10 Kids Books Every Queer Parent Will Love

Jacob's Room to Choose, by Sarah and Ian Hoffman and illustrated by Chris Case, is a powerful tale about gender expression, acceptance, and smashing stereotypes. Jacob is a young boy who wears dresses to school. But while he loves going to the library and attending class, going to the bathroom becomes troublesome. One day, Jacob is chased out of the boys' restroom when the other boys mistake him for a girl. Though he becomes fearful and anxious, he isn't alone for long. He joins forces with his friend Sophie, who had the same thing happen to her when she tried to use the girls' restroom. Alongside their teacher, Jacob and Sophie give all students at the school a right to choose which bathroom feels right for them. An empowering and uplifting tale for any teacher to read to their kids, Jacob's Room to Choose is the perfect icebreaker for young students to have meaningful conversations about gender identity and community. (Magination/American Psychological Association) -- David Artavia

Thurgood by Jonah Winter is the perfect way to introduce young readers to the leading civil rights figure, Thurgood Marshall. The young college star would become the NAACP's top lawyer, argue (and win) the historic Brown v. Board of Education case, and later become the first Black Supreme Court justice. Illustrator Bryan Collier is a six-time Coretta Scott King, four-time Caldecott Honor-winning illustrator whose works make Thurgood pop. (Penguin Random House) -- Diane Anderson-Minshall

Lulu is a Rhinoceros by Lava Music CEO Jason Flom (the guy who launched the careers of Lorde and Katy Perry, and his daughter Allison Flom. Illustrated by Sophie Corrigan, the book tells the story of the Flom's incredibly intuitive dog, Lulu. Though she was biologically born a bulldog -- with a bulldog face, bulldog body, and bulldog hair -- Lulu knows that deep down she identifies as something different: a rhinoceros! Lulu knows she's a rhinoceros because it's what she sees when she looks in the mirror and it's what she knows deep down in her spirit. When Lulu musters up the courage to come out to the world, an exciting adventure begins that takes her on a journey of evolution, acceptance, and self-discovery. Bonus: proceeds from the book will be donated to the African Wildlife Foundation, whose mission is to ensure wildlife and wild lands thrive in modern Africa. (Lava Music Publishing) -- DAM

A Dragon on the Roof, by Cecile Alix with illustrations by Fred Sochard, tells the story of a brave young girl named Paloma who discovers a ticklish dragon living on her roof. As he laughs, he spews a myriad of sea animals that he unwittingly swallowed. Naturally, Palmoa's house turns into a beautiful aquarium as the dragon settles into a deep sleep on the roof. A bonus for travelers and architecture lovers: the book is set in Casa Batllo, one of Antoni Gaudi's most renowned buildings in Barcelona, Spain, and the book introduces the architect's work as part of the story. A truly playful, imaginative, and hysterical tale, Alix tickles our imagination and leaves us daydreaming long after we put the book down. (Prestel) -- DA

Disney Frozen: Unlocking Arendelle by Nancy Parent has been progressively marketed as the "perfect gift for boys and girls" and indeed any Frozen 2 lover will dig it. The book is full of beautiful new illustrations as well as quizzes, crafts, magic tricks, and recipes -- including one for delicious krumkakes. Letters from Elsa and Anna's mom and familiar sights from the movie (like Oaken's Trading Post and Elsa's Ice Palace) are winners. Join Anna as she uncovers all the secrets of the kingdom of Arendelle, as well as what exists beyond its borders. (Simon & Schuster) -- Desiree Guerrero

It's a little late but How Winston Delivered Christmas by Alex T. Smith is sweet holiday story of a mouse named Winston who sets off to deliver Santa a letter he found on Christmas Eve. The beautifully illustrated Advent story for 6- to 8-year-olds is told in "24 and a half" chapters to be read one per day, starting on December 1. A perfect countdown till Christmas, this exciting tale is sure to keep both parents and children on the edge of their seats till the big day! (Silver Dolphin Books) -- DG

The GayBCs by M.L. Webb will certainly give a "woke" education to children at an early age. The book teaches kids the ABC's by correlating empowering words like, "A is for Ally," "E is for Equality," and "Q is for Queer." Follow four friends, who act as narrators, who dress up in beautiful wardrobes to teach kids how to read and to express themselves. (Quirk Books) -- DA

Sitting Still Like a Frog Activity Book by Eline Snel, with illustrations by Marc Boutavant, is an accompaniment to the book of the same name. The activity guide is full of easy-to-read stories and fun exercises that will teach kids how to calm themselves, increase their focus and attention, and have compassion and empathy for other people. The activities, which include yoga, meditation, and mindfulness games that kids ages 5-8 can do alone or with a parent (or in my case a queer auntie), will have them learning without feeling like it's homework. (Shambhala) -- DAM

Taxi Ride With Victor by Sara Trofa, with illustrations by Elsa Klever, is a sci-fi adventure about an extraterrestrial taxi driver who goes on a hilarious journey across the universe. Since Victor has a terrible memory, and he accidentally drops several passengers off at wrong locations, readers get to see the hilarity that ensues for Victor, while the book offers up lessons about friendship, forgiveness, and being open to opportunities. (Prestel) -- DA

What's Cooking at 10 Garden Street? written and illustrated by Felicita Sala, is the kid's cookbook we've never seen before. Take a visit to an old apartment building on Garden Street where several characters are making their favorite meals. Pilar, for example, is making gazpacho. Monsieur Ping is stir-frying broccoli. Senora Flores is making a pot of beans, and Josef and Rafik are rolling meatballs. The best part of this diverse group of neighbors and cooks is that each shares their recipe. Sala, a self-taught artist, expertly weaves traditionally "kid-friendly" food like spaghetti with less familiar fare (for many American kids at least) like baba ganoush. (Prestel) -- DA