Pride: A Seek-and-Find Celebration: Adventure Through the History of the Queer Community

by Diego Blanco (illustrator)

Explore the ever-evolving culture of the queer community with this beautifully illustrated, 64-page search-and-find book.

A Seek-and-Find Celebration creates a fun and vibrant atmosphere filled with Queer history and culture, including famous icons and events. With exceptionally detailed full-color illustrations throughout, this search-and-find is the perfect way to celebrate the Queer community.

Each chapter explores a different theme in Queer history and culture from around the world,
 
Keep the fun going for hours with A Search-and-Find Celebration and learn about the culture and history of the queer community.

Genres: Nonfiction, LGBT, Queer

64 pages, Hardcover

Published April 30, 2024

About the author

Diego Blanco is a Spanish queer artist and designer based in Valencia, Spain.
Diego's style focuses on the strategic use of colors to represent his everyday and not so everyday ideas about the world.
He is a lover of illustrations with large compositions of many diverse and varied characters where you can get lost but he also works on pieces composed by simple figures, colourful flat shapes and isolated characters that explore the world of icons, logos and small animations.
Diego is a born visual thinker always accompanied by his notebook so that nothing escapes him in his day to day life. Working with him in a creative process will bring out his more artistic side hand in hand with his more rational side where ideas will flow together with great ease and fun.

Reviews

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well this is the best version of Where’s Waldo I’ve never seen. Pride - Adventures through History in the Queer Community takes us through different periods of time, giving us a list of characters we are to find after providing detailed backgrounds of each, along with a standardized unicorn/rainbow/butterfly on each illustration. Let me tell you.. I couldn’t switch the page until I’d located everything.

While taking us through different time periods, the illustrator also takes us through a few special parts of our community, such as activism and struggles, but also in the way we spend holidays and the allies we have in our lives. I could see this spread open on a coffee table with a few of my friends as we tried to find all the items in a scene. Very well done.

[Mariah Roze · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was provided with an ARC of Pride: A Seek-and-Find Celebration: Adventure Through the History of the Queer Community in exchange for an unbiased review. I found this book immensely enjoyable. It cleverly combines the concept of a search-and-find book with informative content about LGBTQ+ terminology and individuals. This unique approach offers an engaging way to delve into LGBTQ+ history and contemporary issues. I highly recommend this book for personal exploration, and it would also serve as a valuable resource for teaching inclusive history and related subjects.

[Kaye · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book written more for adults disguised as a children’s seek and find. I think the idea is fun and playful and the illustrations are colorful. There are 11 double paged seek and find covering different eras. The people or objects being searched for are given in the key before each puzzle. The info about each person or object being sought is informative but includes some of the writers commentary or opinions. I didn’t feel the drawings always looked like the person being illustrated. I did like the history of the various pride flags that are included at the back of the book.

[Reading_ Tamishly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you, Epic Ink, for the advance reading copy.

I do feel and see that this is a very good compilation regarding the evolving culture of the queer community with the mention of some very popular personalities. However, I do feel that the reading experience would be so much better with some extra pages with the illustrations a little bigger and more distinct than it is.

You will learn a lot from this book how far the community has grown with all the struggles and challenges they have faced in the last decades at a glance through this book.

[Bunny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received via Netgalley in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.

I love the internet joke about making things gayer. This item is good. But it could be gayer.

I've never really enjoyed Where's Waldo books. There's just not a lot to them. Find Waldo. Now do it again. And again. Hey, look, a sailboat. Okay, you're done. Like, where's the fun in that?

This is Where's Waldo but make it gay. And there's SO much more to it than that. This is an absolute celebration of gay history, with each page devoted to a different aspect. There's so many gems hidden in these beautifully illustrated pages, along with a brief synopsis and explanation of what has come before and why it still matters today.

This is so fun. I think you could read it through twice and still miss something.

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a kid, I Spy books were my bread and butter. I loved looking through them and trying to find everything that it asked for then going back through to find the extras at the end, so this brought back a lot of memories.

With each seek-and-find being a different history of the LGBTQ+ community, it's a great way to learn about the people and things that made a difference over the years. It made it nice to learn while also having the reminder of what I liked in the past.

I would stay on that page until I could find everything. Yet, which I'm hoping is something that is better in print, sometimes the smaller items were so hard to find because they weren't clear on the page. Some items I'm not sure I found it's just that what I did see kinda looked like it and I wasn't seeing something that was more obvious.

