It’s important for our little ones to learn about the world they're growing up in and the best way to teach them about society today. A great way to teach young children about the different types of lives, loves and family setups is with the books we share with them.
However, for many same-sex parents and carers, these kinds of picture books can be tough to find.
BookTrust has a great selection of books that celebrate LGBT families, so we've pulled out some of our favourites children's books (for 5 and under) that show – and celebrate – diverse families, gender fluidity and more.
Here are the best LGBTQI+ books for kids:
The Family Book, Todd Parr
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The Family Book focuses on all families being special in their own way. Todd Parr celebrates the varieties of families and how we should embrace our differences.
My Two Dads and Me, Michael Joosten
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My Two Dads and Me celebrates the lives of families with same-sex parents. It illustrates the busy dads and their kids throughout their average day.
Made By Raffi, Craig Pomranz
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This book is about a boy called Raffi, who is quiet and gets picked on at school. He spends his time knitting a scarf for his dad's birthday, and it turns out he saves the school's pageant show.
Mommy, Mama and Me, Leslea Newman
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Mommy, Mama and Me is a book that shows the loving bond between same-sex parents and their children. This visual book will show your toddler an average day of spending time with their mummies.
And Tango Makes Three, Justin Richardson
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Roy and Silo are two penguins at Central Park Zoo. The book shows their desire to have a family of their own.
The Boy Who Cried Fabulous, Leslea Newman
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A boy called Roger who describes everything as fabulous. But his parents want Roger to see things the way they do, so they ban him from saying fabulous.
Baby's First Words, Tessa Strickland
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A book that follows what it's like to be a baby with two dads, providing labels for objects and sound effects to play with.
Under the Love Umbrella, Davina Francesca Bell
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An award-winning book that is a reminder to children that there will be love wherever you go and will always be with you.
Julian Is a Mermaid, Jessica Love
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A visual story about a boy who dreams of being a mermaid revealed through images and art.
We Are Family, Patricia Hegerty
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This book illustrates that love can be found in all families. It has a mix of peoples, ages, and races and explores what families can overcome together.
This Day in June, Gayle E. Pitman
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This Day in June lets readers experience Pride and provides parents and carers with information on how to educate children with sexual orientation and gender identity.
Introducing Teddy, Jessica Walton
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This is a sweet story about Errol and his best friend, Thomas, who is a teddy. Jessica Walton writes about the importance of being true to yourself and always have your friend's back.
Emily Drabble, Head of Books, BookTrust says: “Books can be both windows and mirrors to the world – it’s important to be able to learn about the people environment around you through reading and be able to see yourself within books. That’s why reading to your little ones is an impactful way to teach your child about LGBTQI+ themes in our world and different situations that they might face as they grow up, or perhaps that is already in your family.”
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