'Twas the Night Before Pride by Joanna McClintick, Juana Medina
Published by Candlewick Press on May 10, 2022
ISBN: 1536213438
Pages: 32
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads

In this take on the Clement Moore poem, debut author McClintick captures the joy and excitement felt by LGBTQIA+ people as they prepare for the day in the month of June when they can join together in celebration of all that they are. Shown through the lens of one youngster and their family as they make preparations for the Pride parade and also as they reflect on the reasons that Pride is celebrated in the month of June. The text is mostly constructed of rhyming couplets and the flow and meter are well-done. From the cover, bursting with rainbow joy, to the endpapers, to the exuberant and detailed illustrations inside, Medina flawlessly crafts a pictorial narrative to accompany McClintick’s text. This is a book that belongs in every collection and one that will help explain the importance of Pride celebrations.
Recommended for: Grades K-5

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth