Children's

By Jodie Patterson, 2021 Hardback

Penelope knows that he's a boy. (And a ninja.) The problem is getting everyone else to realize it.

In this exuberant companion to Jodie Patterson's adult memoir, The Bold World, Patterson shares her son Penelope's frustrations and triumphs on his journey to share himself with the world. Penelope's experiences show children that it always makes you stronger when you are true to yourself and who you really are.

By: Jules Machias (Author), 2022, Paperback

*An Indie Next List Pick, a Top Ten Rainbow Book for Young Readers, and one of Bank Street Children's Best Books of the Year!*

Jules Machias explores identity, gender fluidity, and the power of friendship and acceptance in this dual-narrative story about two kids who join forces to save a dog . . . but wind up saving each other.

Ash is no stranger to feeling like an outcast. For someone who cycles through genders, it’s a daily struggle to feel in control of how people perceive you. Some days Ash is undoubtedly girl, but other times, 100 percent guy. Daniel lacks control too—of his emotions. He’s been told he’s overly sensitive more times than he can count. He can’t help the way he is, and he sure wishes someone would accept him for it.

So when Daniel’s big heart leads him to rescue a dog that’s about to be euthanized, he’s relieved to find Ash willing to help. The two bond over their four-legged secret. When they start catching feelings for each other, however, things go from cute to complicated. Daniel thinks Ash is all girl . . . what happens when he finds out there’s more to Ash’s story?

With so much on the line—truth, identity, acceptance, and the life of an adorable pup named Chewbarka—will Ash and Daniel forever feel at war with themselves because they don’t fit into the world’s binaries? Or will their friendship help them embrace the beauty of living in between?

By: Kira Willey (Author), Anni Betts (Illustrator), 2017, Paperback

Breathe Like a Bear is a beautifully illustrated collection of mindfulness exercises designed to teach kids techniques for managing their bodies, breath, and emotions. Best of all, these 30 simple, short breathing practices and movements can be performed anytime, anywhere: in the car to the grocery store, during heavy homework nights at home, or even at a child’s desk at school.

Based on Kira Willey’s Parents’ Choice GOLD Award-winning CD, Mindful Moments for Kids, this one-of-a-kind book is sure to help kids find calm, gain focus, and feel energized during the day, and encourage families to establish a fun and consistent mindfulness practice, whether at home or on the go.

By: IglooBooks (Author), Kasia Nowowiejska (Illustrator), 2023, Board Book

By: Nicole Melleby (Author), Paperback, 2023

From the acclaimed authors of Hurricane Season and Ana on the Edge, an unforgettable story about the importance of and joy in finding a community, for fans of Alex Gino and Ashley Herring-Blake.
 
Twelve-year-old Abigail (she/her/hers) is so excited to spend her summer at Camp QUILTBAG, an inclusive retreat for queer and trans kids. She can’t wait to find a community where she can be herself—and, she hopes, admit her crush on that one hot older actress to kids who will understand.

Thirteen-year-old Kai (e/em/eir) is not as excited. E just wants to hang out with eir best friend and eir parkour team. And e definitely does not want to think about the incident that left eir arm in a sling—the incident that also made Kai’s parents determined to send em somewhere e can feel like emself.

After a bit of a rocky start at camp, Abigail and Kai make a pact: If Kai helps Abigail make new friends, Abigail will help Kai's cabin with the all-camp competition. But as they navigate a summer full of crushes, queer identity exploration, and more, they learn what's really important. Camp QUILTBAG is a heartfelt story full of the joy that comes from being and loving yourself.

By:  Sophie Beer, 2021, Boardbook

This vibrant board book by the creator of Love Makes a Family and Kindness Makes Us Strong celebrates small acts of green living that make a big impact on the environment.

Change starts with planting trees. It starts with turning off faucets, and reusing and recycling. Most importantly, change starts with us! This encouraging preschool read-aloud demonstrates simple yet mighty examples of environmental activism and ways in which young readers can take care of the earth. Whether it's biking places with family or picking up litter with friends, Change Starts with Us proves that everyone has the power to build a better world.

By: Chris Clarkson (Author), Julie Jarame (Illustrator), 2024, Hardcover, Picture Book

A gentle look at transitions and new beginnings through the eyes of a child in foster care—Chloe and the Fireflies is a warm picture book that expands the view of what a family can be

It’s always hard to be the new kid—Chloe knows that better than anyone. But for the first time, in her new foster home, Chloe feels like she doesn’t have to hide. Suddenly her life is full of sleepovers with friends, baking cookies, and living room dance parties. With the support of her dads and her community, Chloe is able to thrive like never before. When Chloe catches a firefly, she can only think of one wish: she wishes she’ll be able to stay. But even if her wish doesn’t come true, Chloe knows she will always treasure the time they spent together.

This gentle picture book is an expansive celebration of family love and community care.

By: Roxy Prima-Johnson (Author & Illustrator), 2024, Board Book

Introduce your little one to the vibrant world of colors through the captivating lens of tattoo art. "Colors of Tattoos" is a beautifully illustrated book that combines education and creativity, making it an exceptional gift for parents seeking unique ways to engage their children. Each page features hand-drawn illustrations inspired by classic American Traditional tattoos, showcasing a rainbow of hues in a visually stunning manner. This book is perfect for the tattooed parents, cool aunties, fun uncles, and all the unique friends in a baby's life who want to share their love of body art with the little ones. With its high-quality pages and captivating designs, "Colors of Tattoos" promises to be a cherished addition to any child's library.

