Tuesday 7 June 2022

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Recommending LGBTQ+ Picture Books

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Recommending LGBTQ+ Picture Books



Looking after the LGBTQ+ YA section at Foyles, and seeing how well it's done, I've also worked on trying to put together lists of other queer titles in the Children's Department and try to make sure we've got stock in, in order to recommend titles if we're asked. As it's Pride Month, I thought I'd share some of those lists, so you can stock up for the younger readers in your life.

First up, picture books (with a couple of board books)! I have to say, it's been so, so wonderful seeing how the number of LGBTQ+ picture books published has been increasing! I'm so excited to share these beautiful picture books with you, as they just bring so much joy! I'll be listing them under different categories, so you know exactly what kind of story you're getting. All can be found in Foyles, Charing Cross Road, or you can buy them through the Bookshop links.

None of these are the first experiences kind of book to explain LGBTQ+ people, but stories, and some books on Pride. However, if you're interested in those kinds of books, all those listed here plus the first experiences kind can be found in my LGBTQ+ Picture Books Bookshop List^.

LGBTQ+ Main Characters

Aalfred and Aalbert by Morag HoodAalfred and Aalbert by Morag Hood

A heartwarming love story of blossoming friendship between two aardvarks.

Aalfred and Aalbert lead solitary lives. Sometimes, Aalfred thinks he might like to be part of a pair, and sometimes Aalbert thinks he might like to be one of two. But Aalfred sleeps all day, and Aalbert sleeps all night--so how will the two ever meet? Luckily, a helpful bystander intervenes and when Aalfred and Aalbert's paths cross in the most unexpected way, they find that they go together quite well, just like cheese and broccoli.

This adorable story about two aardvarks and an unlikely matchmaker will appeal to families with LGBTQ parents and family members as author-illustrator Morag Hood keeps children laughing with funny situations and entertaining teachable moments about relationships.
From StoryGraph.

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Nen and the Lonely Fisherman by Ian Eagleton and James MayhewNen and the Lonely Fisherman by Ian Eagleton and James Mayhew

A modern adaptation of a classic The Little Mermaid tale, Nen and the Lonely Fisherman tells the story of a merman’s search for true love, sending a song of hope across the sea while a lonely, caring young fisherman named Ernest hopes to find warmth in his heart. As the two meet, they feel a special connection, much to the dismay of Nen’s father Pelagios who creates a wild sea storm to protect his son and the ocean. Can Nen save Ernest?

This wonderful paperback book showcases a story of love in adversity, which serves as reminder to us all to care for people and planet.
From StoryGraph

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Prince and Knight by Daniel Haack and Stevie LewisPrince and Knight by Daniel Haack and Stevie Lewis

In this modern fairy tale, a noble prince and a brave knight come together to defeat a terrible monster and in the process find true love in a most unexpected place.

“Thank you,” he told his parents.
“I appreciate that you tried,
but I’m looking for something special
in a partner by my side.”

Once upon a time, in a kingdom far from here, there was a prince in line to take the throne, so his parents set out to find him a kind and worthy bride. The three of them traveled the land far and wide, but the prince didn't quite find what he was looking for in the princesses they met.

While they were away, a terrible dragon threatened their land, and all the soldiers fled. The prince rushed back to save his kingdom from the perilous beast and was met by a brave knight in a suit of brightly shining armor. Together they fought the dragon and discovered that special something the prince was looking for all along.
From StoryGraph.

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Cinderelliot by Mark Ceilley, Rachel Smoka-Richardson and Steph LaberisCinderelliot by Mark Ceilley, Rachel Smoka-Richardson and Steph Laberis

Cinderelliot is stuck at home taking care of his ungrateful stepsister and stepbrother.

When Prince Samuel announces a kingdom-wide competition to join the royal staff as his baker, the stepsiblings insist that Cinderelliot bake their entries, leaving no time for he, himself, to compete.

Fairy Godfather Ludwig appears and magically helps Cinderelliot bake his best chocolate cake, clean up, and get to the competition via limo.

