Children's

By: Theresa Thorn (Author), Noah Grigni (Illustrator), 2019, Hardcover, Picture Book

A picture book that introduces the concept of gender identity to the youngest reader from writer Theresa Thorn and illustrator Noah Grigni.

Some people are boys. Some people are girls. Some people are both, neither, or somewhere in between.

This sweet, straightforward exploration of gender identity will give children a fuller understanding of themselves and others. With child-friendly language and vibrant art, It Feels Good to Be Yourself provides young readers and parents alike with the vocabulary to discuss this important topic with sensitivity.

By: Allen R. Wells (Author), Dia Valle (Illustrator), 2024, Hardcover

A joyful picture book debut that encourages kids to take pride in themselves and know that they are loved no matter what.

Just as the stars light the entire world―
You shine.

Join a queer family as they celebrate Black Pride in Washington, D.C. From painting posters to walking in a Pride Parade with neighbors to watching fireworks, this special day is packed with fun.

Allen R. Wells’s poetic text perfectly captures the expansiveness of a parent’s love, while Dia Valle’s joyful art bursts off the page. Here are words that children in every family―no matter its color, size, or shape―need to hear.

We are so proud of you!

By: L. D. Lapinski (Author), 2024, Paperback

There's a place for everyone, you've just got to find it. Jamie is a beautiful and uplifting story about how to make your own place in a world that doesn't think you fit.

"Excels at being educational without sacrificing charm, humor, or excitement." Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

"Essential addition to the growing cannon of queer literature for young people. For readers who enjoy Alex Gino, Kyle Lukoff, or A. J. Sass." Booklist

Jamie Rambeau is a happy 11-year-old, nonbinary kid who loves hanging out with their two best friends, Daisy and Ash. But when the trio find out that their local middle schools separate into a school for boys and a school for girls, their friendship suddenly seems at risk. And when Jamie realizes no one has thought about where they are going to go, they decide to take matters into their own hands.

As the friends' efforts to raise awareness eventually become a rooftop protest against the binary rules for the local schools, Jamie realizes that if they don't figure out a way forward, they could lose both their friends forever.

Published in partnership with media advocacy organization GLAAD, this empowering book positively represents LGBTQ families.

By: Ronnie Riley (Author), 2023, Hardcover

Perfect for fans of Alex Gino, A. J. Sass, and Kyle Lukoff this is the joyful and heartwarming story of Jude, a nonbinary kid who knows exactly who they are and decides to create a safe space in their community from Indies Introduce and Indie Next List pick author, Ronnie Riley.

Twelve-year-old Jude struggles with some things: focusing at school, feeling like everything rests on their shoulders, not being able to come out as nonbinary to their old-fashioned grandparents. But Jude doesn't struggle with Dallas, their best friend in the whole world. Their person.

Jude and Dallas's world changes when they learn Stevie, a girl in their class, has been ousted from the popular clique at school. Worried it had something to do with Stevie's rumored crush on another girl, Jude reaches out to see if Stevie is okay. Stevie quickly becomes an important friend to Jude and Dallas, whose unwavering acceptance of her is a stark contrast to the tests and dysfunction she experienced with her former friend group.

As their friendship deepens and the three open up to each other, Stevie's unconditional and open acceptance when Jude comes out to her motivates them to create a queer safe space in their community. Jude has the courage and determination it takes to create the first Diversity Club in their community, but will they be able to find the support they need to make it happen?

By:  Jessica Love, 2020, Hardcover, Picture Book

The star of Julián Is a Mermaid makes a joyful return—and finds a new friend—at a wedding to be remembered.

Julián and his abuela are going to a wedding. Better yet, Julián is in the wedding. Weddings have flowers and kissing and dancing and cake. And this wedding also has a new friend named Marisol. It’s not long before Julián and Marisol set off for some magic and mischief of their own, and when things take an unexpected turn, the pair learns that everything is easier with a good friend by your side. Jessica Love returns with a joyful story of friendship and individuality in this radiant follow-up to Julián Is a Mermaid.

By:  Jessica Love, 2018, Paperback

In an exuberant picture book, a glimpse of costumed mermaids leaves one boy flooded with wonder and ready to dazzle the world.

While riding the subway home from the pool with his abuela one day, Julián notices three women spectacularly dressed up. Their hair billows in brilliant hues, their dresses end in fishtails, and their joy fills the train car. When Julián gets home, daydreaming of the magic he’s seen, all he can think about is dressing up just like the ladies in his own fabulous mermaid costume: a butter-yellow curtain for his tail, the fronds of a potted fern for his headdress. But what will Abuela think about the mess he makes — and even more importantly, what will she think about how Julián sees himself? Mesmerizing and full of heart, Jessica Love’s author-illustrator debut is a jubilant picture of self-love and a radiant celebration of individuality.

