other lessons. Don’t miss this standout LGBTQ+ primer!
(Ages 3 – 5)Buy from: -
Papa's Coming Home
Buy from:Jojo and Rosie can't wait to welcome Papa home from a trip. With help from Daddy, they make signs, bake a cake, and pack the car up with all of Papa's favorite things. It isn't until after the family is reunited that they realize there is no room in the car for Papa! This debut picture book by teacher and activist Chasten Buttigieg is an affirming look at a loving queer family, drawing inspiration from his own life with husband Pete Buttigieg.
(Ages 3 – 7)Buy from: -
Tuesday Is Daddy’s Day
Buy from:A little girl splits her time between her mom’s house and her father’s apartment, which he shares with his partner. She loves her predictable routine, so she is upset when her mom picks her up from school on Daddy’s day. However, when Daddy arrives with a new puppy in tow, she learns that not all surprises are bad.
(Ages 3 – 7)Buy from: -
Mama and Mommy and Me in the Middle
Buy from:Most children can relate to this heartfelt story about a girl who misses her mom. While Mommy is away on a work trip, Mama comforts the girl and distracts her with trips to the library and movie theater. But life isn’t quite the same until Mommy returns and reunites the family.
(Ages 3 – 7)Buy from: -
Family is Family
Buy from:Little Chick walks to school with his two moms and notices the different families along the way. Even though they are all different sizes and configurations, Little Chick loves his family just as it is. Charming illustrations and the heartwarming message make this an excellent choice for back-to-school time or anytime.
(Ages 3 – 7)Buy from: -
Our Guncle
Buy from:After the loss of their mom, two children head to Palm Springs to spend time with their larger-than-life Guncle (Gay Uncle Patrick). GUP pulls out all the stops to cheer up the kids, but it's a quiet night under the desert stars that truly helps them heal. Full of humor, heart, and fabulous fun, this charming picture book celebrates queer family bonds and the special love between kids and the grown-ups who show up for them.
(Ages 4 – 8)Buy from: -
One Day in June
Buy from:On a hot summer day in New York City, people across the boroughs carry the joyful spirit of Marsha P. Johnson — activist for the Black Trans Movement — with them wherever they go. Told through the eyes of a friend, this vibrant story celebrates community, Pride, and the lasting impact of one remarkable life.
(Ages 4 – 8)Buy from: -
The Bi Book
Buy from:This sweet book is a study in the prefix "bi," which often means "two"-- bicycle (two wheels), biped (two feet), and bilingual (two languages). Gently, Irving also invites readers to explore the meaning of "bi" in the word bisexual, which is thoughtfully defined as hearts that love in many different ways. With simple text and gorgeous illustrations, this affirming introduction to bisexuality is a must-have for any home, school, or library bookshelf.
(Ages 4 – 8)Buy from: -
Tío and Tío
Buy from:This heartwarming and hilarious story is based on Ross Mathews and Dr. Wellinthon García-Mathews' own wedding. Brothers Evan and Andy will be the ringbearers at their tíos’ wedding in Mexico, but they aren't taking the responsibility too seriously. That is, until they see the love between their uncles. A story of love, family, and cultural identity that's also available in Spanish.
(Ages 4 – 8)Buy from: -
Born Ready
Buy from:Penelope is a boy. The only problem is that everyone else thinks he’s a girl. This empowering picture book shares the story of a young transgender boy who experiences the ups and downs of being true to himself. Heartwarming and inspirational, this picture book will touch your heart.
(Ages 4 – 8)Buy from: -
Julián Is a Mermaid
Buy from:This gorgeous Stonewall Award-winning picture book stars Julián, a child coming to understand their gender nonconformity after a joyful encounter with three women dressed as shimmering mermaids. Julián fantasizes about dressing up like a mermaid too, and wonders what his Abuela will make of it in this celebration of self-love and individuality.
(Ages 4 – 8)Buy from: -
Kapaemahu
Buy from:This book explains the Indigenous legend of four Mahu (people with both a male and female spirit) who shared their healing arts with the Waikiki islanders. The islanders created a stone monument honoring the Mahu and their generosity, and visitors to Waikiki Beach can still see them there.
(Ages 4 – 8)Buy from: -
Pink, Blue, and You!
Buy from:This adorable picture book uses cartoon-style illustrations and easy-to-understand questions to challenge gender norms. It’s an excellent book to jump-start conversations about embracing yourself and others, no matter what colors, clothes, toys, and activities they enjoy.
(Ages 4 – 8)Buy from: -
Our Subway Baby
Buy from:Although Pete and Danny had not considered starting a family, that changed when Danny found a baby in a subway station. They adopted the baby, named him Kevin, and became a family. This heartwarming story is based on the author’s real-life experience of becoming a father.
(Ages 4 – 8)Buy from: -
Twas the Night Before Pride
Buy from:Discover the history behind Pride month and how it became nationally recognized with this gorgeous picture book. Young readers will learn about Stonewall, AIDS, protests, and other significant events in an age-appropriate way. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in Pride history.
(Ages 4 – 8)Buy from: -
Who You Will Be
Buy from:Two parents welcome a new child, introducing them to every color of the rainbow and dreaming about the person they will become. It’s a heartfelt love letter about self-discovery and gender expression from a parent to their beloved child. It’s a fantastic title to read while snuggling your little one before bedtime.
(Ages 4 – 8)Buy from: -
Gorgeously Me!
Buy from:Jonathan Van Ness, star of Netflix’s Queer Eye, pens a hopeful and inspiring book encouraging children to embrace the most unique parts of themselves. The upbeat messaging and colorful illustrations deliver a timely and much-needed message of self-love and confidence.
(Ages 4 – 8)Buy from: -
Leo and the Pink Marker
Buy from:Coloring on the wrong things is a common childhood mishap. This gently humorous picture book explores what happens when a young boy gets carried away and colors outside the lines with his pink marker. It’s perfect for fans of Harold and the Purple Crayon.
(Ages 4 – 8)Buy from: -
Olivette Is You
Buy from:Celebrate your whole child with this gorgeous picture book. Joyful text and beautiful artwork deliver a feel-good message that children will love. The main character, Olivette, tells young readers they don’t have to confine themselves to one identity. They don’t have to pick and choose who they want to be because they are already everything.
(Ages 4 – 8)Buy from: -
A Kids Book About Gender
Buy from:If you’re looking for resources to help your child explore their gender and identity, this book is a must-have. The conversational tone makes the topic accessible and easy for young readers to understand. It’s an excellent book to start open and safe conversations about gender with your child.
(Ages 5 – 9)Buy from: -
Queer and Fearless
Buy from:Introduce your young reader to LGBTQ+ heroes throughout history with this collection of 17 short biographies. Each activist in the book is honored with a lively poem, a short bio, and a striking illustration. Anyone interested in learning more about the movers and shakers in the LGBTQ+ community will want to read this book.
(Ages 6 – 9)Buy from: -
Brave New Ballet
Buy from:In 1970s New York City, a group of male dancers created a ballet company unlike any the world had seen before. As the Trocks rehearsed, performed, and pushed past criticism dancing in both male and female roles, they proved that joy, artistry, and being true to yourself belong center stage in this inspiring true story.
(Ages 7+)Buy from:
You might also like:
- How to Talk to Young Kids About Gender Identity
- Books That Celebrate Transgender and Gender-Nonconforming Kids
- Books About All Kinds of Families
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2014 and updated in 2026.