At the bake-off, Prince Samuel falls in love with Cinderelliot's cake, but our hero has to run off as the clock strikes midnight, leaving behind his chef hat. The next day, Prince Samuel searches the kingdom for the owner of the hat and finds that it fits perfectly on Cinderelliot's head.

The prince is delighted to find not only his new baker but also the man of his dreams, and Cinderelliot creates a magnificent wedding cake--and the two live scrumptiously ever after.

A gay retelling of the classic fairy tale--a scrumptious love story featuring ungrateful stepsiblings, a bake-off, and a fairy godfather.
From StoryGraph

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Julian Is a Mermaid by Jessica LoveJulian Is a Mermaid by Jessica Love

A glimpse of three women dressed as mermaids leaves one boy filled with wonder and ready to dazzle the world.

While riding the subway home with his Nana one day, Julian notices three women spectacularly dressed up. Their hair billows in brilliant hues, their dresses end in fishtails, and their joy fills the train carriage.

When Julian gets home, daydreaming of the magic he's seen, all he can think about is dressing up just like the ladies and making his own fabulous mermaid costume. But what will Nana think about the mess he makes - and even more importantly - what will she think about how Julian sees himself?
From StoryGraph.

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Introducing Teddy by Jessica Walton with Dougal MacPhersonIntroducing Teddy by Jessica Walton with Dougal MacPherson

Introducing Teddy introduces the youngest readers to understanding gender identity and transition in an accessible and heart-warming story about being true to yourself and being a good friend.

Errol and his teddy, Thomas, are best friends who do everything together. Whether it's riding a bike, playing in the tree house, having a tea party, or all of the above, every day holds something fun to do.

One sunny day, Errol finds that Thomas is sad, even when they are playing in their favorite ways. Errol can't figure out why, until Thomas finally tells Errol what the teddy has been afraid to say: "In my heart, I've always known that I'm a girl teddy, not a boy teddy. I wish my name was Tilly, not Thomas." And Errol says, "I don't care if you're a girl teddy or a boy teddy, What matters is that you are my friend."
From StoryGraph

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I Am NOT a Prince by Rachael Davis with Beatrix HatcherI Am NOT a Prince by Rachael Davis with Beatrix Hatcher

Hopp is a little frog who definitely does NOT want to be a prince! A fairy tale for the 21st century that challenges gender stereotypes and encourages children to be proud to be themselves.

On a misty lagoon in a fairy tale land, young frogs wait patiently to be turned into magical princes. But one little frog is different . . . Hopp definitely does NOT want to be a prince!

When Hopp sets out on a journey to find their true self, everyone assumes the little frog is destined to be a prince . . . how could such a strong, brave, and kind frog be anything else?

But all it takes is one understanding new friend to help Hopp undergo a magical transformation that causes a positive change to ripple all across the lagoon!
From StoryGraph.

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LGBTQ+ Family


Mama and Mummy and Me in the Middle by Nina LaCour and Kaylani JuanitaMama and Mummy and Me in the Middle by Nina LaCour and Kaylani Juanita

A little girl stays home with Mama when Mummy goes off on a work trip in this tender, inviting story that will resonate with every child who has missed a parent.

For one little girl, there's no place she'd rather be than sitting between Mama and Mummy. So when Mummy goes away on a work trip, it's tricky to find a good place at the table. As the days go by, Mama brings her to the library, they watch films, and all of them talk on the phone, but she still misses Mummy as deep as the ocean and as high as an astronaut up in the stars. As they pass by a beautiful garden, the girl has an idea ... but when Mummy finally comes home, it takes a minute to shake off the empty feeling she felt all week before leaning in for a kiss. Michael L. Printz Award winner Nina LaCour thoughtfully renders a familiar, touching story of a child who misses a parent, illustrated by Kaylani Juanita, whose distinctive style brings charm and playfulness to this delightful family of three.
From StoryGraph.

