LGBTQ+ friendly picture books to read with your kids
One of the most beautiful things I’ve found about being a parent to small children is seeing the world again through their innocent eyes. It’s a world where they accept things as they are without prejudice.
A swimming teacher covered in face-tats (although a curiosity) is no different to the middle-aged woman teaching in the next lane. Kids don’t come with pre-loaded judgement; friends are friends no matter how they look, or where they’re from. It’s only as they get older that they start to absorb all the fears and prejudices from the world around them.
As parents, we have a chance to reset the cycle of hate and teach future generations about kindness and acceptance.
That’s exactly what the Sydney Mardi Gras is about for the LGBTQ+ community. A time of joy, colour, and celebration – a reminder that love comes in all forms, and families do too.
You don’t need to be at the parade to celebrate as a family. Books are a wonderful way to introduce kids to the beauty of diversity and inclusivity.
Stories shape the way our little ones see the world. They help them understand different perspectives, build empathy, and embrace the idea that every family – no matter shape or size – is filled with love.
If you’re looking for books to read with your kids this Mardi Gras (or any time of the year), we’ve rounded up some of the best Australian LGBTQ+ inclusive picture books that celebrate love, family, and being true to yourself.
1. Family, All That You Dream It to Be – Teeny Tiny Stevies & Simon Howe
Inspired by the beloved Teeny Tiny Stevies song, this book is a heartfelt tribute to the many different kinds of families in the world. From single-parent families to those with two mums or two dads, it gently reminds little readers that love truly makes a family.
With its rhyming text and beautifully inclusive illustrations, this book makes a complex topic easy to understand for young children.
It’s a gorgeous explanation that no two families look the same. The very things that set us apart are what make us special. The warmth of this story will leave kids feeling seen and loved – no matter what their own family looks like.
If you don’t know Teeny Tiny Stevies, do yourself a favour and listen to their stuff on Spotify. Gorgeous indie-pop vibes, paired with practical lessons and messages for little kids.
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2. Love Makes a Family – Sophie Beer
This vibrant board book is as joyful to look at as it is to read. With bold, colourful illustrations and simple yet powerful text, it highlights all the small, everyday ways love is shown in a family – making pancakes together, playing dress-ups, or sharing a bedtime story.
What makes this book extra special is its effortless representation of diverse families. There’s no big explanation – just a celebration of different family structures, including same-sex parents.
It’s a beautiful way to show kids that love is love, and families come in all shapes and sizes.
3. The Spectacular Suit – Kat Patrick & Hayley Wells
This is a story about Frankie, who’s getting ready for a big party but doesn’t feel comfortable in any of the fancy clothes on offer. What Frankie really wants is a spectacular suit – one that feels just right. With the help of their family, they find exactly what they need to feel confident and happy.
This book is a gentle and heartwarming story about identity and self-expression. It’s not just about clothes – it’s about the importance of feeling at home in yourself and having a family that supports who you are. A must-read for any child who’s ever felt a little different or unsure of how they fit in.
4. Who’s Your Real Mum? – Bernadette Green & Anna Zobel
When a classmate asks Elvi which one of her two mums is her “real mum,” she has a delightfully cheeky answer: “They both are!” What follows is a series of hilarious and imaginative responses as Elvi explains all the wonderful things that make a mum real.
This book is such a fun and clever way to tackle a common (and sometimes tricky) question. It normalises same-sex parents while encouraging kids to think beyond biology when it comes to family.
It’s also a great conversation starter for kids who may have LGBTQ+ friends and want to understand their families better.
5. A House for Everyone – Jo Hirst & Naomi Bardoff
In this beautifully inclusive story, we meet a group of friends – all with different gender identities – who come together to build a cardboard house. There’s Nick, who is a boy, Alex, who is a girl, Sam, who is both a boy and a girl, and Jamie, who is neither. They each have unique ideas and talents, but the most important thing? They all belong.
This book is particularly special because it was written by an Australian teacher and gender advocate. It introduces gender diversity in a way that is simple, affirming, and age-appropriate – perfect for parents who want to help their kids understand that not everyone fits into a neat “boy” or “girl” box, and that’s okay.
6. My Shadow is Pink – Scott Stuart
Based on the author’s own experiences with his son, this book tells the story of a little boy who has a pink shadow – one who loves princesses, dresses, and all things sparkly. But he’s worried… what if his shadow isn’t right?
The story is all about gender expression, self-acceptance, and unconditional love from family. It’s an absolute must-read. The rhyming text makes it fun to read aloud, but you’ll be thinking about the story long after the last page. It’s a great book for any child who’s ever felt like they don’t quite fit the expectations placed on them.
7. Julian is a Mermaid – Jessica Love
While not an Australian book, this stunning picture book has been loved by families around the world. It follows Julian, a young boy who dreams of dressing up like the beautiful mermaids he sees on the subway.
With the help of his abuela, he embraces who he is and finds a way to make his dream come true.
Visually this book is gorgeous, with a message of self-love, creativity, and acceptance. Julian’s journey is one of quiet courage, and his grandmother’s unwavering support is a reminder of how powerful it is to be truly seen and accepted by family.
Wrapping it up
LGBTQ+ inclusive books aren’t just for kids from rainbow families – they’re for everyone. It’s so important that we don’t perpetuate the prejudices of previous generations and help our children grow up knowing that diversity is normal, all families are valid, and being true to yourself is something to be celebrated. After all, you do you boo.
By reading these stories, we’re breaking a cycle and giving our kids the gift of representation, empathy, and understanding – so they’ll one day carry those values into the world.
Whether you’re cuddling up for a bedtime story or celebrating Mardi Gras with a stack of rainbow-coloured reads, these books are a perfect way to spread love and acceptance, one page at a time.
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