Children's Museum Tucson

I have taken my children here about twice a month or more for the last year.

Interesting events and selection of books at both locations:

On August 31st, 2022, Children’s Museum Tucson announced on Facebook their Art After Dark with Guest Drag Story Hour AZ (set for October 8, 2022). This post invited us to “join CMT & Drag Queens and Kings in inspiring children to be themselves through books, songs, and artistic expression.”

Books on their shelves and in their gift shops include:

The Hips on the Drag Queen Go Swish, Swish, Swish by Lil Miss Hot Mess - Written by a founding member of the nationally recognized Drag Queen Story Hour (DQSH), this playful picture book offers a quirky twist on a classic nursery rhyme by illustrating all of the ways to "work it". The story plays off "The Wheels on the Bus" as it follows a drag queen who performs her routine in front of an awestruck audience. A fun frenzy of fierceness, this book will appeal to readers of all ages.

Being You: A First Conversation About Gender by Megan Madison - Based on the research that race, gender, consent, and body positivity should be discussed with toddlers on up, this read-aloud board book series offers adults the opportunity to begin important conversations with young children in an informed, safe, and supported way. Research shows that talking about issues like race and gender from the age of two not only helps children understand what they see, but also increases self-awareness, self-esteem, and allows them to recognize and confront things that are unfair, like discrimination and prejudice.

Teo’s Tutu by Maryann Jacob Macias - This story of a boy’s first ballet recital celebrates gender-creativity, the joy of dance, and being yourself. Téo loves to dance, whether it’s the cumbia with Papí, the bhangra with Amma, or ballet class with Miss Lila. He also loves the way his tutu makes him feel, inside and out. But when it comes time to decide which outfit to wear in the big dance recital–a sparkly tutu or shimmering silver pants–Téo wonders if being his most authentic self on stage will put him too much in the spotlight.

Rainbow: A First Book of Pride by Michael Genhart - A must-have primer for young readers and a great gift for pride events and throughout the year, beautiful colors all together make a rainbow in Rainbow: A First Book of Pride. This is a sweet ode to rainbow families, and an affirming display of a parent’s love for their child and a child’s love for their parents. With bright colors and joyful families, this book celebrates LGBTQ+ pride...

A is for Activist by Innosanto Nagara - A is for Activist is an ABC board book written and illustrated for the next generation of progressives: families who want their kids to grow up in a space that is unapologetic about activism, environmental justice, civil rights, LGBTQ rights, and everything else that activists believe in and fight for.

Woke Baby by Mahogany L. Browne - For all the littlest progressives, waking up to seize a new day of justice and activism. Woke babies are up early. Woke babies raise their fists in the air. Woke babies cry out for justice. Woke babies grow up to change the world. This lyrical and empowering book is both a celebration of what it means to be a baby and what it means to be woke. With bright playful art, Woke Baby is an anthem of hope in a world where the only limit to a skyscraper is more blue.