Sunday, December 31, 2017

Dottie's Magic Pockets: Children's Sing-Along Book

Dottie's Magic Pockets: Children's Sing-Along Book 
by Andrea Maxwell 
Language: English 
Independently published, 2017. 
p. : col. ill. ; cm. 
ISBN: 
Summary: Dottie's Magic Pockets mission is to create children’s media that represents all types of families - traditional families, gay families, adoptive families... 
Available: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/dottie-s-magic-pockets-children-s-sing-along-book-transgender#/

Ben, the boy who paints his nails

Ben, the boy who paints his nails
by Louis Hanson 
illus. by Daisy Squires 
Language: English 
Independently published, 2018. 
p. : col. ill. ; cm. 
ISBN: 
Summary: A book about a gender creative child. 
Available: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1638447768/the-be-you-collection/

Littles : and how they grow

Littles : and how they grow 
by Kelly DiPucchio 
illus. by AG Ford 
Language: English 
New York : Doubleday, [2017]. 
p. : col. ill. ; cm. 
ISBN: 9780399555268 ; 0399555269 
Summary: A rhyming celebration of babies, or Littles, who are cared for by loved ones in every way and grow big in the blink of an eye. 
Available: https://www.amazon.com/Littles-They-Grow-Kelly-DiPucchio/dp/0399555269

Elvis Presley's Love me tender

Elvis Presley's Love me tender 
by Elvis Presley 
illus. by Stephanie Graegin 
Language: English 
New York, NY : Dial Books for Young Readers, [2017].
1 volume (unpaged) : chiefly color illustrations ; 24 cm. 
ISBN: 9780735231221 ; 0735231222 
Summary: "Elvis Presley's hit song 'Love Me Tender' is reimagined as an ode to families of all shapes and sizes." 
Available: https://www.amazon.com/Elvis-Presleys-Love-Me-Tender/dp/0735231222/

Blanket of love

Blanket of love 
by Alyssa Satin Capucilli 
illus. by Brooke Boynton Hughes 
Language: English 
New York : Little Simon, an imprint of Simon &  Schuster Children's Publishing Division, 2017. 
1 volume (unpaged) : color illustrations ; 18 cm. 
ISBN: 9781481489720 ; 1481489720 
Summary: With lilting lullaby text and charming illustrations, this story celebrates blankets of love, from a blanket of flowers in a field to a blanket of kisses that soothe a baby to sleep. 
Available: https://www.amazon.com/Blanket-Love-New-Books-Newborns/dp/1481489720/

Saturday, December 30, 2017

Some Girls

Some Girls 
by Nelly Thomas 
illus. by Sarah Dunk 
Independently published, 2017. 
p. : col. ill. ; cm. 
Summary: Some Girls is an early childhood book aimed at instilling confidence in little girls. It’s a story about how every girl is different and special in their own way. 
Available: https://www.somekidsbooks.com/#/some-girls/

Maiden Voyage: An illustrated LGBTQ themed children's book

Maiden Voyage: An illustrated LGBTQ themed children's book 
by Jaimee Poipoi, Adam Reynolds & Chaz Harris 
illus. by Christine Luiten & Bo Moore 
Language: English 
Independently published, 2017. 
p. : col. ill. ; cm. 
Summary: A brand new tale of discovery about the importance of truth, family and love.
Available: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/872255010/maiden-voyage-an-illustrated-lgbtq-themed-children?ref=657ptd&token=c4541127

Lucy Star @ 13: Let’s Celebrate Trans and Gender Diversity

Lucy Star @ 13: Let’s Celebrate Trans and Gender Diversity 
written and illus. by Kate Downey 
Language: English 
BalboaPressAU , 2017. 
30 p. : col. ill. ; cm. 
ISBN: 1504310322 ; 9781504310321
Summary: 
Available: https://www.amazon.com/Lucy-Star-13-Celebrate-Diversity/dp/1504310322/

