All Posts

Celebrating Love and Diversity: Kids Books About Pride

Written by
Kellee Mikuls
Published on
June 1, 2023

In a world that is becoming increasingly diverse, it's essential to teach our children about acceptance, inclusion, and celebrating love in all its forms. Kids books about pride offer a wonderful way to introduce young minds to the beautiful spectrum of human identities and orientations. These positive and affirming stories empower children to embrace LGBTQIA+ individuals with empathy and understanding. Today, we'll explore the importance of these books and discover some fantastic titles that can help you have meaningful conversations with your kids about pride.

"At Swishboom, we celebrate Pride Month because we believe that love knows no bounds, and every family deserves to be embraced with open arms. Just like the colorful spectrum of a rainbow, we welcome and support all people. Diversity and inclusivity are the foundations of our babysitting community. Together, let us create a world where all children grow up surrounded by acceptance, understanding, and the freedom to be their authentic selves." - Kellee Mikuls, Founder and CEO

Why Kids Books About Pride Matter:

Children are naturally curious and observant, and it's crucial to provide them with accurate information about the world around them. Kids books about pride create a safe space for children to explore the topic of LGBTQIA+ identities. These books promote love, acceptance, and respect for all people, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation. By exposing children to diverse stories, we encourage them to develop a broad and inclusive mindset from an early age.

How to Talk to Kids About Pride:

Approaching the topic of pride with children can seem daunting, but it's an opportunity to foster a culture of acceptance and understanding. Here are some tips on how to have open and honest conversations about pride:

  1. Create a Safe Environment: Find a quiet and comfortable space where your child feels at ease to ask questions and express their thoughts.
  2. Use Age-Appropriate Language: Tailor your explanations to suit your child's age and understanding. Be prepared to simplify complex concepts and focus on the importance of love, acceptance, and treating everyone with kindness.
  3. Encourage Questions: Welcome your child's curiosity and encourage them to ask questions. Answer their queries honestly and in a way that they can comprehend.
  4. Share Stories: Introduce kids books about pride as a means to illustrate diverse experiences and celebrate different types of families. Reading together provides a natural opening for discussions.

Positive and Affirming Books About Pride:

  1. "And Tango Makes Three" by Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson: Based on a true story, this heartwarming tale depicts two male penguins who hatch an egg together and raise a chick named Tango. It beautifully illustrates that love knows no bounds.
  2. "The Family Book" by Todd Parr: This colorful and inclusive book celebrates all types of families, including those with two moms or two dads. It sends a powerful message that love and happiness are what truly matter in a family.
  3. "This Day in June" by Gayle E. Pitman: With vibrant illustrations, this book explores the excitement and joy of a pride parade, showcasing diverse identities and promoting acceptance and respect for all.
  4. "Red: A Crayon's Story" by Michael Hall: This cleverly illustrated story follows the journey of a blue crayon mistakenly labeled as red. It teaches children the importance of embracing their true identity and celebrates the beauty of being different.
  5. "Julián Is a Mermaid" by Jessica Love: This captivating story follows Julián, who dreams of becoming a mermaid after seeing three beautiful mermaids on the subway. It highlights the power of self-expression and acceptance.

Kids books about pride are powerful and useful tools for teaching children about love, diversity, and acceptance. By introducing these positive and affirming stories, we can help shape a generation that values and respects all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Engage in open conversations with your children, using age-appropriate language, and explore the beautiful world of diversity together. Together, let's create a future where everyone can live their truth and love without fear or judgment.

‍