Queer people exist, and queer families exist. Even families that may look to be heteronormative on the outside may be anything but–something I know and live personally. Because LGBTQ+ people and families populate our world, even the youngest readers and pre-readers must see representation in the books they explore. For some of those readers, queer picture books depict their everyday life. For others, it’s a place to learn about the many ways there are to be and move through the world.
These stories also provide an avenue into talking about big topics with young people in a safe, age-appropriate way.
Queer picture books aren’t limited to storylines about queer people, either; indeed, many of the most powerful LGBTQ+ picture books are queer normative stories, wherein two moms or two dads are simply living their lives alongside the young people they’re looking after or the pets they’re chasing. Queer picture books are also not limited to fiction. There are several queer nonfiction picture books, too.
It will be of little surprise to hear that in our continuing era of book censorship, queer picture books are being banned, relocated, or restricted from public schools and public libraries across the country. That makes it even more essential not only to read and champion these books but also to ensure that the decision-makers in your community know how vital they are, especially to young people. Queer people exist in the world, and queer people deserve to exist in the world. That means they deserve to be right there on the shelf, too.
The 16th task for the 2026 Read Harder Challenge is to read a queer picture book. This is a fun task for adult readers who maybe haven’t picked up a picture book in decades, as much as it’s a fun one for adult readers who may be in the midst of picture book reading with young ones in the family–here’s an opportunity for an intergenerational reading experience.
Find below several excellent queer picture book options. Perhaps, as the lift here is lighter, you challenge yourself to read multiple titles.
And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell, illustrated by Henry Cole
This is the true story of Roy and Silo, two penguins who lived at the Central Park Zoo. The two of them raised an egg together, building a sweet family. Tango is a perennially challenged and banned book, all because it depicts the fact that queerness exists in many parts of the animal kingdom. Whether or not you pick up this book–and you should–this interview with the authors on the book’s legacy is excellent reading.
Bathe The Cat by Alice B. McGinty and illustrated by David Roberts
Dad and Papa have raised a large and loving biracial family, and this hilarious story is about cleaning day. It’s not an ordinary day of scrubbing tubs and dusting baseboards. Nope. The family cat is refusing to take her bath today, creating absolute chore chaos throughout the day. Will the kitty be convinced that bath time is good for her?
A Church for All by Gayle E. Pitman and illustrated by Laure Fournier
In an era where a small sector of religious people continue to challenge the reality that queer gay people exist–and are allowed to exist–and who wield their faith as a weapon, this picture book is not just a breath of fresh air. It’s a depiction of how many people of faith and their respective institutions are welcoming, affirming places for people to be who they are. This is a story of love, faith, and inclusivity.
From the Stars in the Sky to the Fish in the Sea by Kai Cheng Thom and illustrated by Kai Yun Ching and Wai-Yant Li
Miu Lan was born when both the sun and the moon were in the sky. They have the power to change and shift into anything they want to be, whenever she wants to. The problem is that they don’t know what they want to be, and at school, they face challenges from their peers and struggle to find a group of friends who accept them as they are. It’s Miu’s mother who is always openhearted, accepting, and affirming of who Miu is.
Kapaemahu by Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu, Dean Hamer, and Joe Wilson, illustrated by Daniel Sousa
This story tells the Indigenous legend of four Mahu–people with both male and female spirits–and how they brought their healing arts from Tahiti to Hawaii.
Mama and Mommy and Me in the Middle by Nina LaCour and illustrated by Kaylani Juanita
When Mommy goes on a work trip, a little girl feels sadness. Even though Mama takes good care of her, offers her a nice place to sit, and takes her on many an adventure, she still misses Mommy. Mommy’s return brings even bigger feelings in this tender story.
Mr. Watson’s Chickens by Jarrett Dapier, illustrated by Andrea Tsurumi
If quirkiness, humor, and a whole lot of chickens are what you’re looking for, then look no further. Mr. Watson has 456 chickens, and they’ve absolutely taken over the house. His partner, Mr. Nelson, has had enough and threatens to leave if Mr. Watson doesn’t cut down on some of them. But when Mr. Watson goes to town to sell his chickens, they escape, creating a cluck-tastrophe.
The Name I Call Myself by Hasan Namir, illustrated by Cathryn John
Ari doesn’t like the name they were given at birth. It doesn’t feel right to them. The picture book follows Ari as they grow up, exploring all of the dimensions that come with learning who they are. Ari’s story begins at age six and moves through their time in high school, providing a unique look at where and how gender and identity are fluid and ever-evolving.
Pride Puppy by Robin Stevenson and illustrated by Julie McLaughlin
A favorite in my own home–the book that led my daughter to shriek “pride puppy” with delight at every dog in our local Pride parade–this story follows a child and their family as they attend the parade. When their dog gets lost in the parade, the community comes together to help bring the dog back to its owners.
A Song for the Unsung: Bayard Rustin, the Man Behind the 1963 March on Washington by Carole Boston Weatherford and Rob Sanders, illustrated by Byron McCray
This picture book biography of Bayard Rustin tells the story of the gay civil rights leader and force behind the 1963 March on Washington. Rustin was a quiet individual, but this book shines a bright light on the legacy and impact of his trailblazing work.
Téo’s Tutu by Maryann Jacob Macias and illustrated by Alea Marley
Téo is obsessed with dancing, and it doesn’t matter the style. He loves it all, and he also adores his tutu and the way it makes him feel when he wears it. But when the big dance recital comes around, and he must decide what to wear–a tutu or shimmery pants–he worries what will happen if he lets his true self shine.
When Aiden Became a Brother by Kyle Lukoff and illustrated by Kaylani Juanita
Everyone thought Aiden was a girl when he was born, and his name, his room, and his clothes all screamed “girl.” But when Aiden knew he was a boy, his parents helped him make his world better reflect who he knew himself to be.
So when Aiden learns his parents are having another baby, he’s excited to help them pick out a name, decorate the room, and pick out clothes–he’s going to make things right. But he’s stressed out about what that means and worries he’ll disappoint his new sibling. Soon, Aiden will learn that mistakes can be fixed and that by being his authentic self, he’ll be the best big brother imaginable.
Worm Loves Worm by J. J. Austrian and illustrated by Mike Curato
Two worms meet and fall in love, and after that, it’s time for them to get married. But the worms’ friends are wondering who will wear what–tux and dress–at the altar.
The thing is, they’re worms. There are no rules about who has to wear what, just like in the human world.
Two additional resources to help discover excellent queer picture books: the Stonewall Book Awards–look at the winners for the Mike Morgan & Larry Romans Children’s & Young Adult Literature Award–and the Rainbow Book list. It should also be noted that many of the authors included here have careers’ worth of additional queer picture books to read.
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