Check out these books celebrating everyone for all of our beautiful differences.
At Epic, we’re all about uplifting all voices, standing up for equality and celebrating each other—and ourselves—for all of our beautiful differences. We believe every book is a chance to embrace one another’s true colors. So this year, in honor of Pride, we’re celebrating the uniqueness of every kid and every family with a bold collection of books that highlight LGBTQ+ authors and characters, as well as stories that promote all things Pride: acceptance, empathy, inclusion—and most of all—having the courage to not just be different, but awesomely different. Here are just a few books that you can enjoy with your kid this month and all year round. Check them out below!
Featured Titles
A Little Bit Different
Written by: Claire Alexander
Illustrated by: Claire Alexander
Ages: 3-5
Meet the Ploofers. They’ve been busy practicing something very special to do all together at the same time. But something goes wrong when one little Ploofer does something different. At first this upsets the rest of the group until one individual shows up and helps them see the beauty in being different. With adorable illustrations and simple text, this lighthearted story shows kids how to accept and value the uniqueness in us all.
Pride Puppy
Written by: Robin Stevenson
Illustrated by: Julie McLaughlin
Ages: 3-5
It’s time for the Pride parade, and one family is having a great time celebrating until the unthinkable happens—they lose their beloved puppy! Luckily lots of other attendees at the parade are happy to help out. This rhyming alphabet book provides a lively, joyful introduction to this annual celebration and demonstrates the true spirit of Pride.
Except When They Don’t
By: Laura Gehl
Illustrated by: Joshua Heinsz
Ages: 4-8
“Boys play monster trucks with glee,
Girls bake cakes and serve hot tea.
Girls like pom-poms, pink and jewels,
Boys like fighting pirate duels.”
…Except when they don’t. This fun, whimsical rhyming picture book breaks down the stereotypes of traditional “boy” and “girl” activities. It celebrates the individuality of every kid, regardless of gender, and shows that it’s okay for kids to play however they want to.
Sewing the Rainbow
Written by: Gayle E. Pitman, PhD
Illustrated by: Holly Clifton-Brown
Ages: 4-8
Young Gilbert loves to visit his grandmother’s clothing store and draw beautiful costumes and gowns while she sews. But one day his father takes away his art supplies and gives him things like building blocks and erector sets to play with instead. Gilbert’s colorful, sparkly personality fades like the gray, dull landscape of his hometown. He vows one day to go somewhere “filled with color.” And he does—set in 1970s San Francisco, this is the true story of how Gilbert Baker left his gray life behind and unfurled a world of color by creating the iconic rainbow Pride flag.
Girl Haven
Written by: Lilah Sturges
Illustrated by: Meaghan Carter, Joamette Gil, Sonja Synak
Ages: 9-12
Three years ago, Ash’s mom left home and never came back. Now he lives in her childhood home, surrounded by her old things, and a shed where she spent her childhood creating a fantasy haven just for girls called Koretris. When, using a spell book, Ash and his friends are transported to the imaginary world, he discovers a real place, filled with real creatures and real dangers. But Ash has always been called a boy. If Koretris is real, what could it mean if he was allowed in? This smart graphic novel explores gender identity in a unique adventurous way.
The Tea Dragon Society
By: K. O’Neill
Ages: 9-12
This charming, inclusive comic follows a blacksmith apprentice, Greta, after she finds a lost tea dragon in the marketplace. She discovers the dying art of caring for tea dragons from kindly tea shop owners, Hesekiel and Erik. Then she befriends the pair, as well as the timid Minette as she learns more and more about how this enchanting craft enriches lives, including her own. The story is the first in a series featuring a cast of characters that reflects the diversity of its readers.
This is just the beginning!
Explore even more books celebrating the uniqueness and individuality of kids of all ages by checking out the entire collection on Epic.
Explore the collection!