We can raise our children to be inclusive,  empathetic, and anti-racist by having ongoing conversations with them and sharing LGBTQ/gender inclusive and anti-racist stories and activities with them now.

Tips for Reading Diverse Children’s Books

Tips for Reading Diverse Children’s Books

Many of our RAN programs utilize diverse children's books for providing opportunities to talk about diverse families, gender, race, and standing up against unfairness with children. Here are some tips for reading diverse children's books with kids!
Black History Month Activity

Black History Month Activity

For Black History Month, People B4 Policy, Rainbow Action Network, First 5 Napa Network, and Teens Connect hosted a virtual (4th Annual) Napa Valley Black History Month Celebration. Rainbow Action
Martin Luther King Jr Story Time and Activity Packet

Martin Luther King Jr Story Time and Activity Packet

January 18 – January 18, 2021
Join Rainbow Action Network for a virtual story time geared towards children 3-7 years old on Martin Luther King Jr Day. We will read aloud children’s books and guide discussion
How to Use LGBTQ and Gender Inclusive Language with Children

How to Use LGBTQ and Gender Inclusive Language with Children

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.
How to Talk about LGBTQ Pride Month with Your Child

How to Talk about LGBTQ Pride Month with Your Child

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.
LGBTQ Inclusive Books with Characters of Color

LGBTQ Inclusive Books with Characters of Color

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.
Rainbow: A First Book of Pride by Michael Genhart

Rainbow: A First Book of Pride by Michael Genhart

A great book for young children to introduce them to the meaning of the colors on the rainbow flag.
The Family Book by Todd Parr

The Family Book by Todd Parr

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.
Not Quite Narwhal by Jessie Sima

Not Quite Narwhal by Jessie Sima

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.
And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell

And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell

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!
Worm Loves Worm by J.J. Austrian and Mike Curato

Worm Loves Worm by J.J. Austrian and Mike Curato

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”.
Families, Families, Families! by Suzanne and Max Lang

Families, Families, Families! by Suzanne and Max Lang

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!
Our Rainbow by Little Bee Books

Our Rainbow by Little Bee Books

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.
Donovan’s Big Day by Leslea Newman

Donovan’s Big Day by Leslea Newman

A sweet story about the day Donovan’s two moms get married.
When We Love Someone We Sing To Them by Ernesto Javier Martinez

When We Love Someone We Sing To Them by Ernesto Javier Martinez

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.  
Red: A Crayon’s Story by Michael Hall

Red: A Crayon’s Story by Michael Hall

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.
Harriet Gets Carried Away by Jessie Sima

Harriet Gets Carried Away by Jessie Sima

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.
Love Makes A Family by Sophie Beer

Love Makes A Family by Sophie Beer

This short, colorful, and inclusive book celebrates the one thing that makes every family a family - LOVE.
It’s Okay to be Different by Todd Parr

It’s Okay to be Different by Todd Parr

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.
The Big Umbrella by Amy June Bates (Co-written by Juniper Bates)

The Big Umbrella by Amy June Bates (Co-written by Juniper Bates)

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