"It's okay to be different": 6 FAB books about same-sex parenting
Are you one of two mums in your household? Or two dads?
Even if you’re not, these top children’s books are fantastic resources for raising children who appreciate that people are different. (If you can’t find them in the shops, head to Amazon!)
Heather Has Two Mommies by Leslea Newman
This classic caused no end of controversy when it was first published in 1989. It’s a lovely story about a little girl and her schoolmates at playgroup describing their various families to each other. In the 25th anniversary edition launched last year, there is one small subtle, change: the mummies now wear wedding rings!
Mommy, Mama and Me by Leslea Newman
Newman also wrote this 2009 story, which is no less inspiring. It follows a child who goes about a range of everyday activities – having a snack, having a piggyback ride – with their two mums. We say ‘their’ because the book carefully avoids identifying the child as male or female, making it great for parents of boys and girls.
It’s Okay to Be Different by Todd Parr
While this one’s not specifically about same-sex parents, it does a wonderful job of speaking to kids from different backgrounds with books. One of the most appealing aspects of the books is the bold, graphic illustration style which make for a fun way to get the message across!
And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell
Inspired by the true story of a penguin family in New York’s Central Park zoo, where zookeepers gave the ‘in love’ male couple a fertilised egg and they became dedicated daddies to their chick. There is so much to commend this beautiful book, which is bound to appeal to animal-loving kids in particular.
The Different Dragon by Jennifer Bryan
This is a stand-out, mostly because it doesn’t make a point of addressing the same-sex parents issue. It’s just a given that little Noah has two mums. In a nutshell, Noah asks one of his mums, Go-Ma, to make up a story for him – one that requires a crying dragon. She tells him about a dragon who is sad that he has to keep acting fierce all the time…what a great idea!
Stella Brings the Family by Miriam B. Schiffer
This is like ‘Heather Has Two Mommies’ but for children with gay dads. In this story, a little girl struggles with how to respond when asked to bring her mum to school on Mother’s Day. She finds a great solution by bringing along of the people who love her. A sweet story about love and acceptance.
SHARE if you want your kids to appreciate that we’re all different.