10 Picture Books That Celebrate Pride, Family, and the Beauty of Our Differences

As Pride Month arrives, it's more important than ever to center stories that affirm love, identity, and belonging. In a time when diversity, equity, and inclusion are being politicized and even vilified, especially in education, it's vital that we hold space for children to see the beauty in difference. Books are one of the most powerful ways we can do that.

This collection of ten picture books is more than just a list of LGBTQIA+ titles. It’s a tapestry of intersectional stories that celebrate not just queerness, but also gender diversity, multiracial families, intergenerational bonds, cultural identity, and chosen love. These stories help kids imagine a world where everyone belongs—not in spite of their differences, but because of them.

Whether you're a parent, educator, or caregiver, these books are an invitation to lean into the hard conversations, nurture empathy, and remind young readers that they are perfect exactly as they are.

📖 "Grandad’s Camper"
by Harry Woodgate

A heartwarming story about a grandchild learning about their Grandad's late partner and their adventures together. This book beautifully explores intergenerational queer love and the way memories keep love alive. It's a celebration of legacy, healing, and the power of family storytelling.

📖 "My Maddy"
by Gayle E. Pitman

This gentle, poetic book tells the story of a child and their nonbinary parent, affectionately called "Maddy." It's a touching and affirming portrait of gender diversity, perfect for introducing young readers to the idea that not all families look the same—and that’s something to be celebrated.

📖 “Bathe The Cat"
by Alice B. McGinty

Two dads and their kids are racing to clean the house before Grandma arrives—but the cat has other plans! A hilarious and chaotic look at family dynamics, this book reflects the everyday love and joy in queer households. It’s inclusive, energetic, and full of laughs.

📖 "Tuesday Is Daddy’s Day"
by Elliot Kreloff

This sweet story features a young girl navigating her two households—one with Mommy, one with Daddy—and the many ways love shows up in her life. It subtly acknowledges the reality of divorce, co-parenting, and LGBTQ+ families while centering joy and connection.

📖 "Ritu Weds Chandni"
by Ameya Narvankar

In this vibrant celebration of Indian culture and queer love, Ritu and Chandni are about to have their wedding—but not everyone in the community is supportive. Told through the eyes of a young family member determined to stand up for love, this story speaks to bravery, solidarity, and cultural pride.

📖 "My Footprints"
by Bao Phi

After being bullied at school, Thuy—a Vietnamese American girl with two moms—finds strength in nature and her imagination. As she creates her own mythical creature to embody her power, this story uplifts cultural identity, resilience, and chosen family.

📖 "Love Is Love"
by Michael Genhart

When a boy is teased at school for having two dads, he learns to respond with pride and compassion. A direct and child-friendly book that speaks honestly about homophobia, this story is a powerful tool for building allyship and empathy.

📖 "Papa, Daddy, & Riley"
by Seamus Kirst

Riley has two dads, and when a classmate questions her family, she begins to wonder about what makes a family. With warmth and clarity, this book affirms that love—not gender—is what makes a family whole.

📖 "Princess Puffybottom"
by Susin Nielsen

A posh cat’s life is turned upside down when her owners (a two-mom household) bring home a scrappy dog named Darryl. This humorous and endearing book touches on adoption, sharing, and the unexpected ways families grow.

📖 "Over The Shop"
by Jon Arno Lawson

Told entirely through pictures, this wordless picture book shows a young child welcoming a queer couple into their building—and slowly, a neglected community begins to blossom again. It’s a quiet, beautiful meditation on acceptance, transformation, and hope.

These books are not just stories—they're seeds. Seeds that grow empathy, compassion, and a deeper understanding of what it means to live in community with others. In a moment when inclusive education is under threat, it's critical to amplify books that honor every child’s identity and family.

Let this Pride Month be not only a celebration, but a recommitment to raising readers who know that diversity is not something to fear—it is something to treasure.

Happy Pride.

With stories and solidarity,

Kerri