LGBTQ Pride Month has been nationally recognized in June for almost two decades, taking a positive stance against discrimination toward lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people to promote equal rights, increase visibility, build community, and celebrate sexual diversity and gender variance (Wikipedia).

At the library, we develop our collection and services to meet the needs of every member of our diverse community. The Children’s Area has programs for children of all ages, and books featuring characters with all types of families, abilities, and interests. These LGBTQ+-positive picture books are appropriate for young children, but their message of being true to oneself is meaningful for readers of all ages!

Worm Loves Worm J.J. Austrian

“Two worms in love decide to get married, and with help from Cricket, Beetle, Spider, and the Bees they have everything they need and more, but which one will be the bride and which the groom?” —Publisher

Heather Has Two Mommies Lesléa Newman

“Heather's favorite number is two. She has two arms, two legs, and two pets. And she also has two mommies. 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.’” —Publisher.

And Tango Makes Three Justin Richardson

“At New York City's Central Park Zoo, two male penguins fall in love and start a family by taking turns sitting on an abandoned egg until it hatches.” —Publisher

I Am Jazz! Jessica Herthel

“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” (publisher). I Am Jazz! tells the true story of Jazz Jenning’s childhood in an clear and honest voice that will easily engage picture book readers.

My Princess Boy : A Mom's Story About a Young Boy Who Loves to Dress Up Cheryl Kilodavis

“Jacob loves playing dress-up, when he can be anything he wants to be. Some kids at school say he can’t wear ‘girl’ clothes, but Jacob wants to wear a dress to school. Can he convince his parents to let him wear what he wants? This heartwarming story speaks to the unique challenges faced by boys who don’t identify with traditional gender roles.”—Publisher

10,000 dresses Marcus Ewert

Every night, Bailey dreams about magical dresses: dresses made of crystals and rainbows, dresses made of flowers, dresses made of windows. Unfortunately, when Bailey’s awake, no one wants to hear about these beautiful dreams, except Laurel, an older girl who is touched and inspired by Bailey’s imagination and courage. This gorgeous picture book—a modern fairy tale about becoming the person you feel you are inside—will delight people of all ages.—Publisher

Red: A Crayon’s Story Michael Hall

“Red's factory-applied label clearly says that he is red, but despite the best efforts of his teacher, fellow crayons and art supplies, and family members, he cannot seem to do anything right until a new friend offers a fresh perspective.” —Publisher

Older readers can also check out this book list for young adults, which features books about teens who identify as LGBTQ+.

And on July 21, children ages 2–6 enjoy Drag Queen Storytime at the Library, where local drag queens present stories and encourage every one of us to embrace our uniqueness. Look for even more Library and community events celebrating LGBT history month in August.