Hästen & Husse

Hästen & Husse 
by Susanne Pelger 
illus. by Anna Södergård 
Language: Swedish 
Idus Förlag, 2017. 
32 p. : col. ill. ; cm. 
ISBN: 9789175775845 
Summary: När man är som man är, då är man som bäst. Det tycker Hästen och Husse, som kanske egentligen är en hund och en matte. 
Available: https://www.adlibris.com/se/bok/hasten-husse-9789175775845

Baby's first words

Baby's first words 
by Stella Blackstone and Sunny Scribens 
illus. by Christiane Engel 
Language: English 
London : Barefoot Books, [2017] ©2017. 
1 volume (unpaged) : color illustrations ; 19 cm. 
ISBN: 9781782853213 ; 1782853219 
Summary: Come spend the day with a busy baby and her two dads and learn the words for all the things you see along the way. Includes seek-and-find pictures. 
Available: https://www.amazon.com/Babys-First-Words-Stella-Blackstone/dp/1782853219/

The Child In the Fathers' Hearts

The Child In the Fathers' Hearts 
by Paul Janson 
illus. by Kevin Scott Germain 
Language: English 
Lulu, 2012. 
24 p. : col. ill. ; cm. 
ISBN: 9781257937769 
Summary: A picture book designed to be read to adopted children of gay parents. The child is adopted by two fathers. The opening comments are about my own philosophy of children, that all children begin in the heart of their parents however they come to be a part of a family. 
Available: http://www.lulu.com/shop/paul-janson/the-child-in-the-fathers-hearts/paperback/product-20060849.html

Little Maggie Brown: The Story of the Red Hoodie

Little Maggie Brown: The Story of the Red Hoodie 
by Anna Neal Negrete and Rheta Negrete Neal
Language: English 
GSquared Publishing 
Amazon Digital Services LLC, 2017. 
21 p. : col. ill. ; cm. 
Summary: Parents, are you finding it difficult at best to help your children identify issues, properly deal with them, and not scar them for life in the process? Little Maggie Brown presents a series of children's books designed to do just that! What better way to teach your little one about social matters than through the eyes, and life experience of a child wise beyond her years? Imagine the connections between a child whose being bullied, and one who is not only being bullied but presents realistic approaches to resolving this type of issue in their life. Or, think of the child who has two same gender parents and has to face the potential bias from children who are not taught inclusion. Maybe, the bi-racial or blended family that has the children hurt because the other children don't believe they are siblings. Perhaps the issue is class, or a myriad of other socio-economic concerns that we adults think children don't have to face. Well, the Little Maggie Brown series confronts these issues head on unapologetically. 
Available: https://www.amazon.com/Little-Maggie-Brown-Story-Hoodie-ebook/dp/B06XGY6Z1X/

Marius and the Cloud: A tale about homosexuality for children

Marius and the Cloud: A tale about homosexuality for children
written and illus. by Raquel Huete Iglesias 
Language: English 
CreateSpace, 2016. 
30 p. : col. ill. cm. 
ISBN: 1537039113 ; 9781537039114 
Summary: Marius is a very happy and energetic child but some children at school tease him about being different. And this is because Marius doesn’t like girls. However, one day his favorite cloud Sweetie tells him a story that will change his life. Thanks to her advice, Marius will understand that homosexuality is essential to guarantee the survival of humanity on earth. Furthermore, he will find the courage to tell his parents what worries him. 
Available: https://www.amazon.com/Marius-Cloud-about-homosexuality-children/dp/1537039113

Be yourself

Be yourself 
by Jackie Swirsky 
illus by Jacob Swirsky and Jaimee Appel 
Language: English 
Winnipeg, Manitoba : Jackie Swirsky, 2016. 
p. : col. ill. cm. 
ISBN: 9780994922304 ; 0994922302 
Available: https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/be-yourself/9780994922304-item.html

Be who you are

Be who you are 
by Todd Parr 
Language: English 
New York ; Boston : Little, Brown and Company, 2016. ©2016. 
1 volume of (unpaged) : colour illustrations ; 27 cm. 
ISBN: 9780316265232 ; 0316265233 
Summary: Who better than Todd Parr to remind kids that their unique traits are what make them so special? With his signature silly and accessible style, Parr encourages readers to embrace all their unique qualities. 
Available: https://www.amazon.com/Who-You-Are-Todd-Parr/dp/0316265233/

