More queer children’s books have been published in the last few years than ever before, even as they come under more political attacks than ever, too. They need your support to be successful to balance out the bans and kids will love the happy messages in these forthcoming picture books which are all available for pre-order now. Messages of acceptance and joy are perfect for any family and these will make excellent gifts for the kids in your life.
Beloved multihyphenate celeb Jonathan van Ness is releasing a second picture book after the success of their first one, Peanut Goes for the Gold, the story of a guinea pig who does rhythmic gymnastics. Instead of a character-driven story like Peanut’s, Gorgeously Me! is a poetic ode to being yourself. One part reads: “I won’t be afraid to stand out / or show the world what I’m all about. / I am exactly who I’m meant to be. / Perfectly, happily, gorgeously me!”
After Lindz Amer of Queer Kid Stuff and the Rainbow Parenting podcast wrote a book for adults (Rainbow Parenting: Your Guide to Raising Queer Kids and Their Allies) in 2023, they’re following it up with a picture book aimed at the young reader. Hooray for She, He, Ze, and They! beautifully describes the feeling of gender euphoria for children, likening someone using your right pronouns to a warm hug or sipping hot cocoa. Amer creates a celebration of children finding themselves by finding their own cozy pronouns.
The viral TikTok song is now a picture book, as couple Corook and Olivia Barton’s can’t-help-but-sing-along tune comes to life with renowned writer and illustrator Mike Curato’s images. Showing Corook and Barton in human and fish form on different pages, the song about self-acceptance is brightly illustrated line for line, with nods to phone emojis and kazoos. These book makes a lovely gift for all ages.
There are plenty of Pride books out there now, but It’s Pride, Baby! is the first I’ve seen that celebrates a Black Pride event. The book shows a loving, queer Black family joyfully enjoying D.C. Black Pride with a parade, fireworks, and more.
This picture book shares the story of Marley, a little nonbinary child who doesn’t like crowds or loud noises but who wants to go to Pride to see their Zaza receive an award. The book shows how Marley deals with their anxieties to have a joyful family experience at Pride. Retener is a Kreyol American author who says that sharing stories of queer joy and Black pride like this one is a passion of theirs.
This rhyming picture book features parents dreaming about who their baby may grow up to be, particularly in terms of gender expression. It mentions how everyone wondered about if the baby would be pink or blue, but how they can be any bright color of the rainbow that feels right to them. This would make a lovely gift for new parents.
