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Teaching compassion and inclusivity starts at an early age and is made a little easier with fun, queer-friendly picture books. Here at Duck Prints Press, those of us who have or expect to have kids in our lives are certainly relieved that things are changing, and there’s now a choice of queer picture books for the little ones. And there are so many that are so good! Here are just a few of our favorites, recommended by Nina Waters and an anonymous contributor.
One Dad, Two Dads, Brown Dad, Blue Dads by Johnny Valentine and Melody Sarecky
Two children—one with blue dads, one from a more traditional family—compare notes in this light hearted book about parents who are different. In the end, of course, they discover that blue dads aren’t really that different from other dads. Except for one thing.
And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson, Peter Parnell and Henry Cole
In the zoo there are all kinds of animal families. But Tango’s family is not like any of the others.
This illustrated children’s book fictionalizes the true story of two male penguins who became partners and raised a penguin chick in the Central Park Zoo.
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!
A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo by Jill Twiss and E.G. Keller
Meet Marlon Bundo, a lonely bunny who lives with his Grampa Mike Pence, the former Vice President of the United States. But on this Very Special Day, Marlon’s life is about to change forever …With its message of tolerance and advocacy, this charming bunny book for kids explores issues of same sex marriage and democracy. Sweet, funny, and beautifully illustrated, this better Bundo book is dedicated to every bunny who has ever felt different.
The Tea Dragon Society by Kay O’Neill
After discovering a lost tea dragon in the marketplace, Greta learns about the dying art form of tea dragon care-taking from the kind tea shop owners, Hesekiel and Erik. As she befriends them and their shy ward, Minette, Greta sees how the craft enriches their lives—and eventually her own.
Worm Loves Worm by J.J. Austrian and 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.
Red: A Crayon’s Story by Michael Hall
Red has a bright red label, but he is, in fact, blue. His teacher tries to help him be red (let’s draw strawberries!), his mother tries to help him be red by sending him out on a playdate with a yellow classmate (go draw a nice orange!), and the scissors try to help him be red by snipping his label so that he has room to breathe. But Red is miserable. He just can’t be red, no matter how hard he tries! Finally, a brand-new friend offers a brand-new perspective, and Red discovers what readers have known all along. He’s blue! This funny, heartwarming, colorful picture book about finding the courage to be true to your inner self can be read on multiple levels, and it offers something for everyone!
Julián Is a Mermaid by Jessica Love
While riding the subway home from the pool with his abuela one day, Julián notices three women spectacularly dressed up. Their hair billows in brilliant hues, their dresses end in fishtails, and their joy fills the train car. When Julián gets home, daydreaming of the magic he’s seen, all he can think about is dressing up just like the ladies in his own fabulous mermaid costume: a butter-yellow curtain for his tail, the fronds of a potted fern for his headdress. But what will Abuela think about the mess he makes — and even more importantly, what will she think about how Julián sees himself?
What are your favorite queer picture books?
You can find these, and more children’s books we love on our Goodreads shelf.
See one you want to buy? You’ll find them in the Duck Prints Press Bookshop.org affiliate shop.
