Pride Month is all about celebrating love and friendship, and how far we've come in terms of the gay rights movement.
When it comes to explaining Pride to your child, it's best to make sure you understand its history, the facts and keep it as simple as possible. Here's our book list of recommended reads to help you and your little one aged 0-5 celebrate Pride.
Book recommendations
Julián is a Mermaid by Jessica Love
While riding the subway home with his Nana one day, Julian notices three women spectacularly dressed up. Their hair billows in brilliant hues, their dresses end in fishtails, and their joy fills the train carriage. When Julian gets home, daydreaming of the magic he's seen, all he can think about is dressing up just like the ladies and making his own fabulous mermaid costume. But what will Nana think about the mess he makes - and even more importantly - what will she think about how Julian sees himself?
My Daddies by Gareth Peter and Garry Parsons
This funny picture-book celebrates same-sex parents and is perfect for introducing children to the different kinds of family in the world today. Set off on a series of incredible adventures with an adorable family as the stories they read burst into colourful life. Battle dragons, dodge deadly dinosaurs, zoom to the moon and explore the world in a hot air balloon, before winding down in a wonderfully cosy bedtime ending.
Watch the author and Read On Nottingham Literacy Champion Gareth Peter read his book My Daddies!
Love Makes a Family by Sophie Beer
Love is baking a special cake. Love is lending a helping hand. Love is reading one more book. Whether a child has two mums, two dads, one parent, or one of each, this simple book shows that what’s most important in each family’s life is the love the family members share.
And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson
Roy and Silo are just like the other penguin couples at the zoo - they bow to each other, walk together and swim together. But Roy and Silo are a little bit different - they're both boys. Then, one day, when Mr Gramzay the zookeeper finds them trying to hatch a stone, he realises that it may be time for Roy and Silo to become parents for real.
Heather Has Two Mummies by Lesléa Newman and Laura Cornell
Heather’s favourite number is two – she has two arms, two legs, two pets and two lovely mummies. But when Heather goes to school for the first time, someone asks her about her daddy – and Heather doesn't have a daddy! But then the class all draw portraits of their families, and not one single drawing is the same. Heather and her classmates realize, it doesn’t matter who makes up a family, the most important thing is that all the people in it love one another very much.
Uncle Bobby’s Wedding by Sarah Brannan and Lucia Soto
Bobby and Jamie are getting married, but Bobby's niece Chloe is worried that she won't be his favorite person anymore. Will Uncle Bobby still think she is special?
The Family Book by Todd Parr
This book celebrates the love we feel for our families and all the different varieties they come in. Whether you have two mothers or two dads, a big family or a small family, a clean family or a messy one, The Family Book assures readers that no matter what kind of family you have, every family is special in its own unique way.
Introducing Teddy by Jessica Walton and Dougal MacPherson
One sunny day, Errol finds that Thomas the Teddy is sad, and Errol can't figure out why. Then Thomas the Teddy finally tells Errol what Teddy has been afraid to say: 'In my heart, I've always known that I'm a girl teddy, not a boy teddy. I wish my name was Tilly.' And Errol says, 'I don't care if you're a girl teddy or a boy teddy! What matters is that you are my friend.'
A sweet and gentle story about being true to yourself and being a good friend, Introducing Teddy can also help children understand gender identity.