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Bathe the Cat by Alice B. McGinty and David RobertsBathe the Cat by Alice B. McGinty and David Roberts

Bathe the floor? Sweep the dishes? This riotous romp of a picture book follows a frantic family as they try to get some chores done—with no help from the family cat, who keeps scrambling the list of chores with hilarious effects. Get ready for a rollicking read-aloud with a truly purrfect ending.

It's cleaning day, but the family cat will do anything to avoid getting a bath. So instead of mopping the floor or feeding the fish, the family is soon busy rocking the rug, vacuuming the lawn, and sweeping the dishes. Bouncy rhyme carries the story headlong into the growing hilarity, until finally Dad restores some kind of order—but will the cat avoid getting his whiskers wet?
From StoryGraph.

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Plenty of Hugs by Fran Manushkin and Kate AlizadehPlenty of Hugs by Fran Manushkin and Kate Alizadeh

Two mummies spend a sunny day with their toddler in this cozy, rhyming picture book that is a loving celebration of family.

This cheerful book follows a family from morning to night in lively rhyme that rolls off the tongue. There's a buzz for each bug, and a breeze for each tree, and plenty of hugs for you and me. The toddler and mommies take a morning bike ride to a farm stand, they visit a zoo in the afternoon, and in the evening there's the bath and storybook routine before the child is tucked cozily into bed. There are seas for ships and kisses for lips, so we can whisper I love you This is sure to become a preschool favorite, for bedtime and any time.
From StoryGraph

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The Pirate Mums by Jodie Lancet-Grant and Lydia CorryThe Pirate Mums by Jodie Lancet-Grant and Lydia Corry

Billy's family is not what you'd call ordinary.

His mums won't listen to NORMAL music. They love to sing sea shanties and dance jigs in the lounge. Their clothes are highly unusual, they have a rude parrot for a pet, and their taste in house design is, well . . . FISHY.

Billy wishes his family could be more like everyone else's. Until a swashbuckling adventure changes everything!
From Goodreads.

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The Marvellous Doctors for Magical Creatures by Jodie Lancet-Grant and Lydia CorryThe Marvellous Doctors for Magical Creatures by Jodie Lancet-Grant and Lydia Corry

No magical creature has a problem too big for Ava and her Dads to solve! Unicorns with tummy trouble. Dragons with broken wings. Sneezy centaurs and mermaids with measles. Everyone in town knows just who to see when they are feeling poorly: Ava and her dads, the Marvellous Doctors for Magical Creatures.

Well, Ava isn't a doctor, not yet, but she's learning the ropes and she's brilliant at solving medical mysteries. Glitterbug the unicorn is not like all the other unicorns. They love dancing and planning parties, but she would much rather be frolicking in the mud. Glitterbug comes to the Marvellous Doctors with a terrible tummy ache, but after examining her, they are mystified as to what's causing it. Can Ava help her dads find the answer? In this magical story about being true to yourself, Ava discovers there's more than one way to be a unicorn!
From StoryGraph

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Grandad's Camper by Harry WoodgateGrandad's Camper by Harry Woodgate

Discover a wonderful grandfather-granddaughter relationship, as a little girl hatches the perfect plan to get her Grandad adventuring again.

Gramps and Grandad were adventurers. They would surf, climb mountains, and tour the country in their amazing camper. Gramps just made everything extra special. But after Gramps died, granddad hasn't felt like traveling anymore. So, their amazing granddaughter comes up with a clever plan to fix up the old camper and get Grandad excited to explore again.

This beautiful picture book honors love and reminds us not only to remember those we have lost, but to celebrate them.
From StoryGraph.

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Uncle Bobby's Wedding by Sarah S. Brannen and Lucia SotoUncle Bobby's Wedding by Sarah S. Brannen and Lucia Soto

Chloe's favorite uncle is getting married, and she's not happy about it. But after a magical day with Uncle Bobby and his boyfriend, Jamie, Chloe realizes she's not losing an uncle, but gaining one.