Clive and his babies

Clive and his babies 
written and illus. by Jessica Spanyol 
Language: English 
Swindon, UK : Childs Play (International) Ltd, [2016] ©2016. 
14 unnumbered pages : color illustrations ; 21 cm. 
ISBN: 9781846438820 ; 1846438829
Summary: Meet Clive -- and his imagination! Clive loves his dolls. He enjoys playing with them, and sharing them with his friends. A gentle, affectionate book, celebrating diversity and challenging gender stereotypes. 
Available: https://www.amazon.com/Clive-His-Babies-All-about/dp/1846438829

No difference between us

No difference between us 
by Jayneen Sanders 
illus. by Amanda Gulliver 
Language: English 
Educate to Empower Publishing, 2016. 
34 p. : col. ill. ; cm. 
ISBN: 1925089274 ; 9781925089271 
Summary: This book encourages equality and respect for each other from the earliest of years. In order to reduce gender-based violence we need to teach gender equality and respectful relationships to young children. What better way than through a picture storybook? Children are visual learners and the match between illustration and text in this story will assist them to understand that we are all human — everyone feels, and everyone has hopes and dreams. Our gender should be and needs to be irrelevant. 
Available: https://www.amazon.com/Difference-Between-respectful-relationships-self-esteem/dp/1925089274

The girl who said sorry

The girl who said sorry 
by Hayoung Yim 
illus. by Marta M. 
Language: English 
Canada Rhyming Reason, [2017] ©2017. 
24 unnumbered pages : illustrations (some colour) ; 21 cm. 
ISBN: 0993717489 ; 9780993717482
Summary: Too girly or too boyish. Too quiet, too loud. Be ambitious, but don't hurt feelings. Be inquisitive, but don't interrupt. Be outspoken, but don't be bossy. Most of all, be yourself - but be a lady. What's a girl to do in a world filled with contradicting gender expectations, aside from saying sorry? Within the subtle yet beautiful illustrations and powerful rhyme of The Girl Who Said Sorry, developing girls will learn that self-expression and personal choices can be made without apology, and with self-esteem. 
Available: https://www.amazon.com/Girl-Who-Said-Sorry/dp/0993717489

I don't have to choose

I don't have to choose 
by Ellie Klipp 
illus. by Mike Motz 
Language: English 
Bloomington, IN : WestBow Press, 2017. 
1 volume (unpaged) : color illustrations ; 22 cm. 
ISBN: 9781512765977 ; 151276597X 
Summary: How can you talk to young children about gender or their 'gender identity'? I Don't Have To Choose helps children internalize who they are, including as a boy or a girl, in a way that is simple, affirming, and free of stereotypes. 
Available: https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Have-Choose-Ellie-Klipp/dp/151276597X/

My Family Your Family (Alike and Different)

My Family Your Family (Alike and Different) 
by Bullard Lisa 
illus. by Renée Kurilla 
Language: English 
Minneapolis, US Lerner Publishing 2015. 
24 pages : col. ill ; 24 cm. 
ISBN: 9781467760294 ; 1467760293 
Summary: Makayla is visiting friends in her neighbourhood. She sees how each family is different. Some families have lots of children, but others have none. Some friends live with grandparents, or have two dads, or have parents who are divorced. 
Available: https://www.amazon.com/Family-Your-Cloverleaf-Books-Different/dp/1467760293

Joscha und Mischa, diese zwei : die andere Bärengeschichte

Joscha und Mischa, diese zwei : die andere Bärengeschichte 
by Hans Gärtner and Christel Kaspar 
Language: German 
München: edition tingeltangel 2016. 
38 ungezählte Seiten : Illustrationen ; 23 cm. 
ISBN: 9783944936192 ; 3944936191 
Summary: 
Available: https://www.amazon.com/Joscha-und-Mischa-diese-zwei/dp/3944936191

