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    The Children's Book Review

    12 Kids Books That Celebrate LGBTQI Families

    Bianca SchulzeBy Bianca Schulze9 Mins Read Ages 0-3 Ages 4-8 Ages 9-12 Best Kids Stories Book Lists
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    The Children’s Book Review | October 15, 2018

    We recently interviewed Professor Gore about her new picture book All is Assuredly Well, the quietly impactful story of same-sex couple King Phillip the Good and his elegant husband The Most Excellent Don Carlos Emiliano Felipe de Compañero y Compañero. As an Expert Witness certified by the federal court, and one of nineteen plaintiffs, Professor Gore took the witness stand in federal court testifying against the city of Wichita Falls, Texas, when they passed a law allowing book banning at the children’s section of the public library. She said, “The law had been designed to rid the library of Heather Has Two Mommies and Daddy’s Roommate, the only two picture books at that time that depicted same-sex parent families.” The case was won and the books were no longer banned, however, in what has been almost three decades, the canon of books that celebrate LGBTQI families has only recently begun to grow.

    Inspired by the beautiful All is Assuredly Well—co-authored by Professor Gore and Maestro Wilson—and our interview with the professor, here is a list of picture books that feature LGBTQI families.

    All is assuredly WellAll Is Assuredly Well

    Written by Professor Gore and Maestro Wilson

    Illustrated by Angela F. M. Trotter

    Publisher’s Synopsis: With a book cover and illustrations as pretty as a sunlit, stained glass window, All is Assuredly Well is the quietly impactful story of King Phillip the Good and his elegant husband, The Most Excellent Don Carlos Emiliano Felipe de Compañero y  Compañero, and their wish for a baby girl of their very own. A traditional fairytale blessed with a modern storyline that is ready to be told, All is Assuredly Well is written as beautifully as the field of a thousand flowers referenced within the book’s own pages. The authors wonderfully weave in old English to set the old-style tone, and readers that take well to customary tales will revel in new vocabulary words such as forsooth and sonorous. Almost like a special kind of book magic, the pages offer serenity through the repetitive phrase of “All is assuredly well.” Read aloud or read in silence, All is Assuredly Well is highly recommended. Read our complete review »

    Order a Copy Now: Amazon

    Ages 4+ | Publisher: Camille Lancaster Literary Children’s Books | 2018 | ISBN-13: 978-0999888001

    Heather Has Two MommiesHeather Has Two Mommies

    Written by Lesléa Newman, illustrated by Laura Cornell

    Publisher’s Synopsis: Heather’s favorite number is two. She has two arms, two legs, and two pets. And she also has two mommies. When Heather goes to school for the first time, someone asks her about her daddy, but Heather doesn’t have a daddy. Then something interesting happens. When Heather and her classmates all draw pictures of their families, not one drawing is the same. It doesn’t matter who makes up a family, the teacher says, because “the most important thing about a family is that all the people in it love one another.” This delightful edition for a new generation of young readers features fresh illustrations by Laura Cornell and an updated story by Lesléa Newman.

    Order a Copy Now: Amazon

    Ages 3-7 | Publisher: Candlewick Press | 2015 | ISBN-13: 9780763666316

    Daddys RoommateDaddy’s Roommate

    Written by Michael Willhoite

    Publisher’s Synopsis: A young boy discusses his divorced father’s new living situation, in which the father and his gay roommate share eating, doing chores, playing, loving, and living.

    Order a Copy Now: Amazon

    Ages 4+ | Publisher: Alyson Books | 1994 | ISBN-13: 978-1555831189

    And Tango Makes ThreeAnd Tango Makes Three

    Written by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell

    Illustrated by Henry Cole

    Publisher’s Synopsis: The heartwarming true story of two penguins who create a nontraditional family is narrated by award-winning actor Neil Patrick Harris in this book and CD package.

    At the penguin house at the Central Park Zoo, two penguins named Roy and Silo were a little bit different from the others. But their desire for a family was the same. And with the help of a kindly zookeeper, Roy and Silo got the chance to welcome a baby penguin of their very own.