At the end, it includes a history of pride flags which was nice as well as a glossary to explain some terms which could be great for people who are exploring in one way or another.

While the art was cute, there are times that I wish the people were a touch more representative of the figures they were supposed to be. Maybe it was part of the resolution from being an ARC, but everyone really felt the same to the point where they were times I thought I had found someone, just in a different position shown until I was proven wrong later.

Thank you NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for an ARC. All opinions here at my own.

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review!

3.75⭐

This book can represent a decent introduction to LGBTQ+ history, packed with curious and diverse details and structured as a timeline. The seek-and-find spreads were fun to look through and the graphics were pleasant and colourful, even though not that great style-wise. I also liked the included flag explanations and glossary.

I wish that there was a bit more info/provided further reading about the chosen points (instead of covering so many aspects), because I felt that the single-paragraph descriptions were not always that insightful. This made me longing to know more about some of the mentioned things, while also not catching my curiousity enough regarding others (hence making me skim through some parts). Some of the chosen points were also not that relevant in my opinion, as there were more suitable options to select from. The idea had potential, but the execution was not the best.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun and engaging way to learn more about LGBTQ+ history and culture. The illustrations and cute and eye-catching. Each scene features a key that teaches abouut the history and then readers are encouraged to find the icon in the scene. A fun twist on the familair 'Where's Waldo" series. I especially love that the rainbow flag is hidden in each of the seek and find scenes.

Books like this provide information, encourage tolerance and inclusivity and instill pride in members of the community. I love it!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book about pride good for pretty much all ages, with the seek and find activities throughout to make it more fun for younger readers (or older readers too!). There's information inside as well about LGBTQ+ and this book seems like a brilliant way for people to learn some things about the community and why it's so important for pride to continue happening!

Thank you NetGalley for an eARC of this book!

[Jenn Marshall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Art is cute and a lot of fun to play. The history lessons were also interesting. I look forward to seeing this in full size.

[Amanda · Rating 1 out of 5]

Actual rating: 1.5
Thank you to Netgalley for the digital copy

I must say I am slightly underwhelmed by this. I think the idea is very good. The whole concept is super fun, as I love seek-and-find type books/games etc., and I also love learning more about queer history and people. It was kind of difficult to do the seek-and-find because I am doing it on a screen, and so some things were so small that it was barely a few pixels. I did not count this as a minus since I know it would be very different with the actual physical copy. However, here are some of my critiques.

Firstly, the language is very peppy, as if trying to appeal to a younger audience. This is mostly fine, but in some of the texts about historical figures/characters etc. it comes off as a bit disrespectful/not serious. What comes to mind is the bit written about Ganymede. I am not a mythology buff, but I know that the story is about how Zeus basically kidnaps and has his way with a CHILD. The text however seems to romanticize this, calling Ganymede a "hunk" and "a piece of mutton" while making Zeus out to be some kind of hero for granting the child eternal youth. I know he is a character from a story, essentially, but it still felt very gross to me.

I also had two specific issues with the art. The first might be an issue with the screen/resolution etc., but I was unable to find one particular character at first, until I noticed her skin color was not the same in the large picture as it was in the small picture on the side of the page. My second issue is with the way different body types are shown. Or rather the fact that they aren't. Lizzo is someone who is famous not just for her talent, but also for being a proudly fat celebrity who spreads body positivity. Guillermo is a character from a TV show who is also fat, which is important because he is a beloved character, and there are painfully few beloved, fat, main characters on TV. Both Lizzo and Guillermo are in this book, on the same page, but they are not drawn as fat. I feel that no matter what your art style is, you should be able to draw different body types, ESPECIALLY in a book that is all about diversity and spreading information about queerness. Maybe I am being petty, but that was how I felt. Sure, Lizzo was drawn maybe a teeeensy bit thicker than some of the other people, but it was so little that I would never have read her as fat if I didn't know who it was. So yes, anyways, I was a bit disappointed.

To end on a more positive note, I did mostly like the small informative texts about periods and people as they were generally interesting and I learned something new.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

Pride: A Seek-and-Find Celebration is an exuberantly illustrated seek-and-find book about celebrating Pride. Released 30th April by Quarto on their becker & meyer! imprint, it's 64 pages and is available in hardcover format.

The illustrations by Diego Blanco are intricate and colorful. On the right margin of each two page spread are numerous small details to hunt and find. Some of them are definitely well hidden and not at all trivial to locate. There are 11 scenes in all, and there are some common details (each contains a unicorn, somewhere!), but each also has unique features and history.