La ratita presumida

La ratita presumida 
by Belén Gaudes and Pablo Macías 
illus. by Nacho de Marcos 
Language: Spanish 
[Madrid] : Cuatro Tuercas, 2016. 
1 volume (unpaged) : color illustrations ; 22 x 22 cm. 
ISBN: 9788417006020 ; 8417006028 
Summary: 
Available: https://www.amazon.com/ERASE-DOS-VECES-RATITA-PRESUMIDA/dp/8417006028/

Eustace & Clyde

Eustace & Clyde 
written and illus. by Marina Aizen 
Language: English 
New York : Sky Pony Press, 2017. ©2014. 
1 volume (unpaged) : color illustrations ; 27 cm. 
ISBN: 9781510715028 ; 1510715029 
Summary: Eustace and Clyde couldn't be more different. Eustace likes to laze around. Clyde likes adventure. But they care about each other deeply. So when their home in the tree becomes too loud and crowded, the koalas take off to find a place of their own.
Available: https://www.amazon.com/Eustace-Clyde-Marina-Aizen/dp/1510715029/

Heu-reux!

Heu-reux!
written and illus. by Christian Voltz
Language: French
[Arles, France] : Rouergue, [2016] ©2016
1 volume (unpaged) : color illustrations ; 22 x 24 cm.
ISBN: 9782812610578 ; 2812610573
Summary: The king of the animals, a tyrannical bull, declares that it's time for his son to marry and find love and happiness. His son rejects all the cows, so his father says he can choose from other animals, but his son still doesn't want to marry. Finally the king lets his son decide for himself, and he chooses a ram, marries, and lives happily.
Available: https://www.amazon.com/Heu-reux/dp/2812610573/

Jamie is Jamie : a book about being yourself and playing your way

Jamie is Jamie : a book about being yourself and playing your way 
by Afsaneh Moradian
illus. by Maria Bogade 
Language: English 
Minneapolis, MN : Free Spirit Publishing Inc., [2018]. 
32 p. : col. ill ; cm. 
ISBN: 1631981390 ; 9781631981395
Summary: There are so many fun things to play with at Jamie’s new preschool— baby dolls to care for, toy cars to drive—and Jamie wants to play with them all! But the other children are confused . . . is Jamie a boy or a girl? Some toys are just for girls and others are just for boys, aren’t they? Not according to Jamie! This bookchallenges gender stereotypes, shows readers that playing is fundamental to learning, and reinforces the idea that all chil­dren need the freedom to play unencumbered. A special section for teachers, parents, and care­givers provides tips on how to make children’s playtime learning time. 
Available: https://www.amazon.com/Jamie-About-Being-Yourself-Playing/dp/1631981390/

Won't you be my neighbor?

Won't you be my neighbor? 
by Rachel Kalban 
illus. by Jason Fruchter 
Language: English 
New York : Simon Spotlight, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division, 2017. 
1 volume (unpaged) : color illustrations ; 21 cm. 
ISBN: 9781481478045 ; 1481478044 
Summary: Rhyming text invites young readers to join Daniel Tiger as he meets and makes friends with the many different people who live in his neighborhood. 
Available: https://www.amazon.com/Wont-Neighbor-Daniel-Tigers-Neighborhood/dp/1481478044

Is it a Boy, Girl or Both?

Is it a Boy, Girl or Both? 
written and illus. by Megan Rohrer 
Language: English 
Lulu, 2016. 
16 p. : col. ill. ; cm. 
ISBN: 1329925602 ; 9781329925601 
Summary: Is it a Boy, Girl or Both, by Megan Rohrer is Wilgefortis' fifth book in the Good News Children's Book Series (books for for reconciling congregations and diverse families). This 12 page children's book explores the diverse animals God has created and reminds children that no matter if they are a boy, girl or both, God will always love them. Pastor Megan Rohrer is the first openly transgender pastor ordained in the Lutheran Church and the pastor at Grace Lutheran in San Francisco. 
Available: https://www.amazon.com/Boy-Girl-Both-Megan-Rohrer/dp/1329925602/

