13 LGBTQ books for young kids

Everyone thought Aidan was a girl when he was born, but he was really a boy. Aidan and his supportive family worked together to help him choose a new name, clothes, and bedroom furniture he loved, and now that Aidan's mom is expecting, he wants to make sure not to impose too many expectations on the new baby. I love how author Lukoff describes Aidan's pre-sibling anxieties — universal for any soon-to-be older sibling — and how illustrator Kaylani Juanita shows Aidan's evolving sense of style and self.

Casey loves the glittery, shimmery, sparkly things that his big sister Jessie wears, but Jessie doesn't like him copying her style because he's a boy. While at the library together, Jessie sees firsthand how a lack of acceptance and tact affects her little brother. I don't usually like when books feature taunts and teasing from other children because I don't like feeding nasty comments to my own children to mull over, but in this case, I made an exception. Given that the intended audience is an age group notorious for blurting out the first thing they notice about another person, this is also a useful tool for teaching about the power of words.

Sweet little Kelp is either a sea unicorn or a land narwhal — they're not sure which! After exploring both options, Kelp learns that they don't have to choose, and that true friends will support each other no matter what.

"Mommy, Mama, and Me" is less an overt lesson of acceptance and more a typical story of all the things loving parents do for their child — preparing snacks, playing, and giving them a bath, to name a few — and this child's parents both happen to be moms. Find it as a board book and include it as one of your go-to bedtime books as early as possible.

Elmer's story is shared by many: Sometimes you get a little down about sticking out, but true friends love you for you. He learns a valuable lesson about being true to oneself, which all kids can relate to, even if they are not all exactly patchwork elephants like Elmer. The award-winning "Elmer" also comes as a board book, and the simple story and bright colors make it great for an early library.

Children's LGBTQ literature feels largely dominated by stories of friends assigned male at birth trying to honor their true selves. What about those friends assigned female at birth trying to do the same? For a different perspective on gender normativity, "Annie" is a particularly informative book to read with my own daughter — who will only wear dresses — about how it feels to be told you need to look a certain way.

Presented by John Oliver's "Last Week Tonight," "Marlon Bundo" is a delightful story about a bunny who just wants to settle down with his bunny-love, Wesley, but is stopped by the Stink Bug — a nasty little creature but not for the reason you might think. Seeing the Stink Bug stripped of his power in this book is cathartic and educational. Marlon Bundo teaches us about true love and the importance of exercising your right to vote.

Once upon a time, all we could read about was the prince and princess falling in love and living happily ever after. In this story, after a number of lady suitors try and fail to earn the prince's admiration, the prince, his parents, and their kingdom are happy to see him find his true love — a literal knight in shining armor.

We love this book for Julián's beautiful transformation into a mermaid, his abuela's subtle and stoic support of him, and for the inclusion of so many diverse bodies as they come and go from the beach. Light on dialogue and visually stunning, it is a celebration of self-expression that is a must-read for any child who loves mermaids.

I was admittedly late to the "Tango" party, but now that I'm here, I'm never leaving. Originally published in 2005, it's a sweet, true story of a nontraditional family who lived at the Central Park Zoo. This award-winning tale of two penguins in love is told by two writers who were also planning to start their family. It is also available as a board book, and babies to big kids will love all the penguin illustrations.

Red, a crayon, feels Blue, but no one will listen. This story is shared largely by the different ways that other crayons challenge Red's feelings, appearance, and experiences. They think that because his label is red, he is red. Luckily, a crayon comes along who sees his true colors, and Red finally gets a chance to be himself. Red can draw pictures he's proud of, and the other crayons find new ways to support him. Whether or not your child is questioning their own identity, this is a valuable story about being true to yourself.

Another story about a child enduring taunts and teasing from classmates, I like how Morris' mom gives him space to heal from a tough week. That time, combined with a creative outlet, gives him the strength and confidence to walk back into the classroom on Monday. This book is delightful to look at and read, incorporating themes of acceptance and self-esteem into vibrant backdrops of jungle and outer space, and, of course, the tangerine dress.

Jazz, now a notable YouTube personality and transgender activist, is a contributing author to this book about her transition experience. It aptly describes the challenges of gender dysphoria, for Jazz herself and for the people around her who are adjusting to the changes of her outward self. Overall, it is a sweet story that encourages people to embrace who they are and may offer guidance for anyone looking for how to support a trans child.