Children’s Books to Celebrate Pride Month: Stories That Nurture Inclusion, Love and Belonging

At ZaZa’s Storybox, we believe in the magic of books to open hearts and shape young minds. And there’s no better time to use stories to start meaningful conversations than during Pride Month—a time to celebrate love, family, identity, and the beautiful spectrum of who we are.

Why Should We Read Children’s Books to Celebrate Pride Month?

It’s never too early to introduce children to the values of kindness, respect, and inclusion. Babies, toddlers, and preschoolers are already noticing differences—how people look, who lives in their homes, how others express themselves. Reading inclusive children’s books during Pride Month helps gently introduce these ideas while showing children that every family and every person deserves to be accepted and celebrated.

Books are a powerful way to help your child understand the world around them. By reading stories that include LGBTQ+ themes, you’re encouraging empathy, building understanding, and supporting your child’s ability to respect all people—no matter how they live or who they love.

How Children’s Books Can Start the Pride Conversation

Reading together creates a safe, nurturing space to explore big topics in age-appropriate ways. Picture books help children:

• See families like (or unlike) their own

• Learn that being different is something to celebrate

• Understand that love, kindness and being true to yourself matter most

  
  

Whether you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community or simply want to raise inclusive, open-hearted children, reading the right books during Pride Month is a powerful and joyful place to begin.

Our Favourite Children’s Books to Celebrate Pride Month

Looking to update your child’s bookshelf with beautiful, inclusive stories? Here are some joyful and affirming books perfect for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers:

🌈 Pride 1, 2, 3 by Michael Joosten

A bright, counting-themed board book that captures the colour, energy, and joy of a Pride parade—perfect for toddlers learning numbers and celebrating diversity.

💕 Love Makes a Family by Sophie Beer

This cheerful board book showcases all the little things that make a family, from making pancakes to bedtime cuddles—no matter who’s in it.

👉 Check out our Love Makes a Family Storybox — a beautiful way to celebrate love, kindness, and family connection.

🐘 Elmer by David McKee

Elmer the colourful elephant stands out—and learns to love it. A warm story that encourages children to embrace what makes them unique.

👉 Explore our Elmer the Elephant Storybox — a joyful celebration of individuality and self-acceptance.

✨ Sparkle Boy by Lesléa Newman

When Casey wants to wear sparkly skirts and glittery nail polish, his family learns to support his joy and self-expression.

🧜 Julian Is a Mermaid by Jessica Love

A tender, beautifully illustrated story about a boy who dreams of being a mermaid—and the grandmother who lovingly supports him.

⚓ The Pirate Mums by Jodie Lancet-Grant

Billy’s mums are pirates—and they just might save the day! A fun and empowering story about family, courage and being proud of who you are.

💍 Our Big Day by Bob Johnston

A sweet, simple story about a same-sex wedding, told from a child’s point of view, celebrating love, family and happy beginnings.

🌠 ’Twas the Night Before Pride by Joanna McClintick

A poetic bedtime-style story that reflects on Pride’s history and the courage it took to make the world more inclusive for all.

🖍️ Red: A Crayon’s Story by Michael Hall

Red is labeled incorrectly - but everyone eventually sees who he really is. A smart, moving metaphor for identity and self-acceptance.

👩‍👩‍👧 Heather Has Two Mommies by Lesléa Newman

One of the first children’s books to feature a family with two mums, this classic continues to resonate with a new generation of families.

🎉 Confetti: by Dean Atta & Alea Marley An empowering and joy-filled celebration of self-expression, confidence, and being proudly yourself — perfect for easing first-day-of-school nerves.

🌺 Aloha Albatross by Francesca Dryden

Palila loves to fly above the ocean's waves. Anuenue loves to dance. Based on a true story celebrating the unique relationship between two birds as they take their first steps into parenthood.

🌈 Pride & the Rainbow Warriors by Ian Watkins

A vibrant, hopeful tale of courage, friendship, and the power of standing up for who you are - being different is your superpower! This teaches readers the definition, hisotry and importance of Pride.

Celebrating Pride With Stories That Matter

Reading children’s books to celebrate Pride Month is one of the most natural, joyful ways to raise kind, open-hearted humans. These books aren’t just for June—they belong on every child’s bookshelf, all year round.

At ZaZa’s Storybox, we carefully choose books that help children grow in confidence, compassion, and curiosity. During Pride Month, we’re especially proud to shine a light on stories that show all children they are worthy of love, celebration and belonging.

📦 Want to get started with a Pride-themed Storybox?

• Discover our Love Makes a Family Storybox — the perfect gift to celebrate the love that makes every family special.

• Or explore our Elmer the Elephant Storybox — a joyful way to help children embrace what makes them one-of-a-kind.

Let’s raise readers who believe in a world where everyone can be exactly who they are. 🏳️‍🌈