Tolerance Tykes

Tolerance Tykes 
written and illus. by Brooke Aiello 
Language: English 
Tolerant Tidings, 2017. 
56 p. : col. ill. ; cm. 
ISBN: 0692937099 ; 9780692937099 
Summary: Tolerance Tykes was created to promote to inclusivity of children from all walks of life. This new series will focus on breaking down the walls of intolerance that stand in the way of a more compassionate world for our children to grow in. The purpose of this book is to instill the message that all children are beautiful and important just the way they are.Each book in the series will provide a look into the lives of ten children. Through bright illustrations, fun facts and poetry the reader will get a sense for what it is like to walk in that persons shoes for a day. Topics include: Gender Identity, Autism, Down syndrome, Hearing Impairment, Blindness, Anxiety, stuttering, Cancer,Adoption and Muscular Dystrophy. 
Available: https://tolerancetykes.com/the-book/

Thursday, December 28, 2017

I'm Jay, Let's Play

I'm Jay, Let's Play 
by Beth Reichmuth 
illus. by Nomy Lamm 
Language: English 
Beth Reichmuth, 2017. 
32 p. : col. ill. ; cm. 
ISBN: 069279767X ; 9780692797679 
Summary: 'm Jay, Let's Play, by Beth Reichmuth and Nomy Lamm, is an exciting story about Jay's morning at preschool playing with friends. Jay loves playing in the kitchen, driving dump trucks, twirling in skirts and crashing tall towers. Jay, Ren, Finn, Casey and Riley are dynamic kids with exciting ideas -- probably a lot like any preschooler you know and love. I'm Jay, Let's Play models gender fluidity as a normal and delightful part of the lives of young children. Rather than gendered pronouns, the characters in this book are referred to by their names. Their styles and interests are equally open-ended. To support adults in navigating the conversations that may arise, a note in the back of the book offers some suggestions of simple, inclusive, developmentally appropriate messages about gender for all young children. Gender expression can be playful. It can be dynamic. It can be joyful. And in I'm Jay, Let's Play -- it is. 
Available: https://www.amazon.com/Jay-Lets-Play-Beth-Reichmuth/dp/069279767X/

Vincent the Vixen: A Story to Help Children Learn about Gender Identity (Truth & Tails Children's Books)

Vincent the Vixen: A Story to Help Children Learn about Gender Identity (Truth & Tails Children's Books) 
by Alice Reeves 
illus. by Phoebe Kirk 
Language: English 
London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2018. 
48 p. : col. ill. ; cm. 
ISBN: 1785924508 ; 9781785924507 
Summary: Vincent is a fox who loves to play dress-up with their brothers and sisters, but when they always choose to dress up as female characters, Vincent's siblings begin to wonder why. Vincent knows they are actually a girl more than anything else, and with the support of friends and family they transition to living as their true self. This is the fun and sensitive story of one fox's journey to realise their gender identity and the importance of being who you are. 
Available: https://www.amazon.com/Vincent-Vixen-Children-Identity-Childrens/dp/1785924508

Yes We Are!

Yes We Are! 
by Michael Genhart 
illus. by Ken Min 
Language: English 
Little Pickle Press, 2017. 
32 p. : col. ill. cm. 
ISBN: 1939775132 ; 9781939775139 
Summary: A boy confides in a friend that he doesn’t know what to say when he’s teased for having two dads, and when kids say that they’re not a real family. In their conversation, his friend helps him see how her family (with a mom and a dad) isn’t all that different from his: they both have parents who love them, and they both love their parents. And it’s love that makes a family. In Yes We Are!, Michael Genhart, Ph.D., shows that gay families are simply another kind of normal, and that all children value the love of family. This heartfelt dialogue provides a gentle way to discuss discrimination. 
Available: https://www.amazon.com/Yes-We-Are-Michael-Genhart/dp/1939775132/