By: Ashley Molesso (Author), Chess Needham (Author), 2024, Hardcover, Picture Book

Celebrate all types of families in this inclusive picture book that breaks down gender stereotypes while offering aspirational messages to young readers.

Whether a child wears pearls just like their daddy, grills with their mommy, braids hair like their baba, bakes yummy treats with their grandpa, sashays like their zaza, dresses up like their bibi, or decorates their room like their brothers, all families love spending time together! Delight in all that makes a family unique and special—including what makes you you—in this empowering and affirming picture book by the author-illustrator team and queer stationery company, Ash + Chess. BONUS: includes one sheet of vibrant, colorful, celebratory stickers!

By: Daniel Gray-Barnett (Author), 2022, Paperback

A joy-filled cheer of appreciation for loud, trouble-making, outrageous kids.

Katerina Cruickshanks is a wild child, a trickster, and a ringleader. But when they wreak some serious chaos, their friends decide their shenanigans have gone too far and say, “No more!”

Brimming with humor and warmth, Katerina shows us that there’s no such thing as being too much; it’s just a matter of finding the friends who will love you as you are.

By: Julie Schanke Lyford & Robert A. Schanke (Author); Illustration par Marie Luzina; 2022; Paperback

L’école de Katy célèbre la Journée des grands-parents, et Katy a le trac. Elle ne veut pas présenter ses papys devant la classe parce qu’elle craint que personne ne comprenne son zozotement. Pour aggraver les choses, lorsque Katy dit à son professeur qu’elle invite ses “papys” mariés, son enseignante pense qu’elle veut dire “mamie et papy” au lieu de “papy et papy”. Katy aura-t-elle la confiance nécessaire pour parler devant la classe et défier les stéréotypes ?

Katy a Deux Papys s’inspire d’une histoire vraie à propos de l’amour et du soutien au sein d’une famille moderne, avec des illustrations dynamiques et colorées, une classe variée et une petite-fille TRÈS fière.

By Julie Schanke Lyford and Robert A. Schanke, 2021, paperback

Written by: Mudpuppy and Tonya Abari; Illustrated by: Tabitha Brown; 2023; Board book

A celebration of Juneteenth for babies and toddlers!

Let's Celebrate Juneteenth Board Book from Mudpuppy is a wonderful introduction to Juneteenth, a federal holiday in the United States on June 19th commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. Colorful illustrations show various ways people celebrate the anniversary of freedom for all! 

By: Matt de la Pena (Author), Loren Long (Illustrator), 2018, Hardcover, Picture Book

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

"[A] poetic reckoning of the importance of love in a child's life . . . eloquent and moving."—People

"Everything that can be called love -- from shared joy to comfort in the darkness -- is gathered in the pages of this reassuring, refreshingly honest picture book."—The New York Times Book Review, Editors' Choice / Staff Picks From the Book Review

“Lyrical and sensitive, ‘Love’ is the sort of book likely to leave readers of all ages a little tremulous, and brimming with feeling.”—The Wall Street Journal

From Newbery Medal-winning author Matt de la Peña and bestselling illustrator Loren Long comes a story about the strongest bond there is and the diverse and powerful ways it connects us all.

"In the beginning there is light
and two wide-eyed figures standing near the foot of your bed
and the sound of their voices is love.
...
A cab driver plays love softly on his radio
while you bounce in back with the bumps of the city
and everything smells new, and it smells like life."

In this heartfelt celebration of love, Newbery Medal-winning author Matt de la Peña and bestselling illustrator Loren Long depict the many ways we experience this universal bond, which carries us from the day we are born throughout the years of our childhood and beyond. With a lyrical text that's soothing and inspiring, this tender tale is a needed comfort and a new classic that will resonate with readers of every age.

By: Mudpuppy (Author), Katy Tanis (Illustrator), 2021, Board Book

Love is love wherever it's found.
 
This fun and inclusive book celebrates all forms of love found within the animal kingdom.
 
The Love in the Wild board book from Mudpuppy features sweet rhyming text and colorful artwork to highlight the many different types of love that can be found in the animal kingdom.
 
This colorful celebration of love is based on scientists' observations of same-sex couples, adoption, non-binary gender expression and more. Author-illustrator Katy Tanis is currently earning a MA in Biology from Miami University of Ohio. Her graduate work, partnering with the Wildlife Conservation Society, explores the promotion of conservation biology through art.