Shifting to LGBTQ and gender-inclusive language respects and acknowledges the identities and families of all children and removes assumptions. Let's Change the Language.

1.Talk about universal values and your family’s values. 2. Keep it simple. 3. Have an ongoing conversation about diversity, difference, and discrimination rather than one “big talk”. 4. Kids love the colors of the flag. Talk to them about the meaning of the colors.

We recommend the following LGBTQ inclusive books that include character of color. In order to work towards equity and justice, parents and educators should be talking with children as early as possible about race, gender, diverse families, and LGBTQ people. These books are meant to help parents take action or "protest" by having conversations with their children.

A great book for young children to introduce them to the meaning of the colors on the rainbow flag.

This book – in typical Todd Parr illustrations and fashion – celebrates many different types of families, including two mom families, two dad families, families with stepparents, families who adopt children, families with one parent, etc.

This story is full of love, acceptance, and rainbows. It’s a celebration of being different. Kelp was born in the sea with narwhals. But one day, he realizes he’s actually a unicorn. He isn’t sure if he belongs with the narwhals or the unicorns but ultimately realizes he doesn’t have to decide. They all accept and love Kelp for who he is.

This may be the original LGBTQ inclusive book. A true story about two male penguins who partner, adopt an egg, and raise their baby – Tango – together. A favorite of any preschooler who hears it!

Two worms love each other and want to get married. But their friends want to know—who will wear the dress? And who will wear the tux? The answer is: it doesn't matter. Because Worm loves Worm. The Cricket says, “But that isn’t how it’s always been done.” And the answer is still: it doesn’t matter. Because Worm loves Worm. This picture book celebrates that “all you need is love”.

This book uses cartoon-ish animal family portraits to depict all sorts of types of families, including two dads, two moms, single parents, grandparent caregivers, etc. It provides the simple message that families come in all shapes and sizes – if you love each other, you are a family!

A simple book about the colors of the rainbow flag, that includes black and brown for diversity and inclusivity. Each page has a different illustrator and their own unique take on the meaning is visually expressed.

A sweet story about the day Donovan’s two moms get married.

A beautiful, bilingual (English/Spanish) book about a boy who – along with his musician father – creates and performs a serenata for the boy he loves.  

This funny, sweet, and colorful book is about a crayon (a blue crayon with a red label) that finds the courage (with the help of a new friend) to be true to who they are.

From the author and illustrator of Not Quite Narwhal comes a sweet story about a little child who loves dressing up and goes on an imaginary adventure while going to the market. There are not enough books out there that represent same sex parents, and this one has two dads. The book is not about the fact that they are same sex parents in any way, which is so refreshing to see.

This short, colorful, and inclusive book celebrates the one thing that makes every family a family - LOVE.

In the way only Todd Parr can do, It’s Okay to be Different delivers messages of acceptance, understanding, and confidence to be who you are to young children. Recommended for ages 3-8. Available at Napa County Library.

This is a simple book with beautiful illustrations about inclusion and welcoming others. Recommended for ages 3-8. Available at the Napa County Library.