Stacey's Not a Girl

Stacey's Not a Girl 
by Colt Keo-Meier 
illus. by Jesse Yang 
Language: English 
Amazon Digital Services LLC, 2017. 
41 p. : col. ill. 
Summary: Stacey's Not A Girl is a children's book that takes us on a gender journey with Stacey who does not feel like a girl, but is not so sure they are a boy either. This book introduces us to ideas of gender beyond the binary. The first book of it's kind with all transgender contributors: author, illustrator, and designer. Elements from each contributor as well as our close friends and family are woven into Stacey's story, this is one you don't want to miss! 
Available: https://www.amazon.com/Staceys-Not-Girl-Colt-Keo-Meier-ebook/dp/B074XLLHPG

The Adventures of Honey & Leon

The Adventures of Honey & Leon 
by Alan Cumming 
illus. by Grant Shaffer 
Language: English 
Random House Books for Young Readers, 2017. 
48 p. : col. ill. ; cm. 
ISBN: 0399557970 ; 9780399557972 
Summary: Honey and Leon are rescue mutts who love their dads very much. But their dads often have to go away on glamorous and important business, which worries the dogs. Honey and Leon are done staying home and fretting—they’re off on a dad-protecting adventure! Careful to remain incognito, the two pups shadow their dads on a trip across the sea, keeping them out of danger at every turn! How did they survive without Honey and Leon’s protection for this long?! 
Available: https://www.amazon.com/Adventures-Honey-Leon-Alan-Cumming/dp/0399557970

Wednesday, December 27, 2017

The fish that changed colours

The fish that changed colours 
written and illus. by Simone Bonnais 
Language: English 
Amazon Digital Services LLC, 2017. 
34 p. : col. ill. 
Summary: An illustrated picture book for children between 5 and 8 exploring transgender issues in an environmental way. 
Available: https://www.amazon.com/fish-that-changed-colours-ebook/dp/B075VVNYQW/

Rumplepimple Goes to Jail (The Adventures of Rumplepimple Book 2)

Rumplepimple Goes to Jail (The Adventures of Rumplepimple Book 2) 
by Suzanne DeWitt Hall 
illus. by Kevin Scott Gierman 
Language: English 
DH Strategies, 2017. 
32 p. : col. ill. ; cm. 
ISBN: 0986408018 ; 9780986408014 
Summary: Rumplepimple saves the day again, this time by trying to protect his tutu-wearing friend Mr. Noodles from danger at a street festival. Mr. Noodles gets home safely, but Rumplepimple ends up in jail, where his moms eventually find him. 
Available: https://www.amazon.com/Rumplepimple-Goes-Jail-Adventures/dp/0986408018

Children's book: Funky Town: Growing up & facts of life, self-esteem & self-respect, Early learning, Family life, Alternative families, LGBT, Children's books, kids books

Children's book: Funky Town: Growing up &  facts of life, self-esteem & self-respect, Early learning, Family life, Alternative families, LGBT, Children's books, kids books 
written and illus. by Carole St. Laurent 
Language: English 
CreateSpace, 2017. 
36 p. : col. ill. ; cm. 
ISBN: 1979452741 ; 9781979452748 
Summary: Funky Town This is a story about a lamb that runs away because he is different from everyone. Two divided towns will get together to help find the lost lamb. In the end, the lamb will teach a valuable lesson to everyone. 
Available: https://www.amazon.com/Childrens-book-self-esteem-self-respect-Alternative/dp/1979452741

Pickles + Ocho

Pickles + Ocho 
by Dan Wellik 
illus. by Tou Yia Xiong 
Language: English 
Beaver's Pond Press, 2017. 
32 p. : col. ill. ; cm. 
ISBN: 159298780X ; 9781592987801
Summary: Pickles is a happy French bulldog who lives in a big, beautiful house. He has many toys and gets lots of attention from his two papas. Life for Pickles is just perfect, until Ocho arrives. Ocho? What's an Ocho? This is a great story for non-traditional families or any family adding a new member to the mix. With messages of diversity, inclusion, and love, Pickles + Ocho contains teachable moments for all. 
Available: https://www.amazon.com/Pickles-Ocho-Dan-Wellik/dp/159298780X/

