This resource features age-appropriate books to read with children about different kinds of family structures. Use the books as inspiration to create an early childhood setting that is welcoming for all LGBTQIA2S+ children and families.
LGBTQIA2S+ is an acronym for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual, two-spirit, or additional sexual orientations and gender identities that are not heterosexual or cisgender.
Picture Books Featuring All Kinds of Families
Families
By Shelley Rotner and Sheila M. Kelly (Toddler–K)
There are all kinds of families. Some are big and some are small. Some have two moms or two dads. This book of photos offers children an inclusive look at families, so they can see beyond their own experiences and begin to understand others.
The Family Book
By Todd Parr (Toddler–K)
This charming novel celebrates all kinds of families in a funny and reassuring way. Includes adoptive families, stepfamilies, single-parent families, two-mom and two-dad families, and families with a mom and a dad.
Families, Families, Families!
By Suzanne and Max Lang (Toddler–K)
A host of silly animals represent all kinds of families. Depicted as portraits, images of these goofy creatures offer a warm celebration of family love.
The Great Big Book of Families
By Mary Hoffman (Pre-K–3)
This book features all kinds of families and their lives together. Each two-page spread showcases one aspect of home life — from houses and holidays, to schools and pets, to feelings and family trees.
One Family
By George Shannon (Pre-K–2)
While the text looks at numbers and the concept of "one" — one batch of cookies, one family, one world — the images portray a diverse range of people and families, including those that are multigenerational, interracial, or include parents who identify as LGBT.
Over the River and Through the Woods
By Linda Ashman (Pre-K–1)
The classic song gets a fresh new twist! The fun begins when Grandma and Grandpa send invitations to their far-flung, modern, and multiracial family.
We Belong Together: A Book About Adoption and Families
By Todd Parr (Toddler–1)
This book explores the ways people can choose to come together as a family. It's about sharing your home and sharing your heart to make a family that belongs together.
Who's In My Family? All About Our Families
By Robie Harris (Toddler–1)
This book interweaves conversations between two young siblings with a matter-of-fact text, making it clear to every child that whoever makes up your family, it is perfectly normal — and totally wonderful.
Picture Books Featuring LGBTQIA2S+ Characters
And Tango Makes Three
By Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell (K–2)
Boy penguins Roy and Silo at New York's Central Park Zoo do everything together. They even put a rock in their nest and try to hatch it, until the zookeeper gives them a real egg that needs care. The penguins take turns sitting on it until it hatches, and Tango is born.
The Different Dragon
By Jennifer Bryan (Pre-K–1)
This book shows how the wonderful curiosity and care of a little boy, with some help from his two moms, leads to magical places with a dragon who is tired of being tough. Also available in Spanish as El dragón diferente.
Donovan's Big Day
By Lesléa Newman (Pre-K–2)
This book captures the excitement of a young boy as he and his extended family prepare for the boy's two moms' wedding. A picture book about love, family, and marriage.
Heather Has Two Mommies, 25th Anniversary Edition
By Lesléa Newman (Pre-K–K)
Heather's favorite number is two. She has two arms, two legs, and two pets. And she also has two mommies. As school begins, Heather sees "the most important thing about a family is that all the people in it love one another."
Hugs of Three: My Daddies and Me
By Dr. Stacey Bromberg and Dr. Joe Taravella (Toddler–Pre-K)
This board book highlights the importance of a loving connection between children and parents. Also see Hugs of Three: My Mommies and Me.
Keesha and Her Two Moms Go Swimming
By Monica Bey-Clarke and Cheril N. Clarke (K–2)
While having fun splashing with other friends, Keesha meets a little boy who has no friends and no toys, until Keesha does the right thing and makes a new friend.
King and King
By Linda de Haan (Pre-K–2)
The queen has made up her mind that it's time for the prince to marry and become king before the end of the summer. Many princesses come to visit, but no one is quite right—until another sweet prince comes along.
Mommy, Mama, and Me
By Lesléa Newman (Toddler)
This board book has rhythmic text and illustrations showing a toddler spending the day with their mommies. From hide-and-seek to dress-up, to bath time and a kiss goodnight, there's no limit to what a loving family can do together. Also see Daddy, Papa, and Me.
The Princes and the Treasure
By Jeffrey A. Miles (Pre-K–1)
After Princess Elena is whisked away, champion Gallant and shy Earnest go on a quest to find "the greatest treasure in the land," so one of them can save and marry the princess. Along the way, they realize "the greatest treasure in the land" is not what they expected — it's their love for each other!
Stella Brings the Family
By Miriam B. Schiffer (Pre-K–1)
Stella's class is having a Mother's Day celebration, but what's a girl with two daddies to do? Stella finds a unique solution to her party problem in this sweet story about love, acceptance, and the true meaning of family.
A Tale of Two Daddies
By Vanita Oelschlager (Pre-K–1)
A young girl answers a friend's questions about what it's like to have two fathers. The boy asks straightforward questions. The story ends with, "Who is your dad when you're sad and need some love?" Both, of course! Also see A Tale of Two Mommies.
Uncle Bobby's Wedding
By Sarah Brannen (Pre-K–2)
Guinea pig Chloe is worried her favorite uncle, Bobby, won't have time for her anymore when he announces he is getting married to his boyfriend, Jamie. The book celebrates family happiness and special bonds of family members.
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Last Updated: August 28, 2024