When Chloe's favorite uncle announces that he's getting married, everyone is excited. Everyone except Chloe, that is. What if Uncle Bobby no longer has time for picnics, swimming, or flying kites? Chloe just wants to keep having fun with her favorite uncle, but she's afraid everything is going to change. Can Uncle Bobby and his boyfriend Jamie show Chloe that, when it comes to family, the more the merrier? In this inspiring, love-filled story, Chloe learns just what family means.

Produced in coordination with GLAAD, this adorable picture book is a positive example of same-sex marriage and a celebration of family.
From StoryGraph

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Our Big Day by Bob Johnston and Michael EmberleyOur Big Day by Bob Johnston and Michael Emberley

Uncle David and Simon are going to get married! There's lots to do, from making the invitations to arranging the decorations, but when the wedding rings go missing just before the ceremony, Bear the dog has to use all of his special skills to help save the day!

This fun and engaging picture book is a celebration of love, family and weddings and is a gentle introduction for children to the idea of same-sex partnerships and marriage equality.
From StoryGraph.

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LGBTQ+ Metaphor


A Fox Called Herbert by Margaret Sturton and Margaret SturtonA Fox Called Herbert by Margaret Sturton and Margaret Sturton

Meet Herbert, the rabbit who knows he was born to be a fox. When his mommy isn't looking, he puts on pointy fox ears, makes himself a bushy tail, and asks his sister to paint him orange, just like a fox. But Mommy doesn't understand; why can't he just be a good rabbit?

This delightful picture book is a true celebration of being ourselves and supporting our loved ones. Let this joyful tale inspire you to be who you are and follow your dreams.
From StoryGraph

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Fabulous Frankie by Jess RoseFabulous Frankie by Jess Rose

Frankie is a fox with plenty of style... Fabulous in a rainbow cape amazing in pirate boots and ready to take on the world in a gold crown!

Not everyone likes what Frankie wears... The more Frankie tries to change, the more unhappy Frankie feels. But what happens when friends start to miss their old Frankie?

Join Frankie on a journey of discovery and happiness and, above all, staying true to yourself.
From StoryGraph.

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My Shadow is Pink by Scott StuartMy Shadow is Pink by Scott Stuart

My Shadow is Pink is a beautifully written rhyming story that touches on the subjects of gender identity, self acceptance, equality and diversity.

Inspired by the author's own little boy, 'Shadow's' main character likes princesses, fairies and things 'not for boys'... he soon learns (through the support of his dad) that everyone has a shadow that they sometimes feel they need to hide.

This is an important book for a new generation of children (and adults alike) which exemplifies the concepts of unconditional love, respect and positive parenting.
From StoryGraph

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My Shadow is Purple by Scott StuartMy Shadow is Purple by Scott Stuart

My Dad has a shadow that's blue as a berry, and my Mom's is as pink as a blossoming cherry.

There's only those choices, a 2 or a 1. But mine is quite different, it's both and it's none.

An inspiring book about being true to yourself, by best-selling children's book creator Scott Stuart. This effusive rhyming story considers gender beyond binary in a vibrant spectrum of color.
From StoryGraph.

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Books about Pride and LGBTQ+ Topics


The Meaning of Pride by Rosiee Thor and Sam KirkThe Meaning of Pride by Rosiee Thor and Sam Kirk

A vibrant ode to the culture and achievements of the LGBTQ+ community, The Meaning of Pride, written by Rosiee Thor and illustrated by Sam Kirk, celebrates the beauty, significance, and many dimensions of the concept of Pride as celebrated by millions of people around the world!

Every year in June, we celebrate Pride! But what does Pride mean? And how do you celebrate it?

This inspiring celebration of the LGBTQ+ community throughout history and today shows young readers that there are many ways to show your pride and make a difference.

Whether you want to be an activist or an athlete, a poet or a politician, a designer or a drag queen, you can show your pride just by being you!
From StoryGraph.

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'Twas the Night Before Pride by Joanna McClintick with Juana Medina'Twas the Night Before Pride by Joanna McClintick with Juana Medina

Pride’s . . . a day that means “Together, we are strong!”

