A Tale of Two Daddies by Vanita Oelschlager (author); Kristen Blackwood & Mike Blanc (illustrators) • VanitaBooks, LLC • 2014 • 24 pages
Blurb (from GoodReads): 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: “Which dad helps when your team needs a coach? / Which dad cooks you eggs and toast?” To which she answers: “Daddy is my soccer coach. / Poppa cooks me eggs and toast.”
Genre/Themes: (DAMN GOOD) Parenting, Children, Different Types of Families, Adoption, Important Issues/Current Topics, Children being AWESOME, Intended for young children (4 to 8 yr olds), Family Bonds, Child’s Curiosity
Got My Copy: From NetGalley
Overall Rating: 5+++ of 5 stars
Review & Evaluation:
→ Illustrations: 5+++
→ Plot/Concept: 5
→ Delivery: 5+++
→ Message: 5+++
Likes:
– EVERYTHING XD
– The illustrations were adorable (as were those kids, WHAT EVEN)
– MESSAGE. Important shiz, yo
Dislikes:
– I’m supposed to dislike something?????? 😕
Other Thoughts?
I don’t have enough words to proclaim my utter joy before, during, and after reading this book. Where do I even begin?
Okay, first thing’s first: THIS IS THE CUTEST FREAKIN’ THING I HAVE EVER READ IN MAH LIFE!! (Okay… maybe not THE CUTEST, but definitely up there! So friggin’ adorable with these kids ANDLJSAKDNLS—!)
There. Now that’s out of the way…
What an excellent portrayal of such an important and fundamental topic right now! I cannot believe how well this worked out. I was hoping beyond hope that this wouldn’t be cliche` or stereotypical… and THANK THE UNIVERSE IT WAS NOT.
This is how it goes:
A little boy and girl are playing in a park (with the little girl’s two daddies supervising) and the question is “asked.” The boy begins by saying, “So my friend, Lincoln, says you have two daddies.” Which she responds quite happily that he’s correct. He then launches into a series of queries about who’s the dad that does “this” or “that,” to which she answers every question honestly and in rhyme. (Because this is, after all, a children’s book. 😉 ) As they play around, it’s revealed that both daddies are equally participant in her life, helping her with all the things she’s inquired about (or, as she boasts, letting her do herself since she’s old enough to do some things!)
As I mentioned before, the story is written in rhyme, which would absolutely appeal to not only children, but readers of all ages, who will enjoy and be delighted by the cute and informative storytelling experience. The message clearly emphasizes that regardless of who a child’s parents are, love is the foundation and basis to a happy and healthy child. Understanding from those around both the child and their parents is also necessary to ensure and maintain that healthy environment. A loving family is key and the most important thing to take away from this book. The stigma of today and yesterday’s society that tries to demonize and misrepresent QUILTBAG families is cast aside as these sweet, innocent children discuss what so many already-desensitized adults have trouble even discussing amongst themselves.
The adorable illustrations compliment the well-written message and engage the reader in the storytelling experience. Also, since the whole book is told from the POV of the children, the colorful, happy pictures will easily delight a young reader and draw them into what the story is trying to get across — posing questions and promoting thought which parents and educators alike can take the opportunity to discuss with their students and children.
Delivery was spot-on. At first I was worried there would be stereotyping (conscious or unconsciously) from the author. Especially when questions like, “Who braids your hair?” (Poppa) and “Who’s there when you’r afraid?” (Daddy) came up. But I was pleasantly surprised that even the fathers (who were seen solely from a child’s POV, so… basically as really long legs haha) were treated as real people and not stereotypes of a gay couple or even a gay couple pretending to be (and thus taking on the gender-typical roles of) heterosexual couples. It was refreshing and AWESOME and I love this book. XD
Would you recommend this book?:
This is such an important topic and it was portrayed so well! Definitely a keeper!
Reckless Indulgence 