Reviews

ABC Pride by Louie Stowell, Elly Barnes

naomi_marshall_murray's review against another edition

5.0

This was a fun, bright, and inspiring read.

Perfect for much younger readers, the colourful illustrations and easy to read, short-sentenced definitions allowed for an easy to follow, positive reading experience.

I really appreciated the inclusivity throughout this book - the use of different flags, different abilities and ethnicities created an inclusive read, and painted a beautiful picture of our community.

Each letter of the alphabet includes a Pride themed word and definition, keeping the topics light and fun. (One of my favourites was E is for Equity ... I feel this was a much better option than the expected 'Equality' and is much more inclusive!)

I felt the lack of specified sexuality based terms a very good move within this book - I feel that by not defining attraction beyond 'love' is extremely beneficial to younger readers, keeping it age appropriate (but a shout out to my Aromantics - you've been included in this book under 'L is for Love' too!!)

The discussion points at the end of the book helped to further the conversation and made for great talking points.

Happy 50th Pride, London!

Thank you to DK Books, Louie Stowell and PrideBookTours(Instagram) for the physical copy of this beautiful book - it will live on our shelves and be shared with the young people in our lives for years to come!

lelliereads's review

4.0

A great book that follows the typical ABC learning book (A is for apple...) but with queer terms (A is for Acceptance) and then gives an explanation of what everything means.

Thank you to netgalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review!

librarianryan's review

informative medium-paced

4.0

 

This book is a simple alphabet definition book on concepts and ideas around pride. The illustrations are bright and colorful to keep the reader interested. And most of the definitions work quite well. Personally, I have issues with the way some of them are worded or how they put things. Things like “W is for wig. Fake hair that some people wear for fun.” I wish this had something in there instead of saying they wear it for fun or just say a wig is fake hair that people wear. Or A wig is hair that does not grow on their head.  Overall, it’s a great book. 

carenzabramwell's review against another edition

4.0

I’m so glad there are books like this for children to read. This is such a sweet and genuine introduction to the LGBT community. There’s questions at the back to engage a conversation about what it means to be in the LGBT community and how important pride is. The book was beautifully illustrated. I hope they release more books like that as they’re so important and should be more available to read. I loved this book.

onceuponabookcase's review

hopeful informative inspiring fast-paced

5.0

ABC Pride by Dr Elly Barnes MBE and Louie Stowell, and illustrated by Amy Phelps is a fantastic book for children to learn more about LGBTQ+ people and topics through the alphabet.

It provides simple meanings for words that might not be obvious to children, like "non-binary," "trans," and what being "out" means. When it comes to sexual orientations, the focus is on love - who a person loves and/or who they don't, which I really liked. With people wanting books banned, and the idea that teaching about LGBTQ+ people is somehow related to sex, as if it's something sordid, the emphasis on love here is really beautiful. It also discusses neo pronouns with "xe" being the word for X. What's great is how some of the words, like "kindness" and "understanding," overlap for life and empathy in general, and others like "justice" and "march," that overlap with other civil rights issues, as well as words that are specific to LGBTQ+ people and Pride.

The illustrations are simple yet beautiful, with people of colour, disabled people, and people wearing hijab represented. It's great to see how the words have been represented in the illustrations, which can be used to help explain some of the more difficult to explain ideas, like "equity," or as a further talking point.

ABC Pride is a a really lovely book, and would make a great introduction to LGBTQ+ topics and Pride, or a great addition to a child's LGBTQ+ library.

lrector's review

informative inspiring

5.0

Super cute learning experience. ABCs, diversity, and inclusion. Thank you Netgalley and publisher for allowing me to read this cute introduction to the LGBTQ+ world. The illustrations are beautiful & very diverse. The definitions are easy to understand and a age appropriate way to help parents teach about inclusion, human rights, and the LGBTQIA+ community.

brokenbodybitch's review against another edition

hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

4.75

This was so cute!! I loved the diversity in this book, not only sexuality, gender and race but there are also mobility aids; I loved seeing canes, crutches and hearing aids. I would 100% buy this for a friend or family member with a child, this was a great little book with beautiful illustrations

ezwolf's review

emotional informative lighthearted medium-paced

5.0

A wonderfully illustrated ABCs of Pride! A very good introduction to the basics of Pride and the LGBTQIA+ community. I liked that it was inclusive of all kinds of queer identities and even making a point to say it's okay to be you, however you are most comfortable, and that's what is important.  

Thank you to Net Galley for making this book available in exchange for an honest review!

m_riaelle's review against another edition

emotional hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing fast-paced

5.0

 Got an eArc from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I found an ABC book I would PROVIDE to elementary students (heck, I would even to Kindergartens) if I were a teacher. This would have been comforting and easy for people (especially kids) who felt lost because they are born into thinking there are only two genders and one sexuality.

Y'all matter. You are loved. You are valid. You belong.

I love the illustrations and the colour palette. Kids would love this book.