5 Picture Books Featuring Nonbinary Main Characters

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Sometimes we just want a great story with a universal theme...that also happens to feature a main character who's nonbinary. While it's important to have books that explain concepts around gender and pronouns, we also need more books like those below that are just fabulous everyday stories kids will want to read again and again -- and also feature a nonbinary main character whose identity is incidental to the primary storyline. We get to know a character beyond their nonbinary identity; the character is multi-dimensional.

You can support these LGBTQ+ books and our LGBTQ+-owned business by purchasing these books as part of our special offering for OurShelves past and current members/purchasers: Build-Your-Own Pride Boxes!

If you've never purchased OurShelves books before, you can purchase our Expert-Curated Pride Book Box and/or subscribe to our regular quarterly diverse kids' book boxes. Our Curation Team ensures there is at least one LGBTQ+ book like the ones below and others in every 3-book subscription box that goes out to our members each quarter.

Also make sure to check out Pride Book Bingo for more types of LGBTQ+ children's books you may already have or may be seeking! What books are easily findable? What books are harder to find? 

Without further delay, check out these five (plus one extra bonus) fabulous books below!

 

1. TIMID by Harry Woodgate

"Timmy loves to perform, but only when there isn't an audience! When Timmy feels most nervous, their shy inner lion roars all their confidence away. This gorgeous, uplifting picture book by British Book Award winner and Stonewall Book Award Honoree, Harry Woodgate, shines a spotlight on childhood anxiety. With bravery, courage, and friendship, Timmy learns to embrace their inner lion and follow their dreams." (This description comes from Simon and Schuster, distributor of this Little Bee Books title.) 

 

2. SOMETHING GREAT by Jeanette Bradley

"Voila! Quinn spent the morning in their workshop, and they emerged with Something Great! But. What is it? No one seemed to understand that Something Great isn't supposed to be anything. It was just. itself. Something Great. Then, the new kid asks to play with Quinn and Something Great. They discover that Something Great can be an elevator, a bug catcher, or a stick lifter. It could even be. a friend finder. Quietly profound, this sweet tale and its mixed-media illustrations are a delightful combination of elements blending STEM activities (for those inclined to catch them!) with casual nonconformity in a picture book that is, well, Something Great!" (This description comes from this book's publisher, Chronicle Kids.) 

3. PEANUT GOES FOR THE GOLD by Jonathan Van Ness and Gillian Reid

Check out this amazing storytime video Jonathan Van Ness made for the OurShelves community!

"Jonathan Van Ness, the star of Netflix’s hit show Queer Eye, brings his signature humor and positivity to his empowering first picture book, inspiring readers of all ages to love being exactly who they are.

Peanut Goes for the Gold is a charming, funny, and heartfelt picture book that follows the adventures of Peanut, a gender nonbinary guinea pig who does everything with their own personal flare.

Peanut just has their own unique way of doing things. Whether it’s cartwheeling during basketball practice or cutting their own hair, this little guinea pig puts their own special twist on life. So when Peanut decides to be a rhythmic gymnast, they come up with a routine that they know is absolutely perfect, because it is absolutely, one hundred percent Peanut.

This upbeat and hilarious picture book, inspired by Jonathan’s own childhood guinea pig, encourages children to not just be themselves—but to boldly and unapologetically love being themselves.

Jonathan Van Ness brings his signature message of warmth, positivity, and self-love to this boldly original picture book that celebrates the joys of being true to yourself and the magic that comes from following your dreams."

(This description comes from this book's publisher, HarperCollins.)

4. MARLEY'S PRIDE by Joëlle Retener and DeAnn Wiley

"Marley is a little nonbinary kid with big anxieties. Crowds? Pass. Loud noises? No, thanks. When their Zaza is up for an award at Pride, they want to go to the parade for the first time with their beloved grandparent. But can Marley overcome their fears? Highlighting the joyful experiences of a queer Black family finding community at Pride, this story features endmatter about the history of Pride, a glossary of LGBTQ+ terms, and a list of resources." (This description comes from this book's publisher, Barefoot Books.)

Great news! MARLEY'S PRIDE is already included in summer OurShelves book boxes! If you have questions about whether your summer book box already includes this book, please email us at support@OurShelves.com. Or if you'd like to order additional copies of this title in hardback or paperback, please email us.

5. A PLAN FOR POPS by Heather Smith and Brooke Kerrigan

"Lou [whose gender is not defined and can be read as nonbinary] spends every Saturday with Grandad and Pops. They walk to the library hand in  hand, like a chain of paper dolls. Grandad reads books about science and design, Pops listens to rock and roll, and Lou bounces from lap to lap. But everything changes one Saturday. Pops has a fall. That night there is terrible news: Pops will need to use a wheelchair, not just for now, but for always. Unable to cope with his new circumstances, he becomes withdrawn and shuts himself in his room. Hearing Grandad trying to cheer up Pops inspires Lou to make a plan. Using skills learned from Grandad, and with a little help from their neighbors, Lou comes up with a plan for Pops." This book description comes from this book's publisher, Orca Books." 

Bonus Book with a Nonbinary Character: MR. WATSON'S CHICKENS by Jarrett Dapier and Andrea Tsurumi

Not only is this book filled with fun and silliness your kids will love as well as tons of LGBTQ+ subtle references (see Andrea Tsurumi's wonderful video for OurShelves!), you'll find that the cheesemonger who makes a brief appearance in MR. WATSON'S CHICKENS uses "they/them" pronouns, a welcome addition that is still all too rare in children's books.

"With rollicking rhythms, nonsensical refrains, and too many chickens to count, this modern classic will inspire unstoppable giggles and endless rereads. Bawka-bawka!

Mr. Watson has 456 chickens in the sink, on the bed, in the bread box. When his partner, Mr. Nelson, threatens to leave, Mr. Watson takes his chickens to town to sell only for them to escape! Young readers will follow Mr. Watson all around town as he gathers up his chickens. But, when they're all rounded up, does he have the heart to sell them? Does a different fate await these chickens?"

(This description comes from this book's publisher, Chronicle Books.)

 

 

You can support these LGBTQ+ books and our LGBTQ+-owned business by purchasing these books as part of our special offering for OurShelves past and current members: Build-Your-Own Pride Boxes!

If you've never purchased OurShelves books before, you can purchase our Expert-Curated Pride Book Box and/or subscribe to our regular quarterly book boxes. We ensure there is at least one LGBTQ+ book like the ones above and others in every 3-book subscription box that goes out to our members each quarter.

 

Join our e-list. Join the movement. FIRST access to NEW resources + NEW products. FREE videos, activities, guides, how to's.