'Twas the Night Before Pride by Joanna McClintick

While there is no shortage of picture books about Pride, this one may be the most inclusive and expansive yet. Rainbows abound in Medina’s full-color digital illustrations, which incorporate historical references and depict a wonderfully diverse cast, including background characters with disabilities. At the older, wavy-haired, light-brown-skinned child’s behest, the family tells light-brown-skinned, curly-haired baby Sammy “the whole story” about “Prides past.” Harking back to 1969-“a less fair time”-the family’s account abridges some of the many injustices that led to the famous Stonewall riot that sparked “a march that spread worldwide.” Going beyond “tutus and rainbow suspenders,” the family tells Sammy about “rights for queers and all our beautiful genders.” As they settle into bed, the older child notes what Pride means to them: being yourself! Debut author McClintick, a social worker, joins forces with award-winning illustrator Medina to present a child’s-eye view of Pride that borrows its cadence and rhyming scheme from Clement Clarke Moore’s classic Christmas poem. Inside a family’s home, a brown-skinned mom encourages everyone to “go to bed early,” while the other mom, a White woman, packs snacks. Across the city, marchers-to-be plan their outfits or polish musical instruments.

On “the night before Pride,” drag queens brush their wigs “with great care,” while bikers check the air pressure in their motorcycle tires. Debut author Joanna McClintick and Pura Belpré Award-winning author-illustrator Juana Medina create a new classic that pays homage to the beauty of families of all compositions-and of all-inclusive love.A small family gets ready for the next day’s Pride march.

Reflecting on the day, the siblings agree that the best thing about Pride is getting to be yourself. As one family packs snacks and makes signs, an older sibling shares the importance of the march with the newest member of the family. On the night before Pride, families everywhere are preparing to partake. With bright, buoyant illustrations and lyrical, age-appropriate rhyme modeled on ''Twas the Night Before Christmas,' it tackles difficult content such as the Stonewall Riots and the AIDS marches. This joyful picture-book homage to a day of community and inclusion-and to the joys of anticipation-is also a comprehensive history. a day that means 'Together, we are strong!' Description A glittering celebration of queer families puts Pride gently in perspective-honoring those in the LGBTQ+ community who fought against injustice and inequality.

'Twas the Night Before Pride by Joanna McClintick