Saturday, February 27, 2021

Love, Violet

Love, Violet 
by Charlotte Sullivan Wild 
illus. by Charlene Chua 
Language: English 
Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2021. 
40 p. : col. ill. ; cm. 
ISBN: 0374313725 ; 9780374313722
Summary: 

2 Bee Dads

 

2 Bee Dads 
by Kevin D. Knezevic-Maragh 
illus. by Dirk Gunning 
Language: English 
Independently published, 2021. 
24 p. : col. ill. ; cm. 
ISBN: 9798685634825 
Summary: This is a book to help Gay Dads explain the surrogacy process to their children. The book provides a colorful and simple explanation of how a gay couple can create a family regardless of sexuality to welcome a child into a loving home.

My Daddies, the Princess and the Fairy: Simple words and pictures to explain surrogacy to children

 

My Daddies, the Princess and the Fairy: Simple words and pictures to explain surrogacy to children 
by Yoann Ortega 
illus. by Christelle Ponche 
Language: English 
2021. 
Summary: My Daddies, the Princess, and the Fairy lead children from 3 to 5 years old to understand surrogacy through simple words and illustrations boosting their imagination. The story is told by a young girl born through surrogacy. She explains to her Panda how she was born and how her dads founded her family… all with a lot of love and imagination. Through this story, the notions of homoparentality, family, surrogate, or donor are discussed… A stepping stone to stimulate discussions between parents and children. 

Sunday, December 20, 2020

Life with Daddy... and his Boyfriend

 

Life with Daddy... and his Boyfriend 
by Noreen Spagnol 
illus. by Hannah Spagnol and Tayleigh Spagnol
Language: English 
Friesen Press, 2019. 
36 p. : col. ill. ; cm. 
ISBN: 1525545051 ; 9781525545054 
Summary: This is the second book in the series of "Life with..." Kids' Books. Once again, the book was illustrated by two young girls and is an interactive story representing a child's viewpoint of what life must look like when daddy is dating a man. This book is intended to help teachers share details about diversity in families, as well as fathers assisting their children to understand and appreciate the relationship between their father and his new boyfriend. 

Two Dads Under the Christmas Tree: A funny and touching adoption story

 

Two Dads Under the Christmas Tree: A funny and touching adoption story 
by Tobias Mile 
illus. by Milan Samadder 
Language: English 
True Colors Lab, 2020. 
36 p. : col. ill. ; cm. 
ISBN: 1735410845 ; 9781735410845 
Summary: Two Dads Under the Christmas Tree is not just a children's book. It's a book for all about Adoption. In this first story of the series, Jayden will try to tell everyone what Adoption is and how beautiful the change in a child’s life can be, thanks to this form of authentic Love. Inside, you will find fun, touching moments, and a deep sense of humanity that makes the book a tool for parents and teachers to encourage children to value diversity. Often, children only see families that look like theirs. As a window into the life of a non-traditional family, Jayden’s story can be a first step to instill in children a sense of inclusivity and respect for others. In the summer of 2018, during a business trip to Venice, Italy, Tobias Mile was looking for a new idea for his next book. Destiny - as he told us - introduced him to this uncommon Italian family. Upon learning their incredible story, he was inspired to create something special featuring their adorable adopted son, Jayden. After this trip, Tobias approached our publishing company with the idea of a series of funny stories about adoption, human rights, solidarity, and respect for diversity, told by this smart child in unusual language. We immediately knew this was a story that needed to be shared to raise awareness about adoption and reach countries where same-sex couples who wish to adopt are discouraged or even denied.This is a perfect Christmas gift for all open-minded people who want to share with others and teach their children that Love has no sex, color, nor limits. 

Our Practically Perfect Baby: How Adoption Changed Our Lives

 

Our Practically Perfect Baby: How Adoption Changed Our Lives 
by Stephen S. Campbell 
illus. by BNP Design Studios 
Language: English 
Independently published, 2020. 
27 p. : col. ill. ; cm. 
ISBN: 9798650595069 
Summary: Adoption is one of many topics that for some can be an uncomfortable conversation to have with anyone, especially their own child. Adoption should not be a forbidden, scary, or difficult word for anyone to use. Adoption should be an ordinary topic used in conversation, and not whispered in secret. The earlier children understand what adoption is, the less emotionally complex the comprehension of adoption becomes. When the question does originate, the easier it will be to process. Not to mention having one more reason to tell your child how practically perfect they are. In hopes of making those awkward conversations a little more comfortable for everyone, I have written a series of children’s books, "How Adoption has Changed Our Lives - The Stories of MyDosDads.” The first book in the MyDosDads series titled, "Our Practically Perfect Baby" told from the point-of-view of two new dads who adopt a little girl. They tell you why she is practically perfect, how adoption changed their lives and why adoption matters. During this joyous journey of raising our little girl, we learn more everyday how lucky and honored we are to have Bella in our "modern family." We are a biracial, bilingual, and a two-dad household. Bella’s best friend and idol is our nephew. He is six and on the Autism spectrum. Bella imitates everything he does as if she is his shadow and he protects her while he reenacts his favorite animals and TV characters. Join Bella as she tells you her stories about about her journeys and adventures from her point of view, as she experiences life and learns more from her 'dos' dads. Having two dads, potty training, understanding autism, bath time, why her favorite color is rainbow, why she loves the zoo, and so much more. Color. Race. Ethnicity. Straight. Gay. Wealth. These words should never cause someone not to have the honor of providing a child a life of love and hope. Every boy and girl in the world should have a home in which they feel safe, and a family who loves them unconditionally. Adoption requires LOVE, not DNA. 

Love is Love: The Journey Continues

 

Love is Love: The Journey Continues 
by Fleur Pierets 
illus. by Fatinha Ramos 
Language: English 
Six Foot Press, 2020. 
40 p. : col. ill. ; cm. 
ISBN: 1644420260 ; 9781644420263 
Summary: Fleur Pierets and Julian P. Boom are two women in love. They live together, eat together, sleep together, and work together. When Fleur asks Julian to marry her, Julian says “Yes!” But in most countries, a man cannot marry a man and a woman cannot marry a woman. There are 195 countries in the world, but they can only get married in 28 of them. They think this is unfair! So they decide to get married in all 28 countries that allow same-sex marriage. Inspired by a true story, Love Around the World, was the first in this two-volume children’s book series about Julian and Fleur’s adventures. In Love Is Love: The Journey Continues, they pick up where they left off, exploring the marriage traditions of fourteen countries: Argentina, Austria, Colombia, Denmark, Ecuador, Germany, Luxembourg, Malta, New Zealand, Norway, South Africa, Sweden, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom. 

Wednesday, December 16, 2020

The Princess Without a Crown

 

The Princess Without a Crown 
by Claire Walsh 
illus. by Jayne Farrer 
Language: English 
Purple Parrot Publishing, 2020. 
30 p. : col. ill. ; cm. 
ISBN: 1912677903 ; 9781912677900 
Summary: Princess Lottie is a princess - a real princess. She might not be your average princess but she knows her own mind and stays true to herself. With wonderfully detailed illustrations and a lovely rhyming story, this fabulous book shows that being yourself is the thing to do, especially if you are a princess who doesn't need a crown (or a prince)! 

Mommy 2

 

Mommy 2 
by Merline Tanise 
illus. by Sammy Pyo 
Language: English 
295696, 2020. 
24 p. : col. ill. ; cm. 
ISBN: 057824067X ; 9780578240671
Summary: This is a children's book for unique and beautiful families. LGBTQ+ parents, friends and family will be able to read this book to their children as it reflects their own lives and show different family dynamics promoting both understanding and inclusion, because no matter what Family is love. 

Katy Has Two Grampas

 

Katy Has Two Grampas 
by Julie Schanke Lyford and Robert A. Schanke 
illus. by Mariia Luzina 
Language: English 
Wise Ink Creative Publishing, 2021. 
40 p. : col. ill. ; cm. 
ISBN: 1634893921 ; 9781634893923 
Summary: Katy's school is celebrating Grandparents Day, and Katy is nervous. She doesn't want to introduce her grandpas in front of the class because she's worried that nobody will understand her lisp. To make matters worse, when Katy tells her teacher that she's inviting her married ''grampas,'' her teacher thinks she means to say grandma and grandpa instead of grandpa and grandpa. Will Katy build the confidence to speak in front of the class and challenge stereotypes? 

Adventures with My Daddies

 

Adventures with My Daddies 
by Gareth Peter 
illus. by Garry Parsons 
Language: English 
Peachtree Publishing Company, 2021. 
32 p. : col. ill. ; cm. 
ISBN: 1682632814 ; 9781682632819 
Summary: Set off on a series of incredible adventures with an endearing family as the bedtime stories they read burst into colorful life. Together, the daddies and their little one battle dragons, dodge deadly dinosaurs, zoom to the moon, and explore the world in a hot air balloon, before winding down in a wonderfully cozy ending. 

My Shadow Is Pink

 

My Shadow Is Pink 
written and illustrated by Scott Stuart 
Language: English 
Larrikin House, 2021. 
32 p. : col. ill. ; cm. 
ISBN: 0648728757 ; 9780648728757 
Summary: My Shadow Is Pink is a beautifully written rhyming story that touches on the subjects of gender identity, self-acceptance, equality, and diversity. Inspired by the author’s own little boy, the main character likes princesses, fairies, and things "not for boys." He soon learns (through the support of his dad) that everyone has a shadow that they sometimes feel they need to hide. This is an important book for a new generation of children (and adults alike) which exemplifies the concepts of unconditional love, respect, and positive parenting. 

Families Can

 

Families Can 
by Dan Saks 
illus. by Brooke Smart 
Language: English 
Rise x Penguin Workshop, 2021. 
24 p. : col. ill. ; cm. 
ISBN: 0593223659 ; 9780593223659 
Summary: This charmingly heartfelt board book is for families: families who cook together and families who sing together, families with lots of members and families with a special few, families who live together and families who live separately--for all families. Celebrate the differences that make each family unique and the similarities and love that connect us all together. 

