Healthy Communities • Healthy Kids • YMCA Child Care
5 2SLGBTQ+ books hand-picked by our child care staff to celebrate Pride
18 June 2020 - by YMCA of Greater Toronto
In a region as diverse as the GTA, educating your child about the 2SLGBTQ+ community and what it means to identify as one of its members is crucial. But it isn’t always easy. These five picture books selected by YMCA Child Care staff can help you celebrate Pride month by starting a conversation with your children about diversity and social inclusion.
1. Mommy, Mama, and Me (Tricycle Press)
Written by Leslea Newman, illustrated by Carol Thompson
Recommended by Smita Sharma, YMCA Early Childhood Educator
This book is about the everyday life of a family who has two moms. When I read this book in my preschool program (which is for children age two-and-a-half to six years old), they relate to it really easily, especially to the baby. They love all the fun experiences the characters share together as a family every day. Mommy, Mama, and Me gets us all thinking about the beautiful love we all have for our families.
2. The Family Book (Little, Brown and Company)
Written and illustrated by Todd Par
Recommended by Jennifer Carr, YMCA Early Childhood Educator
This book helps introduce children to topics such as sexual orientation, adoption, and race in a way that's easy for them to understand. Parr emphasizes that a family is defined by love, whether it's made up of two mothers or two fathers; one or two parents; or biological or adopted children. Young children are drawn to the rhythm and repetition of the language used in this story, and the bright, playful illustrations spark joy in both children and parents/caregivers alike. It's a great starting point to promote discussion about diversity and foster kindness.
3. I am Jazz (Dial Books)
Written by Jessica Herthel and Jazz Jennings, illustrated by Shelagh McNicolas
Recommended by Sujatha Kumaravel, YMCA Community Facilitator of Family and Community Action Program
At the age of two, Jazz Jennings knew she was a girl in a boy’s body. This autobiographical picture book follows her story as she embraces her transgender identity and grows into an activist. Children love the illustrations and are always happy when Jazz makes some friends and starts wearing the dresses she likes. It's a very useful tool for parents and families to confront gender stereotypes. I am Jazz explains that being different is okay and that a child’s happiness is what's really important.
4. Prince & Knight (little bee books)
Written by Daniel Haack, illustrated by Stevie Lewis
Recommended by Sham Dhanji, YMCA Child Care Supervisor
A charming prince who is next in line for his kingdom’s throne travels to nearby kingdoms in hopes of meeting his bride-to-be. The search is interrupted when a fire-breathing dragon forces the prince to race back home to help protect his people. He falls while trying to trap the fiery monster, but a knight appears to help and catches him! They know in that moment they have finally found each other. The book ends happily-ever-after with the prince and the knight getting married! Every time I read Prince & Knight, I smile at the end, knowing that this prince was accepted for who he was.
5. A Color of His Own (Scholastic Books)
Written and illustrated by Leo Lionni
Recommended by Kimberly Lang, YMCA Early Childhood Educator
In this story, every animal has its very own colour — except the chameleon, whose skin colour always adapts to his surroundings. Unsatisfied, the reptile goes on a journey of exploration until he finds a friend he can be himself with; a perfect mate! This story, full of all kinds of beings, shows that we don't need to conform to be accepted and loved. Young children always enjoy talking about all of the unique parts and "colours" that make up the special person they are.
At the Y, we take pride in the diversity we’re privileged to have in our communities. We believe it’s never too early to teach our children about inclusion and belonging, so our Diversity and Social Inclusion Strategy (2018-2021) includes shaping welcoming YMCA Child Care programs that celebrate diversity. This week, join our child care staff as they celebrate Pride on our Facebook livestreams from June 22 to 28.
1. Mommy, Mama, and Me (Tricycle Press)Written by Leslea Newman, illustrated by Carol Thompson
Recommended by Smita Sharma, YMCA Early Childhood Educator
This book is about the everyday life of a family who has two moms. When I read this book in my preschool program (which is for children age two-and-a-half to six years old), they relate to it really easily, especially to the baby. They love all the fun experiences the characters share together as a family every day. Mommy, Mama, and Me gets us all thinking about the beautiful love we all have for our families.
2. The Family Book (Little, Brown and Company)Written and illustrated by Todd Par
Recommended by Jennifer Carr, YMCA Early Childhood Educator
This book helps introduce children to topics such as sexual orientation, adoption, and race in a way that's easy for them to understand. Parr emphasizes that a family is defined by love, whether it's made up of two mothers or two fathers; one or two parents; or biological or adopted children. Young children are drawn to the rhythm and repetition of the language used in this story, and the bright, playful illustrations spark joy in both children and parents/caregivers alike. It's a great starting point to promote discussion about diversity and foster kindness.
3. I am Jazz (Dial Books)Written by Jessica Herthel and Jazz Jennings, illustrated by Shelagh McNicolas
Recommended by Sujatha Kumaravel, YMCA Community Facilitator of Family and Community Action Program
At the age of two, Jazz Jennings knew she was a girl in a boy’s body. This autobiographical picture book follows her story as she embraces her transgender identity and grows into an activist. Children love the illustrations and are always happy when Jazz makes some friends and starts wearing the dresses she likes. It's a very useful tool for parents and families to confront gender stereotypes. I am Jazz explains that being different is okay and that a child’s happiness is what's really important.
4. Prince & Knight (little bee books)Written by Daniel Haack, illustrated by Stevie Lewis
Recommended by Sham Dhanji, YMCA Child Care Supervisor
A charming prince who is next in line for his kingdom’s throne travels to nearby kingdoms in hopes of meeting his bride-to-be. The search is interrupted when a fire-breathing dragon forces the prince to race back home to help protect his people. He falls while trying to trap the fiery monster, but a knight appears to help and catches him! They know in that moment they have finally found each other. The book ends happily-ever-after with the prince and the knight getting married! Every time I read Prince & Knight, I smile at the end, knowing that this prince was accepted for who he was.
5. A Color of His Own (Scholastic Books)Written and illustrated by Leo Lionni
Recommended by Kimberly Lang, YMCA Early Childhood Educator
In this story, every animal has its very own colour — except the chameleon, whose skin colour always adapts to his surroundings. Unsatisfied, the reptile goes on a journey of exploration until he finds a friend he can be himself with; a perfect mate! This story, full of all kinds of beings, shows that we don't need to conform to be accepted and loved. Young children always enjoy talking about all of the unique parts and "colours" that make up the special person they are.
At the Y, we take pride in the diversity we’re privileged to have in our communities. We believe it’s never too early to teach our children about inclusion and belonging, so our Diversity and Social Inclusion Strategy (2018-2021) includes shaping welcoming YMCA Child Care programs that celebrate diversity. This week, join our child care staff as they celebrate Pride on our Facebook livestreams from June 22 to 28.
