Princess Pete

"Perfect for any member of the LGBTQ+ spectrum as well as young allies who would like to learn more about their LGBTQ+ friends and classmates." --Booklist (starred review)

A joyous picture book from an exciting debut author touches on gender identity in a warmhearted celebration of individuality.

In a "castle" on the hill lives a happy family: the king, the queen, and their child, Pete. Pete likes a lot of different things: wearing red trousers or flowery dresses, experimenting with makeup, and going outside in the mud. Playing sports, drawing pictures, and making music; running races and dressing up; playing with the boys and playing with the girls--Pete's days are filled with laughter, creativity, and friendship. Some people are confused and ask, "Are you a girl or a boy?" But Pete is just Pete, and they are loved just as they are. A story of acceptance and childhood joy, energetically illustrated with colorful scenes and whimsical details, Princess Pete stands alongside titles such as Julián Is a Mermaid as it encourages readers to be wholly themselves.

Author: Zoey Allen
Publisher: Candlewick Press (MA)
Published: 05/19/2026
Pages: 32
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.90lbs
Size: 10.70h x 9.30w x 0.50d
ISBN: 9781536247657
Audience: Ages 4-8


Review Citation(s):
School Library Journal 02/01/2026 pg. 38
Kirkus Reviews 02/15/2026
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 04/01/2026
Booklist 05/01/2026

About the Author
Zoey Allen is a transgender woman with a penchant for creating diverse stories. She is also a passionate singer-songwriter and jewelry maker. Zoey Allen is based in Cardiff, Wales.

Frenci Sanna is an illustrator and author whose debut picture book, The Journey, received an Amnesty CILIP Honor and an Ezra Jack Keats Writer Honor and was short-listed for the Kate Greenaway Medal and the Waterstones Children's Book Prize. Originally from Sardinia, Frenci Sanna lives in Switzerland.