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. VERDICT A rare treat for both Pride Day and everyday sharing. Essential for all libraries serving young children and their caregivers.--Alec Chunn, Eugene Public Library, OR

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Stevenson captures the essence of Pride celebrations in this board book. Vibrant photographs feature diverse families accompanied by affirming statements that reference a full rainbow of colors. A smiling child holds a heart balloon: "A bright red heart, a little star./ I love you just the way you are." Two mothers snuggle a baby in one photograph; in another, two fathers and a child laugh together: "I'll love the person/ you grow to be." A key to the symbolism behind each color rounds out this volume: red stands for "life," orange for "healing," yellow for "sunlight," green for "nature," blue for "peace, harmony," and purple for "spirit." Pride is an expansive celebration with room for all who love and cherish others, Stevenson conveys. Ages up to 2. (Mar.)

Copyright 2019 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Affirming phrases remind adults reading the text (and ensure those listening) that no matter what, they are loved and accepted and are recognized within the open-ended nature of the flag. Along with Richard Van Camp's Welcome Song for Baby and Sarah Yi-Mei Tsiang's Toesy Toes Pride Colors is a declaration of human difference and resilience in the face of so much adversity seen around the world today.— "CM: Canadian Review of Materials"