A rhyming story in the style of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, 'Twas the Night Before Pride by Joanna McClintick and illustrated by Juana Medina is the gorgeous story of a family preparing to go to Pride the next day. The older child is excited, as they remember previous Prides they've attended. As it's baby Sammy's first pride, together the two mums and older sibling tell Sammy about about the history of Pride, teaching about the Stonewall riot. The history is told honestly but carefully; it's not sugar-coated, but it's not too brutal. There's reference to homophobia, through simple words and illustrated facial expressions. As such, I think it's a really beautiful way to introduce and talk about how LGBTQ+ are discriminated against, while also telling a joyful story.

All of the Prides remembered are beautifully illustrated by Medina. People of colour, disabled people, older people, and people wearing hijab are represented stunning scene are scene. There is so much going on in these illustrations, so much to see. There's a great deal of detail, and it's the kind of book where you'll see something new each time you read it. What's really cool, I think, is how the people's faces are quite androgynous, and you can't exactly tell or easily guess someone's gender; there's no stereotyping here. I think this is just awesome, as it could make a great talking point around gender stereotypes and assumptions. There are signs and banners held up in every Pride depicted, and there's a great focus on Pride as protest as well as celebration. I adored that there's a Black Lives Matter banner in one scene.

I absolutely adored this book, and it's a great story as well as fun way to discuss Pride and it's history, and celebrate the joy with young children.