By: Scott Stuart (Author), 2022, Hardcover

Un cuento muy divertido con un claro mensaje: ha llegado el momento de cambiar de mentalidad y de aceptar nuevas formas de ser hombres de verdad.

Un divertido cuento que anima a los niños a aceptar lo que realmente son y desmonta los prejuicios sobre lo que significa ser un hombre. Hace referencia a niños y hombres de diferentes orígenes y está escrito en rima y con un tono humorístico, es ideal para ser leído en voz alta.

ENGLISH DESCRIPTION

A timely picture book that tackles masculinity in an engaging and humorous way!

Scott Stuart encourages boys to embrace who they truly are in this empowering and funny story, smashing age-old assumption about what it means to be a man.

Encompassing boys and men from different backgrounds, and told in irresistible rhyme, How to be a Real Man is a must-have picture book for all young readers.

Men should be STRONG with helping hands.
Men should FIGHT for what is right.
Men should be BRAVE and show how they feel.

By: Leslea Newman (Author), Carol Thompson (Illustrator), 2008, Board Book

A heartwarming board books about gay parents! A great purchase for new parents and new babies alike, and the perfect gift to show your love for daddy, pappa and more!

Rhythmic text and illustrations with universal appeal show a toddler spending the day with its daddies. From hide-and-seek to dress-up, then bath time and a kiss goodnight, there's no limit to what a loving family can do together.

Share the loving bond between same-sex parents and their children in this hearttwearming story of family.

By: Arnold Lobel (Author, Illustrator), 2004, Paperback

Frog and Toad enjoy spending their days together. They fly kites, celebrate Toad's birthday, and share the shivers when Frog tells a scary story. Most of all, they have fun together—every day of the year.

Days with Frog and Toad is a Level Two I Can Read book, geared for kids who read on their own but still need a little help.  Whether shared at home or in a classroom, the engaging stories, longer sentences, and language play of Level Two books are proven to help kids take their next steps toward reading success.

The classic Frog and Toad stories by Arnold Lobel have won numerous awards and honors, including a Newbery Honor (Frog and Toad Together), a Caldecott Honor (Frog and Toad Are Friends), ALA Notable Children’s Book, Fanfare Honor List (The Horn Book), School Library Journal Best Children’s Book, and Library of Congress Children’s Book.

By: Robb Pearlman (Author), Eda Kaban (Illustrator), 2022, Boardbook

From the author and illustrator of Pink Is for Boys comes an empowering board book that teaches kids and adults alike that gender cannot define who you are or want to become.

Dolls and trucks are for boys and girls and everyone, as are fabric and wood, flutes and drums, hockey and figure skating, and many more. This is a fun, playful, and important board book for parents and toddlers to read together.

By: Ben Kahn (Author), 2023, Hardcover

Ferris Bueller's Day Off meets Gamer Girl for middle grade in this hilarious, heartfelt story about a non-binary kid trying to figure out who they are at home, at school, and in the fandom that changed their life.

All Elle Campbell wants to do is meet their hero, non-binary icon Nuri Grena. Well, okay, they'd like a bit more than that -- they'd like to learn how to do cat eye makeup, for queen bee Casey to stop critiquing their outfits, and for the finale of Elle's favorite show to have been less terrible. But meeting Nuri means the most of all.

So when Elle learns that Nuri is coming to town for book signing on Saturday, Elle is thrilled. It's the perfect chance to meet their hero! Elle's never been happier since they came out as non-binary, but they have a lot of questions -- questions only Nuri can answer.

But Elle's dreams are dashed when an altercation with a surly substitute teacher lands Elle in Saturday detention. Elle is ready to give up until their two best friends come up with a plan to bust them out of school. A plan so outrageous, it just might work.

Yet that's just step one. The kids also have to make their way across town with no money, no phones... and no driver's licenses. But they refuse to give up -- even if that means "borrowing" scooters from elementary school loan sharks, or winning a laser tag tournament with a cash prize.

Comic-author Ben Kahn makes their middle grade debut with this zany, heartfelt love letter to friendship, John Hughes movies, and the power of accepting who you are . . . even when there's no set map for where you're going.

By:  Megan Madison (Author), Jessica Ralli (Author), & Tequitia Andrews (Illustrator), 2023, Board Book

Based on the research that race, gender, consent, and body liberation should be discussed with toddlers on up, this read-aloud board book series offers adults the opportunity to begin important conversations with young children in an informed, safe, and supported way.

Developed by experts in the fields of early childhood and activism against injustice, this topic-driven picture book offers clear, concrete language and beautiful imagery to introduce the concept of BODY LIBERATION. This book serves to celebrate the uniqueness of your body and all bodies, and addresses the unfair rules and ideas that currently exist about bodies. It ends with motivational action points for making the world more fair for all!

While young children are avid observers and questioners of their world, adults often shut down or postpone conversations on complicated topics because it's hard to know where to begin. Research shows that talking about issues like race and gender from the age of two not only helps children understand what they see, but also increases self-awareness, self-esteem, and allows them to recognize and confront things that are unfair, like discrimination and prejudice.

These books offer a supportive approach that considers both the child and the adult. Stunning art accompanies the simple and interactive text, and the backmatter offers additional resources and ideas for extending this discussion.