Over the last 10 or so years, many children's books centered around same-sex parents have come into existence. Some of these books focus on explaining how children of same-sex parents are conceived or adopted, some focus on reassuring children that having two moms or two dads is perfectly okay, some teach children about the LGBTQ+ community, equality and diversity in a child-friendly manner, while others simply feature same-sex parents without them being the stars of the story or directly pointing them out.
We believe that all of these aspects are important, and they should all be read when age appropriate for the child. A three year old may not need to learn about eggs and sperm and how babies are made, but does very much need to see their family represented from an early age. As children get older, questions about how babies are made will arise, and that is when these types of books will become appropriate for helping children to learn about biology and reproduction a.k.a the birds and the bees!
LGBTQ+ children's books are important for everyone. Not only do they act as a reassurance for the children in LGBTQ+ families and allow them to see themselves represented (and we all know how important representation is), but they also help to introduce other children to the LGBTQ+ community who are not from LGBTQ+ families themselves. Education is essential for creating understanding which in turn, reduces discrimination and bullying. Normalization is key.
Below are the top 10 books we would recommend for children of same-sex parents.
Mommy, Mama, and Me + Daddy, Papa, and Me
By Leslea Newman.
Overview: These books are great for very young children. They are rhythmic, repetitive (in a good way!) and beautifully illustrated. They tell the story of an infant going about their day and the interactions they have with both parents. For example: "Mommy gently combs my hair. Mama rocks me in her chair."
Why we like it: They are simplistic, rhythmic, soothing and beautifully illustrated.
We recommend for children aged: 1-5 years.
And Tango Makes Three
By Justin Richardson & Peter Parnell.
Overview: The special thing about this story is that it is true. It tells the story of two male penguins (Roy and Silo) at Central Park Zoo, and how they were a little different from the other penguins. But their desire for a family was the same. They adopt and raise a baby penguin of their own with the help of a friendly zookeeper. The baby is named Tango, and she became the very first penguin to have two daddies!
Why we like it: It is heartwarming, based on a true story, and the illustrations are adorable. It helps children to understand that gay couples/families are perfectly normal and explains them in a simple, beautiful and child-friendly way.
We recommend for children aged: 3-7 years.
What Makes A Baby
By Cory Silverberg.
Overview: This book is fantastic for LGBTQ+ families. It talks about what is needed to make a baby in a way that encompasses children who are adopted, conceived via reproductive technologies, surrogacy or the old fashioned way! The book is beautifully written and inclusive of all families regardless of how many people were involved, their orientation, gender or identity. For example, "Not all bodies have eggs in them. Some do, and some do not." Great for helping children to learn the basics!
Why we like it: It is inclusive, informative and well written.
We recommend for children aged: 4-7 years.
Zak's Safari
By Christy Tyner.
Overview: This story is truly beautiful. Zak tells the reader the story of how his family came to be. He introduces the reader to his moms, shows us how they met and fell in love, and tells us how they wanted to have a baby more than anything. He teaches us about what is needed to make a baby, genes, and where eggs and sperm come from. He teaches us about known-donors and sperm bank donors and touches upon the process. He ends with showing us the adventures that he and his family have, and shows us that his family is just like any other!
Why we like it: It is genuine, beautifully written, and features gorgeous illustrations. Zak talks directly to the reader which makes it personal and fun! Fantastic approach to the subject matter.
We recommend for children aged: 4-8 years.
The Family Book
By Todd Parr.
Overview: This book teaches children all about the many shapes and sizes that a family can come in, and how they are all equally beautiful and unique. It teaches us the importance of embracing our differences and accepting others for theirs.
Why we like it: The book is written in a playful manner, with bright and bold illustrations. Perfect for helping children to learn, embrace and accept one another's differences and family dynamics.
We recommend for children aged: 3-6 years.
Stella Brings The Family
By Miriam B. Schiffer.
Overview: Stella Brings The Family tells the story of a little girl whose class is having a Mother's Day celebration, but Stella has two dads and doesn't have a mom to invite to the party. Stella's peers ask her all sorts of questions about not having a mom, such as, "But who kisses you when you are hurt?"
Stella addresses her peers questions and concerns, and reassures them that her Daddy and Papa care for her just like their mothers do! Her only problem is that she doesn't have a special guest to invite to the Mother's Day party, but she soon finds a solution!
Why we like it: Beautifully written and illustrated, it prepares children with same-sex parents for the challenges and questions they may face throughout early childhood and how to overcome them.
We recommend for children aged: 3-7 years.
Heather Has Two Mommies
By Leslea Newman.
Overview: Heather's favorite number is 2. She has 2 arms, 2 legs, 2 eyes, 2 pets, and 2 mommies!
Heather's mommies have a surprise for her, she's going to be starting school! Heather's mommies tell her that there will be lots of other children to play with and lots of fun activities to do.
When Heather and her classmates learn about each other's families, Heather wonders if she is the only one in her class who doesn't have a daddy. But when all of the children draw pictures of their family, they notice that none of their families are the same!
The perfect book for children with same-sex parents who may be worried about starting school, or for children who have already encountered questions from peers.
Why we like it: Heather Has Two Mommies shows us that no two families are the same, and all that matters is that there is love.
We recommend for children aged: 3-7 years.
Prince and Knight
By Daniel Haack.
Overview: A modern fairy tale in which a prince is looking to find love. His parents try to help him find the perfect bride, but it soon becomes clear that the prince isn't looking for a princess!
When the royals land is under attack by a fire breathing dragon, the prince and a knight come together to defeat it, and find true love in the process.
Why we like it: Beautifully written in a rhythmic style. It explores sexuality in a simplistic and child-friendly manner without using terms such as 'gay' or 'homosexual' or dwelling on the gay aspect. There's not a trace of homophobia or non-acceptance. Magical and colorful, this book is a must-have.
We recommend for children aged: 3-8 years.
Love Makes A Family
By Sophie Beer.
Overview: A fun and inclusive board book that features families of all kinds! Without putting the focus on same-sex parents, the book demonstrates that families come in all shapes and sizes, but what's most important in each family is that there is love. Each page starts with "Love is..." and illustrates a variety of ways that parents show love to their children, such as waking up bright and early with them, baking a cake for them, or finding the biggest puddles to splash in with them!
Why we like it: The repetition and simplicity is perfect for younger readers. It's perfectly inclusive and features fun, bright and colorful illustrations.
We recommend for children aged: 2-6 years.
Pride - The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag
By Rob Sanders.
Overview: Pride tells the empowering true story of how the rainbow flag we all know and love came to be. The book focuses on social activist Harvey Milk's fight for gay rights and how he made his voice heard. It touches upon non-acceptance, inequality and injustice, and reflects on the battles that the LGBTQ+ community have faced.
A story of love, hope, equality and pride!
Why we like it: Pride is a fantastic book for helping children to learn about LGBTQ+ history and how far we have come (although we still have a long way to go). It touches upon complex topics such as non-acceptance and inequality, so be prepared for your child to ask a few questions! The story opens up the opportunity to talk to your child about all of the laws and social injustices that have changed over time.
We recommend for children aged: 5-10 years.
All of these books are available to purchase on Amazon (both amazon.com and amazon.co.uk).
Stay tuned for our next blog post- Top 10 Books for Children of Transgender Parents!
Please get in touch and let us know if you decide to purchase any of these books, we'd love to hear which ones you've chosen! You can get in touch via Instagram or by leaving a comment below.
Same Sex Parents x
April 1, 2019