Whether you're looking for books for children with two mums, stories celebrating Pride, thoughtful gifts for LGBTQ+ parents or simply want to build a more inclusive bookshelf, this guide is here to help.
At Big Heart Book Club, we believe every child deserves to see themselves reflected in the stories they read and every child benefits from reading about families, identities and experiences that may be different from their own.
Books have an incredible ability to spark conversations, nurture empathy and help children understand the world around them. Whether your family includes two dads, two mums, a single parent, adoptive parents or grandparents raising grandchildren, stories that celebrate different family structures remind children that love, kindness and belonging come in many forms.
As a children's book company dedicated to promoting inclusion, wellbeing and meaningful storytelling, we've spent time carefully curating books that help families build diverse home libraries. Our recommendations have even been featured by DIVA Magazine, recognising our commitment to championing inclusive children's literature.
In this guide, we've brought together some of our favourite LGBTQ+ children's books, alongside advice for choosing age-appropriate stories, thoughtful gift ideas and answers to the questions parents, grandparents, teachers and gift buyers ask us most often.
Because every child deserves stories that help them feel seen and stories that help them see others, too.
Why representation matters in children's books
Children begin developing ideas about themselves and the people around them from a very young age.
When books include families with two mums, two dads, transgender characters, non-binary people or diverse communities as an ordinary part of everyday life, they help children understand that there are many wonderful ways to live, love and belong.
For young people who identify as LGBTQ+ or who have LGBTQ+ family members, these stories can provide reassurance, confidence and a sense of belonging.
For every other child, they build empathy, reduce prejudice and encourage curiosity through positive storytelling.
At Big Heart Book Club, we don't believe inclusive books belong on a separate shelf—they belong on every child's bookshelf.
What makes a great inclusive children's book?
Not every book featuring LGBTQ+ characters offers the same reading experience. When we're choosing titles for our shelves, we're looking for stories that:
When choosing LGBTQ+ children's books for your family, classroom or as a gift, we recommend looking for books that:
Celebrate different families
Children benefit from seeing all kinds of families represented in books. Whether a story features two mums, two dads, adoptive parents, grandparents, single parents or blended families, books that celebrate love and belonging help children understand that there is no single "right" way to be a family.
Feature authentic representation
The strongest stories don't define characters solely by their identity. Instead, they show LGBTQ+ families enjoying everyday adventures, celebrating milestones and navigating childhood experiences that every family can relate to.
Encourage conversations
Books provide a gentle way to introduce topics such as kindness, acceptance, identity and inclusion. Reading together creates opportunities for children to ask questions and explore different perspectives in a safe and supportive environment.
Are genuinely enjoyable to read
Representation is important but so is a great story. We believe the best children's books combine meaningful messages with engaging storytelling, memorable characters and beautiful illustrations that families will enjoy reading together again and again.
The very best children's books don't simply teach diversity, they tell brilliant stories that children genuinely love returning to again and again.
Our Favourite LGBTQ+ Children's Books
Whether you're searching for books about two mums, stories featuring two dads, inclusive picture books, or a thoughtful gift for LGBTQ+ parents, these are some of the titles we love sharing with families.
Each book has been chosen because it celebrates belonging, kindness and the many different ways families are made.
Picture Books for Babies & Toddlers (0–3 Years)
Love Makes a Family by Sophie Beer
Perfect for: Babies, toddlers and baby shower gifts
This joyful board book celebrates the everyday moments that make a family, from sharing cuddles and meals to playing together. Featuring families of many different backgrounds, cultures and structures, it's a wonderful first introduction to diversity and belonging.
Why we love it
We often recommend Love Makes a Family as a thoughtful gift for new and expecting parents because its simple language and vibrant illustrations make it a book little ones return to time and time again. Rather than focusing on differences, it celebrates the universal experiences that connect us all.
Themes: Family • Kindness • Belonging • Inclusion
Love Is All We Need by Krina Patel-Sage
Perfect for: Ages 3–7
Ideal if you're looking for: A beautifully illustrated story that celebrates kindness, friendship and inclusion.
Filled with colourful illustrations and uplifting messages, this book explores how compassion, acceptance and kindness help children build strong relationships with those around them.
Why Big Heart Book Club loves it
We love books that encourage children to recognise the things we all share, while celebrating the uniqueness of every individual. This is a wonderful addition to any home or classroom library.
Themes: Kindness • Community • Inclusion • Friendship
Grandad's Camper by Harry Woodgate
Perfect for: Ages 3–7
Ideal if you're looking for: A gentle introduction to LGBTQ+ families through a heartwarming intergenerational story.
When Grandad shares memories of adventures with his late husband, Gramps, children discover a touching story about love, loss and treasured memories.
