Princess Pete

By: Zoey Allen

Published by Candlewick Press, 2026-05-19

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.