Confetti – by Dean Atta, illustrated by Alea Marley

What it’s like to read:
This feels like a joyful, celebratory book — the kind you’d read together and talk about afterwards. The tone is warm and positive rather than heavy.

For families:

  • Great for starting gentle conversations about identity and belonging
  • Likely to appeal to slightly older picture book readers (around 4–8)

Best bit:
It focuses on celebration and pride, not problems — which makes it uplifting.

Rainbowsaurus – by Steve Antony

What it’s like to read:
Fun, silly, and colourful — this is the one kids will probably grab off the shelf themselves.

For families:

  • Perfect for younger children (3–5)
  • Easy to read aloud, with lots of visual appeal

Best bit:
It introduces inclusivity in a playful, low-pressure way — no big explanations needed.

I Am NOT a Prince – by Rachel Davis, illustrated by Beatrix Hatcher

What it’s like to read:
A bit more message-driven, but still story-based. It’s about being yourself and not fitting expectations.

For families:

  • Good for kids who like stories about identity and independence
  • Works well if your child is starting to ask questions about gender roles

Best bit:
Encourages confidence and self-expression.

Uncle Bobby’s Wedding – by Sarah Brannen, illustrated by Lucia Soto

What it’s like to read:
A gentle, story-first book about a child reacting to their uncle getting married — and learning that love doesn’t change relationships.

For families:

  • Very reassuring for younger children
  • Especially helpful if your child is experiencing family changes

Best bit:
It’s about family and emotions first, with LGBTQ+ themes naturally included.

Civil Rights Stories: LGBTQ+ Rights – by Louise Spilsbury, illustrated by Toby Newsome

What it’s like to read:
This is more of a learning book than a story. It explains LGBTQ+ rights and history in a simple, child-friendly way.

For families:

  • Better for slightly older children (6–9+)
  • Useful if your child is asking “why” questions

Best bit:
Helps children understand the real-world context behind Pride

Our family take

If you’re choosing for home reading:

  • Most fun: Rainbowsaurus
  • Most heartfelt: Uncle Bobby’s Wedding
  • Best for meaningful conversations: Confetti
  • Best for learning: Civil Rights Stories: LGBTQ+ Rights

A great balanced, natural way to explore the topic as a family without it feeling like a lesson.

By Penny McCarthy

Penny McCarthy is a seasoned entrepreneur and co-founder of Parents News UK, a pioneering publication launched in 1993 to serve the needs of busy parents in Southwest London. Alongside her husband, Fergus McCarthy, Penny played a crucial role in the rapid expansion of the printed edition, which grew from a local startup to a widely circulated monthly publication with a reach of 192,000 copies across Kent, South London, and beyond. Under Penny’s leadership, Parents News quickly became a trusted resource for families, providing valuable information on education, entertainment, sports, and family-friendly events. Her vision helped the publication extend its influence with franchises in Northern Ireland and Cornwall, catering to a growing demand for accessible, family-oriented content. In 1997, recognising the importance of digital media, Penny spearheaded the launch of Parents News UK Online. The website initially mirrored the content of the printed editions and has since evolved into a comprehensive online resource for parents, achieving significant popularity with up to 700 daily hits. In 2017, the publication transitioned fully to an online platform, continuing to inform and engage families across the UK. Today, Penny remains deeply involved in the ongoing success of Parents News UK, focusing on innovative advertising opportunities and future growth plans. Her dedication to supporting families through accessible and practical content has made Parents News a cherished name in households across the country.