5 Children's Books for Pride 🌈

Since the mission behind everything we do here at Kind Cotton is to put more books in the hands of kids, we are LOVING sharing some of our favorites with you. With every product we release, there is always a story attached to it and with that story we would like to start sharing book recommendations that tie into the message. Our hope is to release a blog like this, each week, relating to a different product in our line. Each product will have a list of books that fit the message behind it. So far, we have highlighted our 'Mental Health Is' and our 'Kindness Is' collections.

In honor of pride month ending and the recognition that pride should be all year, we would like to share with you some of our favorite reads that promote inclusion and love. Because having a sign and wearing a tee that says "All Are Welcome Here" is one thing but filling your shelves with books that highlight LGBTQIA+ characters is another. Children have a right to feel valued, seen, and heard in their classrooms as well as at home and it is our job to ensure they are. Check out some of favorites below that truly embody the concept, All Are Welcome Here.

Uncle Bobby’s Wedding by Sarah Brannen is such a beautiful story about families and how they should be celebrated. Chloe’s Uncle Bobby is getting married and she is not happy about it. In fact, she is quite scared she is going to lose out on all the fun they’ve always shared together. However, after meeting Uncle Bobby’s boyfriend Jamie, she realizes she is gaining a new member of the family.

The Family Book by Todd Parr is my daughter’s personal favorite! The Family Book celebrates and embraces the idea that every family is different and that uniqueness should be embraced and celebrated.

Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag by Rob Sanders is a must have book for all children. This story beautifully depicts the history behind the creation of the Gay Pride Flag with Harvey Milk and the designer Gilbert Baker. This story is true testament to the love and equality that the LGBTQIA+ community deserves.

When Aidan Became a Brother by Kyle Luckoff and Kaylani Juanita is a wonderful gender affirming story of Aidan, a little boy who was often mistaken as a girl in the beginning of his life even though he knew he was a boy. When Aidan finds out he is going to be a big brother he wants to help his parents prepare. He becomes nervous that he is not going to do everything right. However, his family reassures him he will be the best big brother ever!

This Day in June by Gale E. Pitman is an amazing celebratory story of love that takes place at a Pride parade. The rhymes are fun, the illustrations are vibrant, and the message is one of being united and validated.

Whether you’re an educator, caregiver, or you have a child in your life, providing affirming LGBTQIA+ literature is a must. Pride does not end when the month of June concludes. Do your part in educating, loving, and affirming our youth.