The Pink Balloon, a children’s book on gender identity
A heartwarming children’s picture book about being your true self.
Readers of Cynthia Sweeney’s book “The Pink Balloon” will learn about personal authenticity, the meaning of gender identity from a child’s perspective, and how families can foster acceptance and support for diverse identities.
Value of Acceptance and Belonging
Readers will see how unconditional love, listening, and acceptance in families and communities help children feel a genuine sense of belonging and allow them to shine as their true selves.
Starting the Conversation on Diversity
The book provides a compassionate framework for discussing topics like self-discovery, gender diversity, and individuality, complete with a resource section and terminology to support families and educators navigating these conversations with children.
‘Stories that begin softly often carry the deepest impact.’
The Pink Balloon… carries a tenderness that lingers. There is something profoundly moving about a story told through such an innocent lens. One that honors identity with care, warmth, and wonder. The way the narrative invites empathy without force makes it feel less like a book and more like a gentle conversation that stays with the reader.’
Shared by a reader
Veronica M. Fall 2025
“Every parent should own this book! Highly recommend this book. “
★★★★★
‘A wonderful way to teach your children about inclusion and loving people for who they are.’
Murphy Verified Buyer
Meet Author, Cynthia Sweeney, and Co-Author, BriAnna Simons
Hello! We are two moms who met through a community connection group. This group is dedicated to parents of gender expansive children. Our friendship blossomed quickly, as we bonded over our shared experiences.
Now, we are excited to share our
heartfelt story. This story celebrates the beauty of diversity and the importance of gender identity. Together, we aim to foster allyship and inclusion within our families. We also focus on the broader communities that support our precious transgender children.
Cynthia is a writer, coach, public speaker, facilitator, journalist and consultant living in Halifax, Nova Scotia with her family.
BriAnna (She/Her) is a clinical social worker at BriAnna Simons Therapeutic Services on the South Shore in Nova Scotia. She specializes in providing child and play based therapies and is the author of the book Emotionally Attuned Parenting ~ An Easy + Fun Guide to Helping Your Child Through the Tough Stuff of Life.
BriAnna Simons and Cynthia Sweeney
Illustrated by Briana Corr Scott
Beautifully illustrated by Briana Corr Scott, Briana paints and writes from her home studio in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, where she lives with her husband and three children. Her paintings and stories capture the beauty of the natural world, particularly the overlooked details found in the weeds and flowers found along the Nova Scotia coast. Briana is the author of The Book of Selkie, She Dreams of Sable Island, and her picture book Wildflower.
You can also order via your local bookstore (Ingram)
Description:
As a certified coach, Cynthia’s goals are to provide services to families and caregivers who are experiencing challenges that are holding them back from fully supporting their transgender or gender expansive children.
Through education, navigational support and walking alongside parents and caregivers, Cynthia helps families and educators gain skills, language and confidence that build connection and foster self-discovery and growth for all.
Parents can feel empowered to support their child, while also gaining language and tools that foster safety, community and belonging.
This storybook includes a comprehensive resource section with terminology, and helpful information.
BONUS! Free Downloadable Activity Guide.
Storybook Features
Perfect for families, caregivers and teachers looking for how to talk to children about gender identity
Why This Children’s Book on Gender Identity Matters:
Offers an honest, child-centered approach to understanding gender identity, written by an author with lived experience
Provides families with a compassionate framework for discussing self-acceptance
Illuminates personal authenticity through an innocent, unfiltered lens
Encourages empathy and understanding from life’s earliest moments
Through engaging illustrations and tender storytelling, The Pink Balloon looks at self-expression in a way that is accessible and affirming for young readers. Cynthia Sweeney’s narrative is thoughtful and inclusive. It is a perfect tool for parents, teachers, and caregivers. They can use it to start conversations about acceptance and individuality with children.
This empowering tale reminds everyone that we are all unique, and it’s our differences that make us shine.
What Readers have to say about The Pink Balloon…
“Exceptional Book”
As the parent of a transgender child who has 6 younger siblings, I am delighted to have this book to read with my children.
Jenny – verified buyer
“Great introduction to gender differences!”
Well written and an excellent resource to help people of all ages understand the gender binary.
Melanie Brady – verified buyer
“A great book for my grandchildren”
I love the book and its content. Hard to find many books on this topic for children.
Marianne Lohnes
‘I recommend this book to parents, grandparents, guardians, mentors, teachers, siblings – everyone!
Cynthia Sweeney and BriAnna Simmons’ The Pink Balloon is inspired by a true story. It tells the story of a family expecting their first child. They hold a gender reveal party and to their surprise, a bunch of blue balloons burst from the box… slowly followed by a single pink balloon.
With illustrations by Briana Corr Scott, The Pink Balloon takes an open and gentle approach in introducing parents and children alike to gender identity – especially when a child’s gender identity may be different than what their parents thought they would be.
I especially appreciate the inclusive and symbolic twist on the very new/popular tradition of “Gender Reveal Parties”, where families gather to find out whether a growing fetus is a boy or girl. Adding that single pink balloon (or vice versa, or even a green or yellow balloon!) reminds folks that trans people exist; trans people can be part of our own families, extended families, and our communities. It illustrates a way where folks can welcome a new young life into their own life without forcing them into a single box – as it were.
What is incredibly important to point out is the fact that Briar (the book’s main character and narrator) is telling HER story. She is the one telling the reader (and her parents) who she is. This was a conscious choice by both authors, as they “…wanted to show people the positivity that can be gained when we just give our children space in the world to really be able to show us who they are.”
Abbey Campbell
Also available in quality book stores and libraries. Find a copy on Amazon:
The hardcover, softcover, and e-book are readily available! If you’re interested in having your copy signed, please let me know!
Details: 8.5″ x 8.5″ softcover, full colour illustrations.