There are a few issues with *ahem* liberties taken with historical versions of myths and legends (Ganymede for example), but overall it's a fun, informative, irreverent, campy "I-spy" type book.

Four stars. It would make a good choice for public library acquisition, gift giving, or home use. Content is appropriate for all-ages.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

[Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pride: A Seek-and-Find Celebration is a wonderful book that is both a game and a form of education for young and old.

With vibrant and extremely detailed artwork, the reader searches for famous people as well as objects from LGBTQIA history as well as the various milestones the community has experienced in a 'Where's Wally' manner. I had great fun searching the pages as each era unfolds before you both good and bad - for example 'In The Closet' (1800s to 1960) which is a long and very dark period in LGBTQIA history and one that is important to talk about where you can look for the homosexual author, Oscar Wilde as well as poet and essayist Walt Whitman.

This is a wonderful book, both by how it looks because it's so vibrant and beautifully drawn, but it also is educational as it's not just a picture book. The author has taken the time to educate the reader but not make it overwhelming. I'd love to see this book in primary schools, and in many children's homes because representation matters and helping children understand that people not only come in different shapes and sizes etcetera but also can fall in love in different ways too. In 2024, families are looking more and more different, people are also able to become more aware of their gender at a younger age and books such as Pride: A Seek-and-Find Celebration can help with understanding and acceptance from not only a young age but in a creative way.

[Kira K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoughts:
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This may be one of the most fun ways to learn about our communities history. I have read quite a few books about Pride and the LGBTQ+ community but this book still managed to teach me something new, especially in the middle ages and Gods bits. Having the unicorn, butterfly and pride flag to search for throughout was fun and helped join all the pages together that little bit more. Overall I enjoyed the searching although some took me way longer than they probably should have to find and the pictures/scenes were all fun and detailed. I also appreciated the flags page and glassary at the end for anyone learning new terms or turning to this as their first introduction to LGBTQ+ history.

Favourite Quote:
"Pride is a protest. Pride is a statement. Pride is a celebration.
This book is all of the above!"

[Faranae · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love playing Hidden Object games, so I was excited for this queer themed book version. Unfortunately, despite the author's clear good intentions, this is Seek-and-Find Rainbow Capitalism. Some of this is down to choices by Blanco that stem from limited knowledge or a failure to recognize where something might be more fraught than he thought. Some of it appears to be white-washing, or a lack of a more critical eye looking at patterns. There's also issues with the book's language choices, such as the use of "we" for specifics that may not be applicable to reader nor author. The decision to include allies both in all the different scenes and in their own dedicated scene is upsetting and might please allies but is hurtful to a lot of other people. Again, probably the best of intentions but that's not the effect and impact matters.

[Britt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun seek and find book that celebrates Queer culture through the years. It implements history and culture in the community. Each hide and seek page has an in introduction that explains what the page will be about and talks about the different figures that you will be searching for! I do think that some of the information is a bit outdated or does not go into full detail of things. It's very simplistic. I do like the end page that shows the changes of the pride flag throughout the years. There are definitely more flags in our community than what was listed. The glossary at the end was nice. I do think this will be a great book to give as a gift! If you liked Where's Waldo as a kid, you will like this. Definitely fun for all ages!

[hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Whether you’re a seasoned member of the queer community, a newbie, an ally, or just curious, Pride will connect you to the rich history and culture of the LGBTQ+ communities around the world.”

Interactive and informational with absolutely beautiful illustrations. I loved the many tidbits of information that came alongside every scene and searching for some of my favorite icons.

I think people in different stages of their learning journey will take something different from this, where the seasoned members and allies may walk away wanting more in-depth information. However, I think this is a fantastic read for any reader of (almost) any age.

[Kat · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings on this book. Overall it's a really cute seek and find book. However, I do find issue with ally's having an entire section, when many non-LGBTQIA+ people had been mentioned in previous sections. I really think more research needed to go into things. There's plenty of other items and history that could have gone into the book that are kid friendly without having to add so many people that have zero to do with Pride as they are not LGBTQIA+.

However, some parts were really well done and had great history so it's really hard for me to rate or know if I would actually recommend this to people.

