It's that time of year again! As the rainbow flags of Pride begin to flutter once more, Children's Books Ireland (CBI) is here with their Read with Pride recommended reading guide sharing LGBTQ+ stories. CBI's Ruth Concannon tells us more...
Aimed at readers from 0 to 18 years this guide is curated by Children’s Books Ireland as part of our mission to champion diverse and inclusive books for young readers. A true reflection of our modern world featuring stories of characters that represent a variety of sexualities and genders, the Read with Pride guide includes 100 books and 100 'read also’ titles for further reading inspiration.
For this month's RTÉ KIDS Book Club we have pulled together some of our favourite stories from the guide with a focus on LGBTQ+ families.
In each of the books below, readers will be reminded that families come in all shapes and sizes, but what they have in common is love and acceptance. We hope that you enjoy reading with Pride this month and beyond!
To download the full Read with Pride recommended reading guide for free or to find more brilliant books from diverse perspectives in children’s books visit www.childrensbooksireland.ie.
The Boy with Two Mums by Mel Elliot, Farshore, 32PP, ISBN 9780008762742
When a new boy joins Pearl's class, she is surprised to learn that he has two mums. In a refreshingly childlike way, she accepts this fact and goes on to learn more about her new friend and their shared love of art, humour and chocolate cake. Within the colourful images, adults are depicted as legs and torsos and children are viewed within a full frame, highlighting how adults and children exist in separate but harmonious worlds.
This book is about acceptance and finding common ground through friendship. (Age 2–4, 5–7)
The Fabric of Us by Aditi Anand, Walker Books, 32PP, ISBN 9781529524680
This picturebook begins with a glimpse of a loving family life, where our main character lives with her two dads. However, we soon learn that the family has lost Papa. With a clever use of colour, we move through the experience of mourning alongside the little girl, sitting with the feelings and catching a glimpse of hope along the way.
This is a gentle story where grief and heartache are delicately explored. Comforting in its relatability, it is suitable for young children who have experienced a loss. (Age 5–7)
Julian an Mhaighdean Mhara by Jessica Love translated by Shanna Ní Rabhartaigh and Gillian Nic Ionmhain, An Gúm, 40PP, ISBN 9781837200153
Scéal mothúchánach, mealltach é seo a léiríonn gaol speisialta idirghlúine. Tá Julian iontach tógtha le maighdeana mara agus, fad is atá mamó san fholcadh, déanann sé iarracht culaith mhaighdean mhara a chruthú dó féin. Ach céard a cheapfaidh mamó - ní hamháin faoin bpraiseach atá déanta aige ach faoina garmhac a bheith gléasta ar nós bean? Leabhar lán croí ina nglactar le páiste go díreach mar atá sé agus go dtugtar tacaíoch.
Translated from English, this is a story filled with heart, imagination and understanding, as a young boy learns that his grandmother accepts him and loves him for exactly who he is. (Aois 5–7)
What makes a Family? By Molly Potter and illustrated by Sarah Jennings, Bloomsbury Education, 32PP, ISBN 9781801994422
This book provides a wonderfully inclusive definition of family, in which every child is sure to recognise their own. Featuring same-sex parents, single parent families and parents who are non-binary, it also provides short, simple explanations about topics such as IVF, adoption and fostering.
This lovely book will not only help children to appreciate their own family structure but will also allow them to understand and respect other families different from their own. (Non-fiction, Age 5–7, 8–10)
The Proud Puppy by Holly Webb and illustrated by Sophy Williams, Little Tiger, 128PP, ISBN 9781788957595
When Emmie’s uncle tells them he is getting married to his partner, Emmie has the bright idea of her mischievous pup Loki being the ringbearer at their wedding. However, it soon becomes apparent that Loki is not quite ringbearer material, but Emmie is determined to keep trying to train him.
This story is told in easy-to-understand language with illustrations that suit the mood of the story. The author promotes a theme of inclusivity, love and acceptance of difference in a way that the reader can easily appreciate. (Age 8–10)
The Dad Trap by Ian Eagleton, Scholastic, 384PP, ISBN 9780702331381
When William and Florence meet on the first day of Year 6, they instantly dislike each other. So, when they find out their dads are dating, they decide to work together to try split them up! Eagleton explores LGBTQ+ identities and neurodiverse experiences along with adoptive and blended families.
This is a light-hearted book full of pranks, fun and love, showing readers the importance of truly accepting themselves and others through its positive representation of diverse characters. (Age 10–12)
Ruth Concannon is the Publications Manager for Children's Books Ireland, the national charity and arts organisation that champions every child’s right to develop a love of reading.
CBI's mission is to inspire a love of reading in children and young people on the island of Ireland, and to champion equitable access for all to excellent books. They share their expertise and enthusiasm with the adults who guide and influence young readers and encourage schools and early childhood settings to build a positive culture of reading and reading aloud. They support and promote authors and illustrators and connect them with their audiences through this work.
Look back on the RTÉ KIDS Book Club archive and get news for young readers here!
