Families come in all shapes and sizes, yet parent and caregiver representation in children’s books is still often limited to showing “nuclear” families — father, mother, and biological kids as the standard. Fortunately, there’s been a wonderful increase in queer and trans caregiver representation in the last few years, and the industry has come a long way since Heather Has Two Mommies set the stage in 1989. To celebrate this new wave of visibility for diverse families, we’ve gathered a dozen of our favorite picture books that feature parents and caregivers from the LGBTQIA+ community.
Baby’s First Words by Stella Blackstone & Sunny Scribens, Illustrated by Christiane Engel
While there are many fantastic “first words” primers on the market for pre-readers, this one comes with two added bonuses: first, it’s the first to feature a two-dad family, and second, this title is available in the Baby-Proof series by Barefoot Books, which is printed on extremely durable (“chomp-proof, rip-proof, water-proof”) material, which can stand up to the most destructive of toddlers and infants. Baby bookworms can learn over 100 early vocabulary words sorted into topics like clothes, vehicles, and emotions while following the adorable central kiddo and her two dads through their day.
You Are My Rainbow by Michael Joosten, Illustrated by Monge Lua
Celebrating the love between parents and their children, this adorable board book introduces a number of kids and their families through the rainbow of colors that represent that love: the orange glow of early morning, the green of new discoveries, the yellow of joy. In addition to two-mom and two-dad families, single-parent, blended families, and non-parent caregivers get loving representation as well, showing that no matter what a family looks like, the love that brings them together is a constant, while affirming all the wondrous things that make each child a gift.
Bathe the Cat by Alice B. McGinty, Illustrated by David Roberts
One of the most welcome subgenres of LGBTQIA+ family representation in picture books are slice of life stories, i.e., stories in which the characters’ queer identities are not central to the plot or theme. This hilarious tale of a frazzled family and a sneaky feline fits this mold perfectly, as two dads and their three kids attempt to tackle a list of chores before Grandma arrives for a visit. However, their clever kitty notices the last item on the list — bathe the cat — and decides to throw a wrench in the works, leading to the kind of mixed-up mayhem that will send any young reader into fits of giggles.
My Maddy by Gayle E. Pitman, Illustrated by Violet Tobacco
A particularly rare and welcome title on this list, as it is one of the few picture books to feature a nonbinary parent. The young narrator of this title opens by explaining that while most mommies are girls and most daddies are boys, many parents are like her Maddy, who identifies as neither. The young girl compares this to the lovely hazel color of Maddy’s eyes, which are neither brown nor green, but something beautifully unique instead. The reader follows the pair as they spend the day together, and the narrator reflects that Maddy may be different from some parents, but she wouldn’t have them be any other way.
The Pirate Moms by Jodie Lancet-Grant, Illustrated by Lydia Corry
Billy’s family is not like other families. While most families use GPS on long car rides, his moms insist on using smelly old maps. While most families have normal pets like dogs, his moms have Birdbrain, their parrot. Their pirate clothes and sea shanties often make Billy feel embarrassed, and when they volunteer to act as chaperones on Billy’s class trip for a boating voyage, he begs them to just act… normal. However, when rough waters hit, Billy realizes that his swashbuckling moms are pretty awesome just the way they arrrrrrrr.
Our Subway Baby by Peter Mercurio, Illustrated by Leo Espinosa
Families can occasionally come from very unexpected places, and at very unexpected times. When a man named Danny was leaving the New York subway one day, he discovered a baby who had been left alone in the corner of the station. Calling his partner Pete and the authorities, the baby was taken into foster care, while Danny and Pete undertook the process of petitioning to formally adopt him. In a love letter to his son Kevin, Mercurio lovingly shares the true story of how Daddy Danny and Papa Pete became his parents (warning: this one may leave you misty-eyed).
My Parents Won’t Stop Talking! by Emma Hunsinger and Tillie Walden
This gut-busting story of a highly relatable childhood woe opens on young Molly, who is ready and raring to head out for a day playing in the park with her moms and baby brother. However, just as they set out on their journey, her worst nightmare appears: the Credenzas! The neighbors have spotted her moms, and now the adults are talking… and talking… and talking! About boring adult stuff! As time seems to drag on for eons, readers will be rolling over Molly’s frustrated imaginings, accompanied by uproarious illustrations from Hunsinger and Walden.
Papa, Daddy, and Riley by Seamus Kirst, Illustrated by Devon Holzwarth
An unfortunate reality of growing up in a queer family is confronting insensitive comments, often from peers. When Riley’s classmate sees her Papa and Daddy drop her off, she asks where her mom is and which is her “real” dad. Olive is confused and upset: both fathers are hers, and while she’s seen pictures of her “belly mommy,” Papa and Daddy are the only parents she’s ever known. Riley doesn’t want to choose! Fortunately, both her fathers are able to explain that all families, no matter what they look like, are unique and beautiful, and only require love to make them real.
My Moms Love Me by Anna Membrino, Illustrated by Joy Hwang Ruiz
Following a baby on a day out with their two moms, this story meditates on the little acts of love and togetherness that all families share: morning routines, sing-alongs in the car, hugs and kisses, and gentle care. From sunrise cuddles to bedtime stories, both the baby’s moms show their love for their little one and one another, giving readers a soothing and warm representation of a two-mom family that is perfect in its simplicity and affirming in its sincerity.
Stella Brings the Family by Miriam B. Schiffer, Illustrated by Holly Clifton-Brown
At school, Stella’s teacher announces that the class will be having a Mother’s Day celebration, and the kids are excited. Everyone in class has a mom to bring (Howie has two!), but Stella isn’t sure who to invite, as she has two daddies. Sure, her daddies do all the things that the other kids’ mommies do: make her lunch, help with homework, and tuck her in. And when she’s sad, she’s got her daddies, plus her Nonna, her aunt and uncle, and her cousin Lucy to help her feel better. While Stella may not have a mom, she has plenty of people who love and support her — so why not invite them all?
Mama and Mommy and Me in the Middle by Nina LaCour, Illustrated by Kaylani Juanita
As a little girl starts her day, she takes comfort in her morning routine: Mama wakes her up, Mommy cooks pancakes, and the girl gets the silverware, like “always.” However, today is different: Mama is leaving on a work trip that will take her far away for several days, and as time goes on, the girl can’t help but notice the disruptions to her routine. A touching and poignant tale for any kiddo who’s missing a parent during their absence, this story provides gentle comfort and assurance, as well as some much-appreciated queer, tattoo, and vitiligo representation.
Families Can by Dan Saks, Illustrated by Brooke Smart
Loosely based on the song “A Family Can” by music education podcast Noodle Loaf, this exploration of families features just some of the many types of groupings that can make up a family: two dads, two moms, single-parent, divorced parents, single child, many siblings, interracial, intergenerational, blended, and more! Each family gets equal spotlight while also highlighting other ways families may be different, such as their interests and origins. The final message is simple: each family is unique and beautiful, just like every child.
We hope that you and your young readers enjoy these books, and that they inspire you to celebrate what makes your family — and all families — special. Happy Summer of Pride, and happy reading!
Looking for more children’s books with LGBTQIA+ representation? Check out our article on Picture Books That Will Make Little Readers Excited for Pride.
For all of our reading recommendations for mini bookworms, check out our Bookshop bookshelf.
