Hey Geek Moms, it’s Tommi here from “Geek Mom World”! Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and I know we’re all looking for the perfect book to read with our little ones. But have you ever stopped to think about the lack of LGBTQ+ couples in Valentine’s Day books? Sure, we have the traditional boy-meets-girl stories, but what about all the different types of love out there?
When my dear friends, welcomed their new little one into the world, I knew I had to find the perfect book for their baby’s first bookshelf and them being new moms. As a tradition we purchase books for each other and now our kids, and around Valentine’s Day last year, that’s when it hit me. As I scoured bookstores and online shops, I was disappointed to see that the selection of LGBTQ+ themed books for kids was extremely limited.
I couldn’t understand why these stories and perspectives were being left out. Why weren’t there more books that reflected love of different families? As a mom and friend, it broke my heart to know that my friends’ little one may not have access to the same representation and visibility in literature as my own.
But this experience also taught me the importance of actively seeking out and amplifying voices and stories. It’s crucial that we, as a society, make an effort to include and celebrate all forms of love!
Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate love, and it’s important to show that love comes in all shapes and sizes. Writer and reviewer of LGBTQ+ media Emily here on All Ages of Geek also helped me out with this post to make sure these books not only represented Valentine’s Day but the love LGBTQ+ families share together.
As a mom of two, I want my kids to see and understand that LGBTQ+ stories are real stories that should be loved and appreciated. That’s why I’ve compiled a list of the Top 10 LGBTQ+ Valentine’s Day and Family Books for Kids. These books not only teach important lessons about love and acceptance, but they are super adorable for parents too!
Top 5 LGBTQ+ Valentine’s Day and Family Books for Kids
“And Tango Makes Three” by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell
And Tango Makes Three is a children’s book written by Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson and illustrated by Henry Cole which was published in 2005. The book tells the story of two male penguins, Roy and Silo, who create a family together.
“Stella Brings the Family” by Miriam B. Schiffer
Stella’s class is having a Mother’s Day celebration, but what’s a girl with two daddies to do? It’s not that she doesn’t have someone who helps her with her homework, or tucks her in at night. Stella has her Papa and Daddy who take care of her, and a whole gaggle of other loved ones who make her feel special and supported every day. She just doesn’t have a mom to invite to the party. Fortunately, Stella finds a unique solution to her party problem in this sweet story about love, acceptance, and the true meaning of family.
“The Family Book” by Todd Parr
The Family Book celebrates the love we feel for our families and all the different varieties they come in. Whether you have two moms or two dads, a big family or a small family, a clean family or a messy one, Todd Parr assures readers that no matter what kind of family you have, every family is special in its own unique way.
“Love, Violet” by Charlotte Sullivan Wild
Love, Violet is a children’s picture book written by Charlotte Sullivan Wild and illustrated by Charlene Chua. It tells the love story of a girl named Violet, who is too shy to say how she feels to her classmate, Mira.
“Love Makes a Family” by Sophie Beer
Love is baking a special cake. Love is lending a helping hand. Love is reading one more book. In this exuberant board book, many different families are shown in happy activity, from an early-morning wake-up to a kiss before bed. Whether a child has two moms, two dads, one parent, or one of each, this simple preschool read-aloud demonstrates that what’s most important in each family’s life is the love the family members share.
“Princess Princess Ever After” by Katie O’Neill
When the heroic princess Amira rescues the kind-hearted princess Sadie from her tower prison, neither expects to find a true friend in the bargain. Yet as they adventure across the kingdom, they discover that they bring out the very best in the other person.
These books show that love is love, no matter who it’s between. So let’s open up our hearts and our bookshelves to all types of love this Valentine’s Day. Happy reading, Geek Parents!
A STEM-based Kids Show Coming from All Ages of Geek
I am so excited to share that in 2023, All Ages of Geek and Stec Studio are in predevelopment of a new series called “Galaxy-Boy Delivery”! This show (which I was lucky enough to be an early-access reviewer of) is sure to be a hit with its focus on STEM. It’s not just entertainment, but a valuable resource for parents and caregivers who want to provide their children with engaging and educational content. I’m counting down the days until the premiere and I know my boys are too!
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