    Releasing in time for the tenth anniversary of And Tango Makes Three, this book and CD edition features narration by renowned actor Neil Patrick Harris.

    Order a Copy Now: Amazon

    Ages 4-8 | Publisher: Little Simon | 2015 | ISBN-13: 978-1481449946

    Worm Loves WormWorm Loves Worm

    Written by J.J. Austrian

    Illustrated by Mike Curato

    Publisher’s Synopsis: Perfect for fans of And Tango Makes Three and The Sissy Duckling, this irresistible picture book is a celebration of love in all its splendid forms from debut author J. J. Austrian and the acclaimed author-illustrator of Little Elliot, Big City, Mike Curato.

    You are cordially invited to celebrate the wedding of a worm . . . and a worm.

    When a worm meets a special worm and they fall in love, you know what happens next: They get married! But their friends want to know—who will wear the dress? And who will wear the tux?

    The answer is: It doesn’t matter. Because Worm loves worm.

    Order a Copy Now: Amazon

    Ages 4-8 | Publisher: Balzer + Bray | Jan. 5 2016 | ISBN-13: 978-0062386335

    I Am JazzI Am Jazz

    Written by Jessica Herthel  and Jazz Jennings

    Illustrated by Shelagh McNicholas

    Publisher’s Synopsis: The story of a transgender child based on the real-life experience of Jazz Jennings, who has become a spokesperson for transkids everywhere

    “This is an essential tool for parents and teachers to share with children whether those kids identify as trans or not. I wish I had had a book like this when I was a kid struggling with gender identity questions. I found it deeply moving in its simplicity and honesty.”—Laverne Cox (who plays Sophia in “Orange Is the New Black”)

    From the time she was two years old, Jazz knew that she had a girl’s brain in a boy’s body. She loved pink and dressing up as a mermaid and didn’t feel like herself in boys’ clothing. This confused her family, until they took her to a doctor who said that Jazz was transgender and that she was born that way. Jazz’s story is based on her real-life experience and she tells it in a simple, clear way that will be appreciated by picture book readers, their parents, and teachers.

    Order a Copy Now: Amazon

    Ages 4-8 | Publisher: Dial Books | Sept. 4, 2015 | ISBN-13: 978-0803741072

    Donovans Big DayDonovan’s Big Day

    Written by Leslea Newman

    Illustrated by Mike Dutton

    Publisher’s Synopsis: Donovan’s two moms are getting married, and he can’t wait for the celebration to begin. After all, as ringbearer, he has a very important job to do. Any boy or girl with same-sex parents—or who knows a same-sex couple—will appreciate this picture book about love, family, and marriage. The story captures the joy and excitement of a wedding day while the illustrations show the happy occasion from a child’s point of view.

    Order a Copy Now: Amazon

    Ages 3-7 | Publisher: Tricycle Press | 2011 | ISBN-13: 978-1582463322

    Mommy Mama and MeMommy, Mama, and Me

    Written by Leslea Newman

    Illustrated by Carol Thompson

    Publisher’s Synopsis: One of the only original board books about gay parents! A perfect purchase for new parents, baby showers, and more!

    Rhythmic text and illustrations with universal appeal show a toddler spending the day with its mommies. 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.

    Shares the loving bond between same-sex parents and their children.

    Order a Copy Now: Amazon

    Ages 3-7 | Publisher: Tricycle Press | 2011 | ISBN-13: 978-1582462639

    A Tale of Two DaddiesA Tale of Two Daddies

    Written by Vanita Oelschlager

    Illustrated by Kristin Blackwood

    Publisher’s Synopsis: A Tale of Two Daddies is a playground conversation between two children. The boy says he heard that the girl has two dads. The girl says that is right–she has Daddy and Poppa. True to a child’s curiosity, practical questions follow: “Which dad helps when your team needs a coach? / Which dad cooks you eggs and toast?” To which she answers: “Daddy is my soccer coach. / Poppa cooks me eggs and toast.”

    Intended for 4- to 8-year-olds, this book introduces a type of family increasingly visible in modern society. Neither favoring nor condemning, it reflects a child’s practical and innocent look at the adults who nurture and love her. It becomes clear that the family bond is unburdened by any cultural discomforts.

