5 picture books for raising a little feminist

Reading books about women who innovated, took risks, and changed the world can help your child discover that they can do anything they set their mind to. Check out Cleo Guides’ 5 favorite feminist childrens’ books for babies and toddlers below.

Franny's father is a feminist - feminist children's books

Franny’s Father is a Feminist by Rhonda Leet
Franny’s father knows Franny can do anything a boy can do. That’s why Franny’s father teaches her everything he knows, from fixing her own bicycle and splashing in the mud to pirouetting for her ballet recital.

Tough chicks - feminist children's books

Tough Chicks by Cece Meng
From the moment Penny, Polly, and Molly hatch from their eggs, the whole farm knows they are truly tough chicks. This heartwarming story about ducks who like to wrestle worms, rope roosters, and are often found under the hood of the tractor shows girls they can do whatever they want!

Lucia the luchadora - feminist children's books

Lucia the Luchadora by Cynthia Leonor Garza
When a bunch of boys tell Lucia that girls can’t be superheroes, her abuela reveals a dazzling secret: Lucía comes from a family of luchadoras, the bold and valiant women of the Mexican lucha libre tradition. Cloaked in a flashy new disguise, Lucía returns as a recess sensation!

Mary wears what she wants - feminist children's books

Mary Wears What She Wants, written and illustrated by Keith Negley
Once upon a time (but not that long ago), girls only wore dresses. And only boys wore pants. Until one day, a young girl named Mary had an idea: She would wear whatever she wanted. And she wanted to wear pants!

At the mountain's base - feminist children's books

At the Mountain’s Base by Traci Sorell and illustrated by Weshoyot Alvitre
At the mountain’s base sits a cabin under an old hickory tree. And in that cabin lives a family — waiting for their loved one, a pilot, to return from war. This book celebrates the bonds of a Cherokee family and the bravery of women pilots during World War II.


This post was created exclusively for Cleo Members by the Cleo Guide team. Cleo provides one-on-one personalized, proactive, clinically-designed support for planning, starting, and raising a family. Learn more about how Cleo can serve the working families in your employee population.