Fun stories for LGBTQ+ parents of young children
September 11, 2025LGBTQ+ story books are beneficial for all children, even if no-one in their family identifies with the community, because it’s a great way to share experiences of other people, as well as learn about the diverse make-up of families and communities around them.
Below we share some of myGwork’s favorite story books which can help young children to not only better understand the experiences of diverse families, for example, non-traditional households with, say, two moms or two dads, but also stories that address themes like gender identity in a safe and playful way. Our top 10 favorites include:
1. My Daddies!
This funny, heartfelt picture-book written by Gareth Peter, celebrates same-sex parents and introduces children to the different kinds of family in the world today. Share the incredible adventures with an adorable family as the stories they read burst into colourful life. Battle dragons, dodge deadly dinosaurs, zoom to the moon and explore the world in a hot air balloon, before winding down in a wonderfully cosy bedtime ending. The bouncy, rhyming, read-aloud text is brought to life by the inspiring images created by illustrator Garry Parsons.
In this celebratory rhyming story, written by Lotte Jeffs and illustrated by Sharon Davey, one little girl with two mummies explores all the different ways that all families are magical. She shares the magic of her family with two mums and discovers how magic all her friends' families are too. My Magic Family is a warm and funny read-aloud rhyming story that's perfect for opening up conversations about different families in a playful and creative way.
3. Forever Star
Forever Star, by LGBTQ+ author Gareth Peter and Judi Abbot, follows Tim and Tim, who long for a child they can love and raise together – so they set off into space. Although the journey is perilous, they are not afraid to dodge meteor showers and zoom past supernovas until they find their very own star child. This read-aloud fun adventure is a comforting, soothing read that's ideal just before bedtime. It's also a helpful starting point for early conversations about the experiences of LGBTQ+ families for young and curious minds.
This is a great book celebrating same-sex parents, authored by Michael Joosten and illustrated by Izak Zenou. Featuring a variety of diverse, loving families, it follows busy dads and their kids throughout their day, eating breakfast, getting dressed, heading out to the park, and settling back in at night with a bubble bath and a good-night lullaby. LGBTQ+ parents and their friends and families love this inclusive and cheerful story that reflects their own lives and family makeup.
5. Little Seahorse and the Big Question
This new picture book by Freddy McConnell and Rosalind Beardshaw, shows that all different types of families have everything they need, no matter how they are created or who is in them. The story of Little Seahorse and the Big Question explores a very important question: what do we need? So over the course of a day, Papa and Little One list all the things they need. Together, they decide they need lots of things, such as clean water, friends, a home, but, most importantly, they figure out that they need each other. A beautiful heart-warming story about what a modern-day, non-traditional family is, and its needs.
This story is a touching tale about a gay penguin couple who dream about having a child of their own. And Tango Makes Three features Roy and Silo, two penguins, who live in a zoo enclosure, who are very much in love. But, as two male penguins, they can’t have a child of their own. When Mr Gramzay the zookeeper finds them trying to hatch a stone, he realises that it may be time for Roy and Silo to become parents for real. With the zookeeper’s help, their wish is about to come true. A beautifully told tale by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell, that helps young children to understand the experience of being raised by same-sex couples.
The Pirate Mums, written by Jodie Lancet-Grant and illustrated by Lydia Corry, isn’t just a story about same-sex parents raising a child. The story is about Billy’s mums who are anything but ordinary. His mums won't listen to normal music. They love to sing sea shanties and dance jigs in the lounge. Their clothes are highly unusual, they have a rude parrot for a pet, and their taste in house design is described as a bit "fishy". Billy wishes his family could be more like everyone else's, until a swashbuckling adventure changes everything! A great fun adventure and read for young kids.
This is a great story for children who may just feel a little different. Red: A Crayon’s Story, authored and illustrated by Michael Hall, is about a blue crayon that is mistakenly labeled as "red" , and as a result suffers an identity crisis. Red has a bright red label, but he is, in fact, blue. His teacher tries to help him be red, through things like drawing strawberries, and his mother tries to help him be red by sending him out on a playdate with a yellow classmate, and the scissors try to help him be red by snipping his label so that he has room to breathe. But Red is miserable. He just can't be red, no matter how hard he tries! Finally, a brand-new friend offers a brand-new perspective, and Red discovers what readers have known all along. He's blue! Funny, insightful, and colorful, Red: A Crayon's Story is about being true to your inner self and following your own path despite obstacles that may come your way.
The Prince and the Frog, by Ollie Pike, flips the Princess and the Frog, script by making this story wonderfully gay. One day, Oskar and his sister Caroline meet a prince who was turned into a frog by an evil wizard. Only true love's kiss can break the spell. Both Caroline and Oskar want to help, but which of them will be the frog prince's true love? This brightly illustrated, heart-warming take on a classic fairytale teaches children about same-sex relationships and attraction. Exploring what it means to be in a healthy, loving relationship, it encourages children to listen to others, be kind, and embrace diversity and equality.
This inspiring LGBTQ+ bedtime story by Jessica Love tells the story of Julian, a young boy who, one day, while riding the subway home with his Nana becomes mesmerised by three women he sees dressed up like mermaids in fishtails. Inspired by their beauty, Julian longs to dress up in beautiful colors and in a feminine way. When he gets home, all he can think about is dressing up just like those ladies, and making his own fabulous mermaid costume. But what will Nana think about the mess he makes? And even more importantly, what will she think about how Julian sees himself? Julian is a Mermaid is a great reminder for us all that there is no right or wrong way to express yourself, or to live your life.
Make sure to check out our upcoming myGwork Panel: Family Matters: LGBTQ+ Parents and Families
Ahead of the LGBT+ Parents/Carers Day, explore the unique challenges and joys faced by LGBTQ+ parents and carers. This session will cover support systems, chosen family, community resources, and the importance of inclusivity in family structures.