Prince & Knight: Tale of the Shadow King

 

Prince & Knight: Tale of the Shadow King 
by Daniel Haack 
illus. by Stevie Lewis 
Language: English 
little bee books, 2021. 
40 p. : col. ill. ; cm. 
ISBN: 1499811217 ; 9781499811216 
Summary: Our brave and dashing heroes, the prince and the knight, are happily married and their kingdom is prospering, but soon, a fog of darkness that blocks the sun spreads across their land. They get word that the cause of this is a dark and mysterious Shadow King, and they rush off to find and stop him, but encounter many obstacles along the way. Will they be able to restore the light to their kingdom? 

Sparky's Big News

 

Sparky's Big News 
by Nancy Lapointe 
illus. by Len Hernandez 
Language: English 
Mouse Tower Publications, 2020. 
42 p. : col. ill. ; cm. 
ISBN: 1735619612 ; 9781735619613 
Summary: Set on the South Texas coast, this coming-of-age story follows Sparky as he discovers his core identity. Sparky’s mom and sister support his journey from toddler through college age. Brilliant illustrations by Len Hernandez highlight the differences between cisgender heterosexual child’s play and LGBTQ+ child’s play. Growing up gay is nurtured and celebrated in Sparky’s family, paralleling the author’s experience raising a gay son. Enjoy a fun, colorful romp through the kind of diverse family that defines our best America.

Eugene The Unicorn: And the road to self-acceptance

 

Eugene The Unicorn: And the road to self-acceptance 
written and illustrated by T. Wheeler
Language: English 
Independently published, 2020. 
33 p. : col. ill. ; cm. 
ISBN: 9798580667522 
Summary: A book about the unique friendship between a lonely unicorn and an out of place donkey who explore diversity and decide to share their new found confidence with everyone around them. Sharing is caring, and they hope to help anyone else who feels out of place with their new found knowledge of the beauty of diversity. The intent behind this book, although subtle, is to allow questions and conversations about the LGBT+ community to be raised naturally. It’s often difficult finding the right words to start a conversation about LGBT+ issues and identities, especially when there is little experience to be had with this dialogue on a personal level. Where to begin? When to begin? Hopefully, this will inspire further research into the details and intricacies of the LGBT+ community for anyone that is responsible for guiding youth. Most importantly, this is a tool to help strengthen ideas about self-acceptance and embracing the differences, that when unspoken, may be perceived as disadvantages. Wouldn’t it be better to embrace one’s identity rather than maintain a secret through childhood and into adulthood? 

Toby Wears a Tutu

 

Toby Wears a Tutu 
by Lori Starling 
illus. by Anita Dufalla
Language: English 
Brandylane Publishers, 2021. 
32 p. : col. ill. ; cm. 
ISBN: 1951565398 ; 9781951565398 
Summary: It's the first day of school, and Toby is dressed in their best and ready to make new friends! But first, Toby's new classmates want to know: Is Toby a boy or a girl? Toby isn't sure how to answer. Toby likes to wear basketball shorts and tutus. Toby plays ninjas and dances ballet. Finally, after a little thought and some encouragement from Mom, Toby has a declaration to make: they can eat, wear, do, or be anything they want! Toby isn't a boy or a girl--Toby is just Toby! 

My Friend J.T.

 

My Friend J.T. 
by Savannah Riestenberg 
illus. by Taryn Pepping 
Language: English 
Independently published, 2020. 
28 p. : col. ill. ; cm. 
ISBN: 9798664998528 
Summary: J.T. loves school and his friends, but sometimes people are mean to him because of who he is. Some people think he’s “different”, but to me he’s just J.T.! Luckily, J.T. has awesome friends (like me!) who stand up for him and make him feel better. 

The Queen's Promise

 

The Queen's Promise 
by Anne Bruinn 
illus. by Arsalan Fiverr 
Language: English 
Independently published, 2020. 
39 p. : col. ill. ; cm. 
ISBN: 9798576982585 
Summary: This is the journey of a father coming to terms with his children's transgenderism. The Mother puts her children first and supports them fully, but the father has a harder time. Over time he learns to accept and appreciate the children for who they are. 

Over the Shop

 

Over the Shop 
by JonArno Lawson 
illus. by Qin Leng 
Language: English 
Candlewick, 2021. 
48 p. : col. ill. ; cm. 
ISBN: 1536201472 ; 9781536201475 
Summary: A lonely little girl and her grandparent need to fill the run-down apartment in their building. But taking over the quarters above their store will mean major renovations for the new occupants, and none of the potential renters can envision the possibilities of the space—until one special couple shows up. With their ingenuity, the little girl’s big heart, and heaps of hard work, the desperate fixer-upper begins to change in lovely and surprising ways. In this bustling wordless picture book, JonArno Lawson’s touching story and Qin Leng’s gentle illustrations capture all angles of the building’s transformation, as well as the evolving perspectives of the girl and her grandparent. A warm and subtly nuanced tale, Over the Shop throws open the doors to what it means to accept people for who they are and to fill your home with love and joy.