The Boy with the Rainbow Heart

The Boy with the Rainbow Heart 
written and illus. by William Mason 
Language: English 
Mascot Books, 2017. 
p. : col. ill. ; cm. 
ISBN: 0692935533 ; 9780692935538 
Summary: If you are looking for a children's book that teaches acceptance to any child who may be feeling different, this book is for you! This is a children's story about a young boy with a rainbow heart who turns the town of Gray into the town of Shine - through love, kindness, and by being himself. It is a book that teaches love and acceptance for all people - no matter what color your heart may shine! 
Available: https://www.amazon.com/Boy-Rainbow-Heart-William-Mason/dp/0692935533/

A Normal Turtle: An Lgbtq Kid's Book

A Normal Turtle: An Lgbtq Kid's Book 
written and illus. by Doug Reynolds 
Language: English 
Mascot Books, 2017. 
38 p. : col. ill. ; cm. 
ISBN: 1684012899 ; 9781684012893 
Summary: This story is different from "normal," it's said, A boy born as a fox, raised a turtle instead! It's so hard when you're small to tell left from right, So imagine, I ask, our little kit's plight. Will he be brave? Only time can tell If our poor little fox will come out of his shell... 
Available: https://www.amazon.com/Normal-Turtle-Lgbtq-Kids-Book/dp/1684012899/

The Flexible Facts of Life: Information and Stories for Kids, Celebrating Diverse and Creative Families

The Flexible Facts of Life: Information and Stories for Kids, Celebrating Diverse and Creative Families 
written and illus. by Serena R. Torrey 
Language: English 
CreateSpace, 2017. 
38 p. : col. ill. ; cm. 
ISBN: 1979869480 ; 9781979869485 
Summary: It can be hard to know how best to talk with young kids about topics like sperm donors, adoption, or why some kids have 2 dads, some have 1, and some have none! Many of us believe that it's better to be open about this stuff right from the beginning, rather than having the child "find out" as a teen or adult. How to begin? Try this book! In a simple, straightforward manner, The Flexible Facts of Life combines information with stories to create a terrific resource for young kids, and is appropriate for kids aged 2-8. This book offers some unique features... 1. Focus on storytelling On a hand-painted rainbow of pages, readers are introduced to children with diverse family structures through simple stories about daily life. Young readers can easily relate to topics like sand castles, halloween costumes, and making breakfast! 2. Visual representations Gives kids an illustrated, age-appropriate understanding of concepts like sperm/egg donation, surrogacy, adoption, divorce, fostering, etc. 3. Gender-neutral discussion of biology For example, "Some bodies make teeny tiny sperm, and some bodies make teeny tiny eggs..." Early childhood is the perfect time to help kids to understand and celebrate their own origins. It's also a great time to teach kids to be respectful of other families with diverse structures. Enjoy reading The Flexible Facts of Life with the children in your life! 
Available: https://www.amazon.com/Flexible-Facts-Life-Information-Celebrating/dp/1979869480

Basil and Sage: Does a Mother Need to Be Female? (Rainbow Street Series)

Basil and Sage: Does a Mother Need to Be Female? (Rainbow Street Series) 
written and illus. by Nick Rolfe 
Language: English 
Your Stories Matter, 2017. 
38 p. : col. ill. ; cm. 
ISBN: 1909320706 ; 9781909320703 
Summary: This illustrated children's story questions gender in the role of parenthood. In this story, we meet Sage who happily lives alone with his dad. This is questioned by his friend, but Sage realises that his dad does all the things his friend’s mum does. The story is aimed at young children, using animals rather than humans, to share what it means to live with a single parent who can fulfil both roles, and that a dad can be a mum, and a mum can be a dad. The story could in fact be used to help open up a discussion with any young children about what it feels to be different in a more general sense. 
Available: https://www.amazon.com/Basil-Sage-Mother-Female-Rainbow/dp/1909320706/

Gabriel: I Won't Wear That Dress!

