Kirk Cameron plans to release a children’s book about pride on the first day of June, but don’t expect to see it featured at any LGBTQ Pride Month celebrations.
The Christian actor and author gave a sneak peek at “Pride Comes Before the Fall,” his second children’s title published by Brave Books, at his reading last weekend at the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, North Carolina.
“This is a story called ‘Pride Comes Before the Fall,’ and it’s a story about a tiger named Valor and his partner named Kevin. They need to learn the lesson of humility,” Mr. Cameron told the crowd of parents and children, as shown on Facebook video.
He added that “this book comes out on June 1. But it’s not June yet.”
Brave Books, a conservative children’s publisher, had no comment on whether the book’s unveiling was timed to Pride Month, the annual June celebration featuring parades, festivals and concerts as well as book lists and publications with LGBTQ themes.
The American Library Association recognizes June as Rainbow Book Month, a “nationwide celebration of the authors and writings that reflect the lives and experiences of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, pansexual, genderqueer, queer, intersex, agender and asexual community.”
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The association also sponsors the annual Stonewall Book Awards “for exceptional merit relating to the gay/lesbian/bisexual/ transgender experience,” which includes a children’s and young adult category.
Brave Books in February launched a 14-city children’s library tour featuring Mr. Cameron and other conservative authors, pushing back on the growing popularity of library-sponsored Drag Queen Story Hour readings for youngsters.
Mr. Cameron’s next appearance is scheduled for Saturday at the Central Library in Seattle.
Mr. Cameron appeared Saturday with evangelist Franklin Graham to read his first children’s book, “As You Grow,” a Christian-themed work that “teaches kids how to grow in wisdom through the fruit of the spirit.”
About 1,000 parents and children turned out to hear Mr. Cameron, who gave two readings and signed books, said Zac Bell, chief of staff at Brave Books.
Brave Books said it contacted more than 50 libraries last year to see if any would sponsor a reading by Mr. Cameron; they declined or ignored the request.
The publisher has instead rented public rooms for Mr. Cameron’s readings, which typically draw large crowds of parents and children.
• Valerie Richardson can be reached at vrichardson@washingtontimes.com.