[Giughi19 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Questo libro presenta una breve storia della comunità queer, con personaggi, contesti e storie da tutto il mondo e spesso non conosciute da me o da altre persone a cui ho parlato del libro.
Ci sono poi sezioni sulla rappresentazione in media come il cinema, si parla dei pride, degli alleati, della musica, delle bandiere e di tanti altri aspetti. Tutto viene spiegato con chiarezza e semplicità, con il supporto di un glossario alla fine. Le illustrazioni sono bellissime, sia dei singoli soggetti che le ricche immagini seek-and-find. Un libro divertente per introdurre alla comunità queer, specie per persone più giovani.

[Meg Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pride: A Seek-and-Find Celebration by Diego Blanco is a vibrant, interactive exploration of queer history that blends fun with education. Designed for all ages, the book features colorful illustrations and engaging seek-and-find activities that highlight pivotal moments and icons in LGBTQ+ history. It beautifully showcases the diversity and richness of the queer community while offering valuable historical context. The mix of entertainment and learning makes this a perfect introduction to Pride and queer culture for young readers and families alike.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Eleanor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so much fun! It's beautifully illustrated and also so educational! I wasn't expecting to learn so much about queer history so was pleasantly surprised with how much information was packed into this search-and-find adventure. Each scene had a range of historical figures and iconic items to find which really ensured that the information wasn't overwhelming. I'll definitely be picking up a physical copy on release as I thoroughly enjoyed it!

Huge thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for providing me with an ARC of this book.

[Jenny Blacker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the idea of this book, it was quite hard to parse on an ipad though, I think it would work really well as a large paper version though!

I could quibble about who/what are included and missed out, but actually instead I'm going to be pleased that it exists instead

This feels like a book for the queer aunt/uncle to lay on the floor with their niblings and look through, and that's a lovely thought!


I received an advance copy for free from NetGalley, on the expectation that I would provide an honest review.

[Mr. Lowton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gay and trans people have existed throughout time. Here's the proof! Hunt through this Where's-Waldo-esque look-and-find book to look for gay icons (I found you, Sasha Colby!), symbols, and allies in various historical periods, from Ancient Civilizations to modern-day Pride festivals. The book includes explanations of the icons you're seeking, as well as a glossary of queer terms. This is a great addition to a diverse library collection.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and artists for an advanced e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Lis Molina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an ARC. By this point the book is already published.
It is what the title says an interactive book that offers game of seek the little draws of places, things and people that made an influence on the LGBTQ + community. Besides a little explanation of what they mean for the community.
If you’re read about the community or look for any information this book won’t offer you something that you don’t, the things are based on the most pop culture things related to. What this book offers is the fun activity of seeking the figures through its pages.

[Curious Madra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks Netgalley and publisher for giving me this colourful graphic novel.

Unfortunately this graphic novel was pretty long winded like the pages were super long enough that it made me just skim through the pages instead of reading the whole thing. Don’t get me wrong it is super colourful which I give a bit of a high rating but I do think the different sections included in the graphic novel were on top of each other and not clear enough.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness! This is sooo iconic!! I am so happy I found this & requested it. This was such a cozy & fun time. I really enjoyed the artwork & the way this was structured. The informative blurbs before seeking & finding was very nice element. Highly recommend for my fellow queers & allies. This was perfect for my short flight.

Thank you to the author/illustrator, publisher, & to NetGalley for providing me a copy in exchange for my honest review!

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pride: A Seek-and-Find Celebration is both educational and fun! It's a short book (only about 33 pages) that start off with learning about queer historical figures... and then setting them amidst a landscape of their era (ish) so you can find them in the crowd! This is really cute and I'm glad it exists.

Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – becker & mayer! | Epic Ink for the eARC in exchange for review!

[KhrissyS · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pride the most gorgeous and fun way to learn the history of the queer community .
The most beautiful illustrations set out in very clever seek and find pages .
Very interesting to learn about some iconic characters and their journeys .
Overall highly enjoyable , fun and informative all at the same time .
Thankyou NetGalley and publishers for a review copy

[Eden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you author, illustrator, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC of this book!!

This is awesome! I love the drawings and the bright color palette! My favorite thing about this is how much you learn along the way! There’s so much information about the queer community in a fun packaging. And I loved I spy books as a kid so I loved this!

[Ingrid Stephens · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cool way to learn and teach LGBTQ+ history, both past and current.
Not every drawing was an aqurate portrayal of the person's they represented, but I leave that as artistic license.
It was hard to enjoy this as intended when read as an ebook. This would be much more fun as a physical book.
Thanks to @netgalley for the opportunity to read this eArc in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.