15 cute kids' books about queer families

Written by Miriam B. Schiffer and illustrated by Holly Clifton-Brown, Chronicle Books (ages 5-8) Since she doesn’t have a mommy, Stella isn’t sure if she should invite Papa or Daddy to her class’s Mother’s Day party. Eventually she comes up with a solution for her party problem that includes all of her loved ones. $25, indigo.ca

Written by J.J. Austrian and illustrated by Mike Curato, Harper Collins (ages 4-8) This is a classic tale of two worms falling in love and getting married – but with a modern twist. When it comes to the big day, their friends want to know who’s wearing the tux and who’s wearing the dress. The worms prove that it doesn’t matter because they love each other. This cute picture book demonstrates the meaning of love equality in any form. $22, indigo.ca

Written by Vanita Oelschlager and illustrated by Kristin Blackwood and Mike Blanc, Vanita Books (ages 4-8) Written as a conversation on the playground between two kids, this book shows a girl with two dads, Poppa and Daddy, explaining to her friend what life in her family is like. “Daddy is my soccer coach, and Poppa cooks me eggs and toast.” Be sure to check out the companion book A Tale of Two Mommies. $11, amazon.ca

Written by Jennifer Bryan and illustrated by Danamarie Hosler, Two Lives Publishing (ages 4-8) It’s bedtime and Noah, a little boy filled with curiosity helps one of his moms tell a story about a dragon who doesn’t want to be fierce and mean. In the telling, they make an unexpected discovery and a new friend!  $17, amazon.ca

Written by George Shannon and illustrated by Blanca Gomez, Farrar Straus Giroux (ages 4-8) This playful book celebrates that every family, no matter how many members, their ages, genders or cultural make-up, is a one-of-a-kind unit. Kids will enjoy all the number play and grown-ups will appreciate the thoughtful, detailed drawings. $26, indigo.ca

Written by José Carlos Andrés and illustrated by Natalia Hernandez, NubeOcho (ages 4+) This little boy has two dads, and he’s super proud of both of them and their jobs. One is a doctor, who heals people’s bodies, and the other is a clown, who heals people’s souls. Your kid will love this simple story printed in both English and Spanish. $20, amazon.ca

By Mark Loewen, Boutique of Quality Books (all ages) This fun colouring book shows that families come in all shapes and sizes. Kids can colour pages of zoo-going and kite-flying queer families, and the real-life dads in this book are shown doing everything from sewing dresses to changing diapers! $11, indigo.ca

Written by Lesléa Newman and illustrated by Carol Thompson, Tricycle Press (ages 3-7) In this day-in-the-life of a toddler, two moms lovingly help with everything from pouring juice at breakfast and playing on the slide, to drawing a bath and tucking her in at night. Also check out the companion book Daddy, Papa, and Me. $9, indigo.ca

Written by Lesléa Newman and illustrated by Laura Cornell, Candlewick Press (ages 3-7) Twenty-five years after it first made a splash, this classic story of two mommies is back with fresh illustrations and an updated retelling. As one of the first books to acknowledge the existence of different family structures, it’s sure to educate and reassure a whole new generation of kids and parents. $25, indigo.ca

Written by Marlon Bundo with Jill Twiss and illustrated by EG Keller, Chronicle Books (ages 4+) Marlon Bundo is a very lonely bunny until one very special day when he meets a bunny he wants to spend the rest of his life with. Your family will love this charming book’s message of tolerance and advocacy. $17, amazon.ca

Written by Monica Bey-Clarke and Cheril N Clarke and illustrated by Aiswarya Mukherjee, Dodi Press (ages 4-7) This book tells the simple story of two kids—one who has two moms and another who has two dads—meeting up to go for a swim. This book shows kids that querr families are made of normal people who love to do normal things: like meeting up with friends and going for a relaxing swim. $22, amazon.ca

Written by Cory Silverberg and illustrated by Fiona Smyth, Seven Stories (ages 3-8) Whether it’s with the help of an adoption agency, fertility clinic, midwife or obstetrician, curious kids can learn exactly how they made their entry into the world. With the help of this book, every parent can easily broach the subject of how babies are born. $25, indigo.ca

Written and illustrated by Patricia Polacco, Penguin Random House (ages 6-8) When a neighbouring family doesn’t accept Meema and Marmee’s relationship, the moms of three teach their brood a lesson they’ll always remember about tolerance, compassion and the way families like theirs share the same love as households with a mom and a dad. $25, indigo.ca

Written by Vera B. Williams and illustrated by Vera B. Williams and Chris Raschka, HarperCollins (ages 4-8) Lester just got adopted by his new dads, Daddy Albert and Daddy Rich, and for some reason he can't fall asleep unless he's squeezed in between them. Will Lester be able to find a way to settle into his new family and sleep in his own room? $22, amazon.ca

Written by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell, and illustrated by Henry Cole, Simon & Schuster (ages 4-8) In this adorable book, two male penguins pair up, build a nest and hatch an egg, just like every other family of penguins in Central Park Zoo. The tale of Tango and her two dads is made even sweeter by knowing that it’s based on a true story. $20, indigo.ca