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 for you and try my best!
🚧 under construction! 🚧
created by raindrop
last updated February, 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
-i walk with vanessa
-love of the half eaten peach
-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.
ooo omg what a cute idea!!! maybe Ping's Perfect Pot by Helen Wu would fit?
raindropOP
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
raindropOP
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
raindropOP
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!
raindropOP
one on this list, a family is a family is a family, is available on QLL as a readalong!! :)
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.
That's such a lovely idea for a list! 🥹💖
