Pride Colors

Toddler-PreS–Stevenson's first board book shares LGBTQIA+ Pride with the youngest readers in a joyful, accessible format. Rhyming verses cycle through the six colors of the traditional Pride flag, starting with red: "A bright red heart, a little star. /I love you just the way you are." Full-page color photographs accompany the text's journey, depicting gleeful children either wearing or interacting with the individual colors. Two children walking hand-in-hand appear next to text that reads "Be yourself./Love who you choose." Several pages later, a child traverses a rainbow sidewalk. The message in the verse: "A whole wide world is here for you." The final image—a toddler in rainbow tutu grasping a small rainbow flag—suggests attendance at a Pride parade or other celebration. The back matter provides a brief summary of Pride and the meaning behind each color of the flag (red, for example, signifies life). While all the images focus on children as their subject, two also depict caregivers who present as same-sex couples. The children are diverse in skin tone; the grown-ups all present as white. Books for this age group with realistic photos are few and far between—and more are sorely needed. Awash in messages (and images) of love and the celebration of individuality, this dual concept book highlights LGBTQIA+ families in a positive, glittery light.