Gabriel: I Won't Wear That Dress! 
written and illus. by Kamon 
Language: English 
Amazon Digital Services LLC, 2017. 
38 p. : col. ill. 
Summary: Gaby never enjoyed playing with dolls when she was a child. Now that she is older; she doesn’t like to wear dresses and sometimes reads boy stories. Her mum can understand that, but Granny Cecilia and her school friends don’t. 
Available: https://www.amazon.com/Gabriel-Wont-Wear-That-Dress-ebook/dp/B078LPCD4J/

Jerome By Heart

Jerome By Heart 
by Thomas Scotto 
trans. by Claudia Bedrick 
illus. by Olivier Tallec
Language: English 
Enchanted Lion Books, 2018. 
32 p. : col. ill. ; cm. 
ISBN: 1592702503 ; 9781592702503
Summary: This story follows a little boy named Raphael, whose daily rhythm is steeped in his immense affection for his friend Jerome. The two boys share jokes and snacks and plan future adventures to the Himalayas. Even when Raphael’s constant talk of Jerome is driving his parents crazy, he remains steadfast: “Raphael loves Jerome. I say it. It’s easy.” And the truth is, when he’s with Jerome, Raphael feels happy, liked, and understood― even special. Thomas Scotto’s simple, strong, and insightful prose and Olivier Tallec’s delightful, expressive illustrations give much emotion and immediacy to the story. 
Available: https://www.amazon.com/Jerome-Heart-Thomas-Scotto/dp/1592702503/

A Church for All

A Church for All 
by Gayle E. Pittman 
illus. by Laure Fournier 
Language: English 
Albert Whitman & Company, 2018. 
32 p. : col. ill. ; cm. 
ISBN: 080751179X ; 9780807511794 
Summary: This simple, lyrical story celebrates a Sunday morning at an inclusive church that embraces all people regardless of age, class, race, gender identity, and sexual orientation. All are welcome at the church for all! 
Available: https://www.amazon.com/Church-All-Gayle-Pitman/dp/080751179X/

A House for Everyone: A Story to Help Children Learn about Gender Identity and Gender Expression

A House for Everyone: A Story to Help Children Learn about Gender Identity and Gender Expression 
by Jo Hirst 
illus. by Naomi Bardoff 
Language: English 
Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2018. 
32 p. : col. ill. ; cm. 
ISBN: 1785924486 ; 9781785924484
Summary: At lunchtime, all of Tom's friends gather at school to work together building their house. Each one of them has a special job to do, and each one of them has a different way of expressing their gender identity. Jackson is a boy who likes to wear dresses. Ivy is a girl who likes her hair cut really short. Alex doesn't feel like 'just' a boy, or 'just' a girl. They are all the same, they are all different - but they are all friends. A very simple story that challenges gender stereotypes and shows 4 to 8 year olds that it is OK to be yourself. An engaging story that is more than just an educational tool; this book will assist parents and teachers in giving children the space to explore the full spectrum of gender diversity and will show children the many ways they can express their gender in a truly positive light. 
Available: https://www.amazon.com/House-Everyone-Children-Identity-Expression/dp/1785924486/

Julián Is a Mermaid

Julián Is a Mermaid 
written and illus. by Jessica Love 
Language: English 
Candlewick, 2018. 
40 p. : col. ill. ; cm. 
ISBN: 0763690457 ; 9780763690458
Summary: While riding the subway home from the pool with his abuela one day, Julián notices three women spectacularly dressed up. Their hair billows in brilliant hues, their dresses end in fishtails, and their joy fills the train car. When Julián gets home, daydreaming of the magic he’s seen, all he can think about is dressing up just like the ladies in his own fabulous mermaid costume: a butter-yellow curtain for his tail, the fronds of a potted fern for his headdress. But what will Abuela think about the mess he makes — and even more importantly, what will she think about how Julián sees himself? Mesmerizing and full of heart, Jessica Love’s author-illustrator debut is a jubilant picture of self-love and a radiant celebration of individuality. 
Available: https://www.amazon.com/Julian-Mermaid-Jessica-Love/dp/0763690457/