    Order a Copy Now: Amazon

    Ages 5-8 | Publisher: Vanita Books | 2010 | ISBN-13: 978-0981971469

    A Tale of Two MommiesA Tale of Two Mommies

    Written by Vanita Oelschlager

    Illustrated by Kristin Blackwood

    Publisher’s Synopsis: A Tale of Two Mommies is a beach conversation among three children. One boy asks another boy about having two mommies. A young girl listening in asks some questions too.
    True to a child’s curiosity, practical questions follow. “Which mom is there when you want to go fishing? / Which mom helps out when Kitty goes missing?” To which he answers: “Mommy helps when I want to go fishing. / Both Mommies help when Kitty goes missing.”
    A Tale of Two Mommies is intended for 4-8 year olds.
    This book lets us look inside one non-traditional family, a same sex couple and their son. As the children talk, it’s clear this boy lives in a nurturing environment where the biggest issues are the everyday challenges of growing up.

    Order a Copy Now: Amazon

    Ages 5-8 | Publisher: Vanita Books | 2011 | ISBN-13: 978-0982636671

    The Family BookThe Family Book

    Written and Illustrated by Todd Parr

    Publisher’s Synopsis: The Family Book celebrates the love we feel for our families and all the different varieties they come in. Whether you have two moms or two dads, a big family or a small family, a clean family or a messy one, Todd Parr assures readers that no matter what kind of family you have, every family is special in its own unique way.

    Parr’s message about the importance of embracing our differences is delivered in a playful way. With his trademark bold, bright colors and silly scenes, this book will encourage children to ask questions about their own families. Perfect for young children just beginning to read, The Family Book is designed to encourage early literacy, enhance emotional development, celebrate multiculturalism, promote character growth, and strengthen family relationships

    Order a Copy Now: Amazon

    Ages 4-8 | Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers | 2010 | ISBN-13: 978-0316070409

    The Misadventures of the Family FletcherThe Misadventures of the Family Fletcher 

    Written by Dana Alison Levy

    Publisher’s Synopsis: The start of the school year is not going as the Fletcher brothers hoped. Each boy finds his plans for success veering off in unexpected and sometimes diastrous directions. And at home, their miserable new neighbor complains about everything. As the year continues, the boys learn the hard and often hilarious lesson that sometimes what you least expect is what you come to care about the most.

    Order a Copy Now: Amazon

    Ages 9-12 | Publisher: Yearling | 2015 | ISBN-13: 978-0385376556

    The book list 12 Kids Books That Celebrate LGBTQI Families was curated by Bianca Schulze. For similar articles, follow along with our content tagged with Family and LGBTQ Books.

    What to Read Next:

    1. Gifts for Grandparents: Bond Over a Book with Your Grandchildren
    2. LGBTQ Pride Books for Kids and Teens
    3. Best New Kids Stories | October 2015
    4. Best New Kids Books | January 2016

    *Disclosure: Please note that this post may contain affiliate links that share some commission. Rest assured that these will not affect the cost of any products and services promoted here. Our team always provides their authentic opinion in all content published on this site.

    Alyson Books Angela F. M. Trotter Camille Lancaster Literary Children's Books Candlewick Press Carol Thompson Dana Alison Levy Family Family Books Family Relationships Henry Cole J.J. Austrian Justin Richardson Kristin Blackwood Laura Cornell Lesléa Newman LGBT LGBT Books LGBTQ Books Little Brown Books for Young Readers Little Simon Michael Willhoite Mike Curato Mike Dutton Peter Parnell Todd Parr Tricycle Press Vanita Books Vanita Oelschlager Yearling
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    Bianca Schulze
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    Bianca Schulze is the founder of The Children’s Book Review. She is a reader, reviewer, mother and children’s book lover. She also has a decade’s worth of experience working with children in the great outdoors. Combined with her love of books and experience as a children’s specialist bookseller, the goal is to share her passion for children’s literature to grow readers. Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, she now lives with her husband and three children near Boulder, Colorado.

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