Why Big Heart Book Club loves it
This is such a beautifully written story because LGBTQ+ representation isn't treated as extraordinary—it's simply part of Grandad's life. The book opens lovely conversations about family history, love and remembering those we've lost.
Themes: Grandparents • Two Grandads • Family • Love • Memories
Books to Celebrate Pride
'Twas the Night Before Pride
Perfect for: Ages 3–8
Ideal if you're looking for: A fun family read during Pride Month.
This joyful story captures the excitement of getting ready for a Pride celebration while introducing children to themes of acceptance, community and belonging.
Why Big Heart Book Club loves it
We love that this book focuses on the excitement, joy and togetherness that Pride brings. It's a wonderful way to help children understand why Pride matters while celebrating diversity in an age-appropriate way.
Themes: Pride • Community • Celebration • Inclusion
Books That Celebrate Being Yourself
So Devin Wore a Skirt
Perfect for: Ages 4–8
Ideal if you're looking for: A story that encourages children to express themselves with confidence.
When Devin decides to wear a skirt, the story gently explores confidence, acceptance and the importance of allowing children to be themselves.
Why Big Heart Book Club loves it
We love how this story encourages empathy rather than judgement. It reminds young readers that clothing, colours and interests don't belong to one gender—and that everyone deserves to express themselves freely.
Themes: Self-expression • Confidence • Kindness • Gender expression
My Own Way
Perfect for: Ages 5–9
This uplifting book celebrates children's right to express who they are and encourages respect for every person's unique identity.
Why Big Heart Book Club loves it
One of our favourite books for starting conversations about individuality and respecting differences. It's a gentle reminder that children flourish when they're accepted for exactly who they are.
Themes: Identity • Confidence • Inclusion
Abbie's True Colours
Perfect for: Ages 5–8
A colourful celebration of friendship, community and finding the confidence to be yourself.
Why Big Heart Book Club loves it
The joyful illustrations and positive storytelling make this a lovely book for helping children understand that everyone deserves to feel accepted and celebrated.
Inspiring LGBTQ+ Role Models
Children also benefit from discovering the lives of real people who have helped shape history, sport, art and culture.
Our favourites form our Little People, Big Dreams collection include:
- RuPaul – celebrating creativity, confidence and self-expression.
- Megan Rapinoe – showing courage, leadership and standing up for equality.
- Billie Jean King – inspiring perseverance, resilience and breaking barriers.
- Frida Kahlo – encouraging creativity, individuality and self-expression.
Why Big Heart Book Club loves them
These books help children see that courage, creativity and kindness come in many forms. They also provide wonderful opportunities to talk about role models who have changed the world by being true to themselves.
Building an Inclusive Bookshelf, One Story at a Time
At Big Heart Book Club, we believe every child deserves to grow up surrounded by stories that reflect the rich diversity of the world around them. Whether it's a book about two mums, a grandad celebrating Pride, a child expressing themselves freely or inspiring LGBTQ+ role models, these stories help children develop empathy, confidence and a sense of belonging.
Inclusive books aren't just for LGBTQ+ families—they're for every family. They encourage meaningful conversations, celebrate kindness and remind children that there are many different ways to love, live and belong.
If you're looking to grow your child's bookshelf, explore our carefully curated LGBTQ+ Collection, where you'll find all of the titles featured in this guide, alongside many more books chosen to inspire compassion, curiosity and connection.
👉 Browse our LGBTQ+ Collection
Looking for a Thoughtful Gift?
Books have a unique way of bringing families together, making them one of the most meaningful gifts you can give. Whether you're celebrating a new baby, a birthday, Pride Month or simply want to encourage a lifelong love of reading, a carefully chosen book can become a treasured part of family life.
For grandparents, aunts, uncles and friends wondering what to buy for an LGBTQ+ family, a Big Heart Book Club subscription is a gift that keeps on giving. Each delivery introduces children to beautifully curated stories that celebrate kindness, inclusion and the joy of reading together.
It's more than a book subscription, it's an opportunity to build a diverse home library, create special reading moments and help children discover stories that broaden their understanding of the world.
👉 Explore Our Children's Book Subscriptions
Every Story Has the Power to Make a Difference
At Big Heart Book Club, we're passionate about helping families discover books that open hearts as well as minds. Every title we curate has been chosen because we believe stories have the power to nurture empathy, celebrate individuality and help children feel seen.
Whether you're just beginning your inclusive bookshelf or adding to a growing collection, we hope this guide has inspired you to discover stories that your family will return to again and again.
Because when children see themselves, and others, represented in the books they read, they're not just growing as readers. They're growing into kind, compassionate people.
Happy reading! And happy pride, everyday!