Picture books that celebrate LGBT families
It's so important that little ones grow up and see their type of family set-up reflected in the books you share with them. Sadly, for many same-sex parents and carers, these kind of picture books can be tricky to find.
Well, look no further: we've pulled together a list of our favourite children's books that show – and celebrate – diverse families. They're also brilliant, fun reads that you'll really love sharing with your child.
Perfect for babies all the way up to aged five.
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And Tango Makes Three
Author: Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell Illustrator: Henry Cole
Publisher: Simon and Schuster Children's Books
Interest age: 3+
Reading age: 5+Roy and Silo are two boy penguins who live in the zoo in New York's Central Park. This is a really delightful story and the message behind it is subtle. It's a true story, and you can learn more about it in a note at the end.
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Baby's First Words
Author: Tessa Strickland and Kate DePalma Illustrator: Christiane Engel
Publisher: Barefoot Books
Interest age: 0-3
Designed by a child development expert so it supports the way babies naturally learn language, this book is full of warm colours and down-to-earth glimpses of family life. There are over 100 words to learn in this sturdy board book.
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Made By Raffi
Author: Craig Pomranz Illustrator: Margaret Chamberlain
Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children's Books
Interest age: 5+
Reading age: 5+A delightful and gently revolutionary picture book that challenges our absurd notions about what constitutes 'normal' or 'appropriate'.
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Everywhere Babies
Author: Susan Meyers Illustrator: Marla Frazee
Publisher: Red Wagon Books
Interest age: 0-3
This gorgeous board book follows all sorts of babies – 'small babies, tall babies, winter and spring babies' – over the course of a year. It's a true celebration of babies and the joy and giggles they bring – and also highlights the diversity of everyday family life.
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Mommy, Mama and Me
Author: Leslea Newman Illustrator: Carol Thompson
Publisher: Tricycle Press
Interest age: 0-3
Reading age: N/AWhat a treat: a warm and adorably illustrated board book about a loving family which just happens to have two mums in it. There's a fun, upbeat universality to it: the packing of lunches, the trip to the playground, the baking of cakes and the end-of-the-day bath.
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The Family Book
Author: Todd Parr
Publisher: Little Brown & Company
Interest age: 3-6
Reading age: 5-8A joyous picture book about the importance of family and all the strength it can give you, this celebrates family in all its wonderful, diverse glory. The message is subtle, but a crucial one: every family is special and the only thing that matters is love.
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The Great Big Book of Families
Author: Mary Hoffman Illustrator: Ros Asquith
Publisher: Frances Lincoln
Interest age: 4+
Reading age: 7+The Great Big Book of Families is about the diversity of families. The simple message is that every family is unique and special and that there is no such thing as "normal" or "abnormal". Books simply don’t get much more inclusive than this.
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Under the Love Umbrella
Author: Davina Bell Illustrator: Allison Colpoys
Publisher: Scribble
Interest age: 4-7
Reading age: 5+Bright, expressive and featuring joyfully diverse illustration throughout, Under the Love Umbrella provides poetic reassurance that whatever happens, children will be protected and loved.
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We Are Family
Author: Patricia Hegarty Illustrator: Ryan Wheatcroft
Publisher: Caterpillar Books
Interest age: 4-7
Reading age: 5+On each double-page spread of this vibrant, lovely book, families show the different ways they experience a variety of common experiences to us all. Overall, the great thing about families, whatever their makeup, is that they help us through the difficult times.
