Picture Books about Gender Expression, Diversity & Difference
It’s LGBT+ History Month so we thought put together lists of book recommendations suitable for toddlers to pre-teens.
This list is Picture Books about Gender Expression, Diversity & Difference, mainly aimed at younger children.
You can order any of these titles directly from us or purchase them through our bookshop.org store and we’ll get commission on your purchase.
Picture Books about Gender Expression, Diversity & Difference
Julian Is a Mermaid by Jessica Love
Paperback RRP £7.99
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?
Made by Raffi by Craig Pomranz (Author) and Margaret Chamberlain (Illustrator)
Paperback RRP £7.99
Raffi is a shy boy who doesn' t like noisy games and is often teased at school. But when he gets the idea of making a scarf for his dad' s birthday he is full of enthusiasm, even though the other children think it is girly to knit. Then the day draws near for the school pageant, and there is one big problem - no costume for the prince. And that' s when Raffi has his most brilliant idea of all - to make a prince' s cape. On the day of the pageant, Raffi' s cape is the star of the show.
Are You a Boy or Are You a Girl? by Sarah Savage (Author) and Fox Fisher (Illustrator)
Hardback RRP £10.99
Tiny loves costumes! Tiny likes to dress up as an animal, or a doctor, or a butterfly. Tiny also prefers not to tell other children whether they are a boy or a girl. Tiny's friends don't mind, but when Tiny starts a new school their new friends can't help asking one question: "Tiny, are you a boy or are you a girl?"
This brightly illustrated book will open a dialogue with children aged 3+ about gender diversity in a fun and creative way. Featuring a gender neutral protagonist, the book imparts an important message about identity and being who you want to be. Tiny's story will assist parents, family and teachers in giving children the space to express themselves fully, explore different identities and have fun at the same time.
Phoenix Goes to School: A Story to Support Transgender and Gender Diverse Children by Michelle Finch (Author) and Phoenix Finch (Author)
Hardback RRP £9.99
My Mommy tells me I'm perfect and to be brave.
"You know who you are," she says,
"Just be yourself and always listen to your heart."
With those words of encouragement from her Mom, Phoenix is preparing for her first day of school. She is excited but scared of being bullied because of her gender identity and expression. Yet when she arrives at school she finds help and support from teachers and friends, and finds she is brave enough to talk to other kids about her gender!
This is an empowering and brightly-illustrated children's book for children aged 3+ to help children engage with gender identity in a fun, uplifting way. It supports trans children who are worried about being bullied or misunderstood.
Pink Is for Boys by Robb Pearlman (Author) and Eda Kaban (Illustrator)
Hardback RRP £12.99
An empowering and educational picture book that proves colors are for everyone, regardless of gender.
Pink is for boys . . . and girls . . . and everyone! This timely and beautiful picture book rethinks and reframes the stereotypical blue/pink gender binary and empowers kids-and their grown-ups-to express themselves in every color of the rainbow. Featuring a diverse group of relatable characters, Pink Is for Boys invites and encourages girls and boys to enjoy what they love to do, whether it's racing cars and playing baseball, or loving unicorns and dressing up. Vibrant illustrations help children learn and identify the myriad colors that surround them every day, from the orange of a popsicle, to the green of a grassy field, all the way up to the wonder of a multicolored rainbow.
Parents and kids will delight in Robb Pearlman's sweet, simple script, as well as its powerful message: life is not color-coded.
Something Else by Kathryn Cave (Author) and Chris Riddell (Illustrator)
Paperback RRP £6.99
A simple story, about a small creature who does his best to join in with the others. But he's different. No matter how he tries, he just doesn't belong.
Then Something turns up and wants to be friends. But Something Else isn't sure he's like him at all...
Kathryn Cave's poignantly simple story is brought to life by Chris Riddell in this enchantingly original picture book - now reissued with a new cover look.
I'm a Girl! by Yasmeen Ismail (Author)
Paperback RRP £6.99
I'm supposed to be made of sugar and spice and all things nice. But I'm sweet and sour and not a little flower. I am a girl! I am a girl! I am a girl! The girl in this book likes to win, she likes to be spontaneous, fast and strong, and because she also likes to dress in t-shirt and shorts, she is forever getting mistaken for a boy. And when she meets a boy who likes wearing princess dresses and playing dolls, they both quickly discover that they share interests that are wide and varied. I am a Girl! is a wonderful celebration of being who we are and not being pigeon-holed or restricted by gender stereotypes. Most of all it is full of energy and laugh-out-loud funny. Who says that pink is for girls and blue is for boys?
A House for Everyone: A Story to Help Children Learn About Gender Identity and Gender Expression by Jo Hirst (Author) and Naomi Bardoff (Illustrator)
Hardback RRP £10.99
At lunchtime, all of Tom's friends gather at school to work together building their house. Each one of them has a special job to do, and each one of them has a different way of expressing their gender identity.
Jackson is a boy who likes to wear dresses. Ivy is a girl who likes her hair cut really short. Alex doesn't feel like 'just' a boy, or 'just' a girl. They are all the same, they are all different - but they are all friends.
A very simple story that challenges gender stereotypes and shows 4 to 8 year olds that it is OK to be yourself. An engaging story that is more than just an educational tool; this book will assist parents and teachers in giving children the space to explore the full spectrum of gender diversity and will show children the many ways they can express their gender in a truly positive light.
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