Did you know that June is Pride month? Our team is frequently asked for recommendations for beautiful stories to enjoy with children about various themes and Pride Month is no exception. Below you will find a list of books from the PJ Library catalog, picture books by PJ Library authors, middle grade books from PJ Our Way, and more.
We love that these titles are also fantastic books that emphasize Jewish values, such as being a good neighbor or friend, getting along with siblings, learning from everyone, honoring parents, and doing acts of service and loving-kindness.
PJ Library Selections
Written by Liz Garton Scanlon
Illustrated by Marla Frazee
The children in this quiet book appreciate simple pleasures: gathering rocks on the beach, harvesting ripe tomatoes, and climbing a tree and witnessing the splendor of the world around them. Beautiful scenes showing diverse communities and families populate the book. Seeing the wonders of the everyday world is a special talent of young children, who approach their environment with fresh eyes. When shifting babies “from neck to knee,” as this book describes, we slow down and take note of the miracles all around us — our children chief among them.
Written by Elizabeth Kushner
Illustrated by Mike Byrne
Shabbat, the Jewish Sabbath, is a time for cozy family togetherness. But come Saturday evening, Shabbat is over. The family in the story, a young girl joined by her Mama, Ima, Savta, and Saba, gathers together to perform the rituals of Havdalah, marking the end of Shabbat and the return to the work week. Together they show just how cozy even the end of Shabbat can be.
Written by Elizabeth Kushner
Illustrated by Mike Byrne
Nate wants to be an alien for Purim, but his friends are all dressing up as superheroes. How will he fit in? Nate's dads help him come up with the perfect solution.
Written and illustrated by Rinat Hoffer
When Shani gets new shoes for Rosh Hashanah, she doesn’t throw away the shoebox; she reuses it for holidays throughout the Jewish year! Just when the box starts to wear out, Rosh Hashanah comes around again.
Written by Richard Van Camp
With delightful photos and engaging text, this book offers a Jewish perspective on the many joys of welcoming a little one into the family.
Bonus: In our adventure podcast, Beyond the Bookcase, Evie frequently mentions that she lives at home with “my dads.”
PJ Our Way Titles
Written by Joel Ross
Illustrated by Nicole Miles
Oh no! The free breakfast cart has been CANCELED! Can Alley save the day and feed the hungry kids at school? With bunny boy-genius Rex by his side, anything is possible …
Parent Guide
by Sofiya Pasternack
In this action-packed sequel to Anya and the Dragon, 13-year-old Anya is determined to find her father, who still hasn’t returned from the tsar’s army. Her friends Ivan the fool and Hakon the dragon join her, and together they encounter a Jewish ghost named Lena, the Nightingale (a creature who uses sounds as a weapon), Princess Vasilisa and her team of knights and archers, and an evil sorcerer. Anya must make difficult decisions, endangering her quest in order to help others.
Parent Guide
Written by Lisa Greenwald
Illustrated by Galia Bernstein
Bubbe’s famous matzo ball soup isn’t just delicious and comforting — Ellie’s pretty sure it’s also magical. But will Ellie’s wishes over the soup pot be enough to save her family’s deli?
Parent Guide
by Sarah Kapit
Vivy Cohen throws a mean knuckleball. But girls don’t play baseball, especially not autistic ones. Can Vivy prove to her family — and herself — that she has what it takes to get in the game?
Parent Guide
by Joshua S. Levy
His mom calls him Yaakov. His dad calls him Jacob. He answers to Jake when he’s with his friends. Regardless of his name, Jake's ready to escape his complicated life for an awesome summer at Camp Gershoni, and he’s got just the plan to pull it off…
Parent Guide
by A.J. Sass
Shai is starting public school for the very first time, and they’re super anxious. Will their friends accept their new pronouns? Will anyone discover the secret hidden beneath their stylish arm sleeves? Will Edie come to the dance with them?
Parent Guide
by Susan Goldman Rubin
What do you do if you love music, but your father disapproves? If you’re Leonard Bernstein, you do whatever it takes to prove him wrong. This is the inspiring biography of a young man who held onto his dreams — and became a star.
Parent Guide
by Elissa Brent Weissman
Ash and her friends, who call themselves the Renegade Reporters, uncover and start investigating a major news story. But it’s a race against time as Harry, Ash’s classmate and rival, is out to report the story first and get all the credit.
Parent Guide
Selections by PJ Library Authors
PJ Library is so lucky to work with a diverse pantheon of writers, illustrators, and creatives. Here are a few staff-favorite picture books perfect for pride month that are also the work of authors whose work we feature in our catalog and program. All descriptions are from the author’s website unless otherwise noted.
by Todd Parr
PJ Library author Todd Parr is well known for his beautiful and vibrantly illustrated books that encourage kids to love themselves. In addition to Be Who You Are!, be sure to check out It’s Okay to be Different and The Family Book at your local library.
Written by Lesléa Newman
Illustrated by Peter Ferguson
Prolific children’s author Lesléa Newman is the creator of such beloved PJ Library titles as Ketzel: The Cat Who Composed and A Sweet Passover. Families will love this wonderful read-aloud story about a boy who loves to use the word “fabulous.”
by Todd Parr
Todd Parr's colorful book celebrates the love we feel for our families and all the varieties they come in.
Written by Lesléa Newman
Illustrated by Maya Christina Gonzalez
You are magnificent, sensational, and splendiferous! You can do anything you want to do: blast into space like an astronaut, pose like a supermodel, zoom cars and trucks, sing a sweet lullaby, and more. Join six wonderful children who, through creative play, explore all kinds of ways to be their authentic selves.
by Todd Parr
It’s Okay to Be Different celebrates all the ways we are unique and inspires kids to embrace everyone’s individuality. Whether you have an invisible friend; feel mad, embarrassed, or proud; need a helping hand; or like to eat mac and cheese in the bathtub, this book offers the perfect affirming message for anyone who has ever felt like the odd one out.
Written by Lesléa Newman
Illustrated by Susan Gal
Zachary’s baby sister will have her naming ceremony. In the temple! With his two moms! And the entire congregation and all their friends! But what is the baby’s name? As more and more friends and neighbors join the family’s walk to synagogue and ask this question, Zachary finds it harder and harder to keep his sister’s name a secret. Finally, at the end of services, comes the great reveal. A truly joyous moment!
Written by Erica S. Perl
Illustrated by Sam Ailey
Whale is a bit of a dreamer. She loves to play pretend and imagine what could be. Quail is down-to-earth and keeps her friends grounded. Snail may be small, but they think BIG. Together, these three friends have a lot of fun and unexpected adventures.
Do you have a book suggestion to share? We’d love to hear about it! Leave us a note on Instagram.
More
Books That Celebrate All Types of Families
Children's And Middle Grade Books That Mirror the Diversity of the Jewish Community
Fantastic Children’s Books About Being Yourself
May 16, 2025