On the night before Pride, families everywhere are preparing to partake. As one family packs snacks and makes signs, an older sibling shares the importance of the march with the newest member of the family. Reflecting on the day, the siblings agree that the best thing about Pride is getting to be yourself. Debut author Joanna McClintick and Pura Belpré Award–winning author-illustrator Juana Medina create a new classic that pays homage to the beauty of families of all compositions—and of all-inclusive love.
From StoryGraph

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The Big Book of Pride Flags by Jessica Kingsley and Jem MiltonThe Big Book of Pride Flags by Jessica Kingsley and Jem Milton

Featuring all the colours of the rainbow, this book teaches children about LGBTQIA+ identities through 17 different Pride flags.

With fun facts, simple explanations and a short history of each flag accompanying beautiful illustrations, children will uncover the history of Pride and be introduced to different genders and sexual orientations. There's also a blank Pride flag design at the back of the book so that children can create their very own Pride flag!

With a Reading Guide that provides a detailed History of the Pride Flag and questions for further discussion, this inspiring book is a must-have for every child's bookshelf, library or classroom.
From StoryGraph.

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ABC Pride by Louie Stowell and Elly BarnesABC Pride by Louie Stowell and Elly Barnes

A is for Acceptance! B is for Belonging! C is for Celebrate!>

ABC Pride introduces little readers to the alphabet through the colorful world of Pride. Children can discover letters and words while also learning more about the LGBTQIA+ community and how to be inclusive.>

Every letter of the alphabet is paired with fun, bold illustrations to support language learning, and a handy list of discussion points at the end gives adults the tools to spark further conversations and discussion.>

ABC Pride offers a simple yet powerful way to explain gender, identity, ability to children, while supporting diverse family units. Ideal for children to explore together with a caregiver, or in the classroom.
From StoryGraph

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We Are the Rainbow: The Colours of Pride by Claire Winslow and Riley SamelsWe Are the Rainbow: The Colours of Pride by Claire Winslow and Riley Samels (Board Book)

What does the rainbow mean to you? Learn the meanings behind the colors of the LGBTQ+ pride flag! Shaped pages reveal each color of the rainbow as you read. From StoryGraph

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What Are Your Words?: A Book about Pronouns by Katherine Locke and Anne PasschierWhat Are Your Words?: A Book about Pronouns by Katherine Locke and Anne Passchier

Follow Ari through their neighborhood as they try to find their words in this sweet, accessible introduction to gender-inclusive pronouns that is perfect for readers of all ages.

Whenever Ari's Uncle Lior comes to visit, they ask Ari one question: "What are your words?" Some days Ari uses she/her. Other days Ari uses he/him. But on the day of the neighborhood's big summer bash, Ari doesn't know what words to use. On the way to the party, Ari and Lior meet lots of neighbors and learn the words each of them use to describe themselves, including pronouns like she/her, he/him, they/them, ey/em, and ze/zir. As Ari tries on different pronouns, they discover that it's okay to not know your words right away--sometimes you have to wait for your words to find you.

Filled with bright, graphic illustrations, this simple and poignant story about finding yourself is the perfect introduction to gender-inclusive pronouns for readers of all ages.
From StoryGraph.

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Bye Bye, Binary by Eric Geron and Charlene ChuaBye Bye, Binary by Eric Geron and Charlene Chua (Board Book)

A joyful baby refuses to conform to the gender binary and instead chooses toys, colors, and clothes that make them happy.

This tongue-in-cheek board book is a perfect tool to encourage children to love what they love and is also a great baby shower gift for all soon-to-be-parents.

Fans of Feminist Baby by Loryn Brantz will love this board book about gender expression and being true to oneself. Is it a boy? Or a girl? Our little bundle of joy has arrived--to dismantle gender norms!
From StoryGraph.

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I hope you've found some incredible books for the little ones in your life! Don't forget, you kind find all of these and others in my LGBTQ+ Picture Books Bookshop List^
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