Happy Pride Month!

As this celebratory month comes to an end, I wanted share a short list of beautiful and inclusive stories that are great to incorporate in your children’s library all year round. Let’s continue to spread the word that love is love!

And just a heads up, none of these reviews are sponsored or contain affiliate links. We will always tell you if we have affiliate links!

BOOKS

Julian Is A Mermaid by Jessica Love

Winner of a 2019 Stonewall Book Award

In an exuberant picture book, a glimpse of costumed mermaids leaves one boy flooded with wonder and ready to dazzle the world. 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? Mesmerizing and full of heart, Jessica Love's author-illustrator debut is a jubilant picture of self-love and a radiant celebration of individuality.

In Our Mothers' House by Patricia Polacco

Marmee, Meema, and the kids are just like any other family on the block. In their beautiful house, they cook dinner together, they laugh together, and they dance together. But some of the other families don't accept them. They say they are different. How can a family have two moms and no dad? But Marmee and Meema's house is full of love. And they teach their children that different doesn't mean wrong. And no matter how many moms or dads they have, they are everything a family is meant to be. Here is a true Polacco story of a family, living by their own rules, and the strength they gain by the love they feel.

My Two Moms and Me by Michael Joosten & My Two Dads and Me by Michael Joosten

Celebrate Pride every day with this adorable board book for the babies and toddlers of lesbian mothers, featuring a variety of diverse, loving families with two moms. Families with same-sex parents are celebrated in this board book that follows busy moms and their kids throughout their day--eating breakfast, going on a playdate, heading to the pool for a swim, and settling back in at night with a bedtime story and a good-night lullaby. LGBTQ+ parents and their friends and families will welcome this inclusive and cheerful book that reflects their own lives and family makeup. With artwork by acclaimed fashion illustrator Izak Zenou, this is a stylish, smart, humorous, family-focused book that will have babies and their two moms giggling as they enjoy it together. It's an ideal baby-shower and first-birthday gift.

Auntie Uncle by Ellie Royce

Told from the perspective of their adoring nephew, Auntie Uncle: Drag Queen Hero is the story of a courageous drag queen who saves the day, and brings two communities together. The young narrator thinks it's awesome that his Uncle and his Auntie are the same person. Uncle Leo is an accountant, and is great at helping with math homework. Auntie Lotta is a fabulous performer, and loves to sing and dance with her nephew. One day Lotta's family comes to watch her perform at the local Pride parade. Suddenly, a dog breaks free of its leash and nearly causes a float-crash, but Lotta springs into action just in time to save the dog and the parade. The mayor wants to give her a medal for courage and to throw a big party for her and all her friends, but Lotta worries that her friends who only know him as "Leo" won't get along with her fellow drag performers who know her as "Lotta." With the help of their nephew they put together a fierce look that is both Leo and Lotta, the perfect ensemble for an Auntie Uncle. A sweet, uplifting story about fearlessley letting your true self shine.

The Adventures of Honey & Leon by Alan Cumming and Grant Shaffer

Actor and New York Times bestselling author Alan Cumming and artist Grant Shaffer imagine what their dogs do when they're not around--and it's no surprise that the dogs aspire to lead lives as action-packed and glamorous as their dads'! Honey and Leon are rescue mutts who love their dads very much. But their dads often have to go away on glamorous and important business, which worries the dogs. Honey and Leon are done staying home and fretting--they're off on a dad-protecting adventure! Careful to remain incognito, the two pups shadow their dads on a trip across the sea, keeping them out of danger at every turn! How did they survive without Honey and Leon's protection for this long?! Alan Cumming and Grant Shaffer wrote this story as a tribute to their own dogs, based on their frequent conversations about what Honey and Leon get up to while they're away.

This Day in June by Gayle E. Pitman

In a wildly whimsical, validating, and exuberant reflection of the LGBT community, this title welcomes readers to experience a pride celebration and share in a day when we are all united. Also included is a reading guide chock-full of facts about LGBT history and culture, as well as a 'Note to Parents and Caregivers' with information on how to talk to children about sexual orientation and gender identity in age-appropriate ways.

And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell

The heartwarming true story of two penguins who create a nontraditional family. 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. Releasing in time for the tenth anniversary of And Tango Makes Three, this book and CD edition features narration by renowned actor Neil Patrick Harris.

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I know it’s a difficult time for many, but if you are able to give a little, please consider donating to The Trevor Project, “For many, this year’s Pride looks very different. On June 1, a day that ordinarily heralds the advent of a joyful month for the LGBTQ community, we found ourselves at the confluence of multiple mounting tragedies. The Trevor Project supported thousands of LGBTQ young people through it all. From feelings of grief, anxiety, and fear, to stress related to isolation and physical distancing, our crisis counselors were there for LGBTQ youth, regardless of what was happening in the world.”

Love is love,

Christianne aka ‘MiLOWE MOM’