picture books to read with your inner child
on a mission to learn about the world and myself through the picture books we never got as kids. here, you’ll find softness, warmth, cosyness, and found family. stories about identity, community, food, and self acceptance. always open to recs!
my top recs are in the comments, and please reach out for in-depth or specific content warnings if you need, i’ll reread the book for you and try my best!
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created by raindropinthebigcity
last updated June, 2026
Comments
my recs for diving in: -robin’s worlds: robin, a nonbinary kid who uses they/them pronouns, goes on a magical adventure amidst dealing with grief, à la inside out. themes of grief (check CW), community, celebrating a birthday, found family, impermanence/imagination.
-out of the blue: knowing it is okay to be yourself, to be different. themes of support, feeling alone, bravery. so much warmth and healing.
-i walk with vanessa: no written words, yet so much is felt and said in the silence, themes of solidarity, friendship, and kindness amidst bullying.
-love of the half eaten peach: a folktale retelling of a queer love story. themes of: duty and support, friendship turned love, sacrifice. incredible art.
-ritu weds chandni: a queer indian wedding is met with prejudice (check CW) but love wins :) themes of family support, inclusive wedding customs.
-something good: an elem school class comes together after hate speech impacts their community. themes of hope, resilience, grief.
other incredible recs (wip): rajiv's starry feelings - lantana publishing maybe you might - lantana publishing eyes that kiss in the corners say my name
lantana publishing i love you!!! they are a part of some of the most wonderful books on here. they are all about inclusive children's books!! "because all children deserve to see themselves in the books they read"
Have you read Julián Is a Mermaid? This book is so sweet and cute and it's on my gift / must-have list for new parents.
omg thank you for the rec!!! running to read and add :)
That's such a lovely idea for a list! 🥹💖
thank you my friend!!! :)
Saved right away to read for my inner child and with my little one!! Thank you, love🥹💖
aweee that makes my heart SO happy! always sending you both warm fuzzies 🫂🌻
rain!!!! what a lovely idea!!! ill try to come up with some recs when i’m at work tomorrow and can look at all the picture books!
THANK U MOSKIIIII also I’m trying to go by rain on here now if u can edit ur comment :)))
ooo omg what a cute idea!!! maybe Ping's Perfect Pot by Helen Wu would fit?
TY AYZ :)) thank you for the rec! I’ll add :)) and read it soon!
yayayay glad to help!!! i've read a physical copy of it and the illustrations are gorj
OMG i loveeee physical copies of illustrated works. have you ever read a readalong version of an e picture book? it’s literally magic, Libby flips the pages for you while the narrator reads and music plays!
i had no idea??? that existed???? omg that sounds so cool, i'm going to investigate ASAP
YESSS hopefully it should come up on ur library’s Libby if u filter for readalongs in the juvenile section, or if u search picture books. there’s not that many in mine at least but should be at least a few at major libraries! I’ll check if queer liberation library has any
oooh yes yes thanks for the information!!! super appreciate it!
one on this list, a family is a family is a family, is available on QLL as a readalong!! :)
Apple and Magnolia is a favorite of mine, it's just so cute and I love the art style! and I know I have others but thats the one I can think of right now...(Idk if this fits your theme or not, it's definitely cozy, but more focused on friendship/imagination)
omg thank you for the rec! all recs are welcome, i know this list leans cosy but i have no specific theme in mind. just anything uplifting or warm :) I love those focuses! adding rn 🥰🫂
for more recs, visit @kishmish’s awesome list along similar lines!! https://pagebound.co/lists/7e30cd5a-915a-4eed-bc2f-61acd44da9da
This is amazing rain!!!🩷🎊
thank you my sweet friend!! I hope u find something u like :)
Thank you!
south asian trans representation book recommendation: Friends Under the Summer Sun -this is a pdf sourced from the free library at bookspring, the book is not available on goodreads to be added here!
