Informing your child about 2SLGBTQ+ communities and what it means to identify as a member of it is important for parents. But it isn’t always easy. These picture books selected by YMCA Child Care staff can help you celebrate Pride month and start a conversation with your children about diversity and social inclusion.
1. Julián Is a Mermaid (Candlewick Press, 2018)
Written & Illustrated by Jessica Love
Recommended by Barb Von Boetticher, Dr. Emily Stowe YMCA Child Care
This is a simple and wonderfully colourful book that represents a BIPOC family and neighbourhood. Julián and his grandmother (abuela) are travelling by subway when Julian sees three fully outfitted mermaids on their way to a festival. He is fascinated and begins to dream about being a mermaid. This vision creates a wonderful world of aquatic treasures full of colourful creatures and majestic ocean imagery. Julián makes his own mermaid costume and proudly shares it with his abuela. With brief consideration, abuela knows exactly what to do. She brings Julian to the seaside celebration and simply remarks, “See mijo, just like you.” The story ends with no words, just an amazingly visual representation of a crowd parading the beach in every type of sea creature glory, including Julián.
I am a 25-year YMCA veteran that has exclusively worked with school-age children. I read many books aloud, incorporating “Story Time with Barb” in my weekly programming. I often look for books that recognize individuality since I am an open member of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
2. Pink is for Boys (Running Press Kids, 2018)
Written by Robb Pearman, Illustrated by Eda Kaban
Recommended by Jaime Brown, Rouge Valley YMCA Child Care
This bright and colourful book is a fun way to teach young children their colours, while breaking gender stereotypes. This book is great for younger toddler and preschool children, but its core message is also great for older school-age children. The children that I have read this book to have found joy in the bright pictures and seeing different children participating in activities that make them happy. Colours surround us all day in our lives and the activities that go along with them, such as racing a red sports car or dressing up in a pink bow. When we remove gender from colour, and from the things that make us happy, the rainbow in the sky is the limit.
3. Jack (Not Jackie) (GLAAD and Bonnier Publishing, 2018)
Written by Erica Silverman, Illustrated by Holly Hatam
Recommended by Jealinn Walker, Dr. Ross Tilley YMCA Child Care
Susan thinks her little sister Jackie has the best giggle! She can't wait for Jackie to get older so they can do all sorts of things together, like play forest fairies and be explorers. But as Jackie grows, she doesn't want to play those games. She wants to play with mud and be a super bug! Jackie also doesn't like dresses or her long hair, and she would rather be called Jack. At first, Susan has a hard time accepting that her sister wants to be her brother instead. But, throughout the story Susan and her family learn about change and acceptance, realizing that Susan isn’t losing a sister, but gaining a brother.
4. Pride Colors (Orca Book Publishers, 2019)
Written by Robin Stevenson
Recommended by Jessica Gariba, Rouge Valley YMCA Child Care
This book is a toddler-friendly book. It incorporates all colours of the Pride flag and relates the colours to everyday things. After each colour, the next page offers a positive affirmation that you are accepted, loved and wanted. While reading this book to a room full of toddlers they were each so excited to see colours that are familiar to them, as well as items they could identify and relate to. Each time I turned the page, they were excited to see real-life pictures and a different colour.
5. Sparkle Boy (Lee & Low Books, 2017)
Written by Lesléa Newman, Illustrated by Maria Mola
Recommended by Julien van Dinther, Uxbridge Joseph Gould YMCA Child Care
Casey loves to play with blocks, puzzles and dump trucks and has a passion for all things shimmery, glittery and sparkly. His older sister, Jessie, believes that he shouldn’t like what she views as “girl things.” Through family interactions, the reader sees acceptance and love for Casey and his choices. Eventually Jessie understands that it’s okay for her brother to like sparkly skirts and glittery bracelets, like the ones she wears. One day during a visit to the library, a group of older boys make fun of her little brother for the way he is dressed and she outwardly shows her love and acceptance for her brother. The message: We should all have the freedom to be exactly who we want to be.
This book is great for children ages 3 to 6, or really anyone who loves a little sparkle in their lives! I read it regularly to my group of kindergarten children and we have wonderful discussions afterwards. Children are really so insightful!
6. Jacob’s Dress (Albert Whitman & Company, 2014)
Written by Sarah and Ian Hoffman, Illustrated by Chris Case
Recommended by Katie Walker, Dr. Emily Stowe YMCA Child Care
I once had a child in my childcare who chose to wear a dress that was a hand-me-down from their sister. This child glowed the day they wore their dress. After reading Jacob’s Dress to my preschoolers, we talked about how boys and girls can wear anything they want, as long as it makes them happy. The preschoolers felt sad for Jacob when a boy in the story ripped off his towel dress during a game on purpose. When Jacob asked his mom if she could buy him a dress, together they made the choice to make their own. The dress made Jacob feel protected, as if he was wearing armour. This story offers a great message that shows children of all ages that you can be who you are.
7. A Family is a Family is a Family (Groundwood Books, 2016)
Written by Sara O’Leary, Illustrated by Qin Leng
Recommended by Emily and Aubree Harrison, Brooklin St. Bridget YMCA Child Care
This is a really sweet book about diversity and inclusion. The illustrations are great for readers of all ages. The story is about a class of children talking about what makes their families special. It teaches everyone that all families are different but made up of so much love, regardless of their dynamics.
At the Y, we take pride in the diversity we’re privileged to have in our communities. We believe it’s never too early to teach our children about inclusion and belonging, so our Diversity and Social Inclusion Strategy (2018-2021) includes shaping YMCA Child Care programs that celebrate diversity. Learn more about our commitment to diversity and social inclusion on our website. And join our child care staff as they celebrate virtually with a Pride Circle and Story Time on June 26, 9 am-9:45 am.
