Gay Dads – Resources for Children

It is important for children to have fictional characters they can relate to. For children with two dads, this often isn’t the case. We have compiled a list of amazing children’s books which make an ideal addition to the bookshelf in any gay dad household.

Books

1. And Tango Makes Three, by Justin Richardson (book). This delightful book tells the true story of two male penguins in New York’s Central Park Zoo, Roy and Silo, who do everything the other couples do. When the zookeeper finds them trying to hatch a stone, he decides to give them an egg of their own to look after. Based on a true (adorable!) story. Ages 2-7. Available here.
   
2. Daddy, Papa, and Me, by Leslea Newman (boardbook). This heart-warming boardbook, with rhythmic text and illustrations is the perfect gift to show your love for daddy, papa, and more. Available here.
   
3. A Tale of Two Daddies, by Vanita Oelschlager (book). “A Tale of Two Daddies” is a playground conversation between two children. The boy says he heard that the girl has two dads. The girl says that is right–she has Daddy and Poppa. True to a child’s curiosity, practical questions follow. Available here.
   
4. King & King & Family, by Abigail Samoun (book). This wonderful picture book tells the story of two newly wed kings on their journey through the jungle, and discover that there is no adventure more wonderful than starting a family of their own. Available here.
   
5. Two Dads: A book about Adoption, by Carolyn Robertson (book). Having Two Dads is double the fun! Many families are different, this family has Two Dads. A beautifully illustrated, affirming story of life with Two Dads, written from the perspective of their adopted child. Featured as a recommended book to buy in Gay Times Magazine, Huffington Post, Diva Magazine, New Family Social, Adoption UK Magazine, the book “uses heart-warming illustrations and delightful rhymes to celebrate the beauty found in all kinds of families. Available here.
   
6. What Does a Princess Really Look Like? by Mark Loewen (book). Chloe dreams of being a ballerina princess. While undertaking an art project based around princesses, Chloe realizes that princesses are not just about beautiful hair and sparkly dresses. As her work of art comes to life, she discovers the qualities of character that make up her princess. When she feels insecure about an imperfection in her art, her dads point out that the personal quirks make her princess unique! And Chloe realizes that she is not too different from the princess she so admires. Available here.
   
7. My Two Dads (My Family) by Claudia Harrington (book). Lenny follows Jasmine for a school project and learns about her life with her two dads. Available here.
   
8. Harriet gets Carried Away, by Jessie Sima (book). Harriet loves dressing up in costumes. When her dads ask her to run an errand for her birthday party, she chooses a penguin costume. While on the lookout for the perfect party hats, she finds something else instead—real penguins! Harriet gets carried away with the flock. She may look like a penguin, but she’s not so sure she belongs in the arctic. Can Harriet manage her way back to her dads (and the party hats!) in time for her special day? Available here.

TV Shows

1. Daniel Tiger (TV Show). We love Daniel Tiger for it’s advice on dealing with strong emotions- and surprisingly catchy songs! Daniel has a neighbour with 2 dads, and there are also appearances from characters with disabilities, different religions and races.
   
2. Dottie’s Magic Pockets (TV Show). Dottie’s Magic Pockets is the first kids’ show that features gay and lesbian families – and it is Super-riffic Fun for everyone! Each 50-minute DVD is filled with catchy songs, cute cartoons – like purplish-pink Princess and her two dads – and Dottie’s fabulous puppet friends. Dottie’s Magic Pockets takes your child on an educational journey exploring these four areas: social, intellectual, musical, and emotional. It also helps all children understand and appreciate gay and lesbian families.