LGBTQ-Inclusive Kids’ Book Publisher Launching 2nd Season

Flamingo Rampant, a micropress that makes “feminist, racially diverse books featuring LGBT2Q kids and families with celebratory, joyful story lines” is launching a Kickstarter for their second season of books. I’m very excited.

Last year, Flamingo Rampant published six books by various authors, sold only as a set. They were multi-racial, multi-ethnic, gender diverse, and lots of fun. (I covered them in last year’s Holiday Gift Guide.) The theme of the books for their next set is “Celebrations.” Their Kickstarter page offers these brief descriptions:

• a baby shower, featuring three parents – all superheroes – and a surprise twist ending!
• a pow wow story of a 2 Spirit kid, and the beautiful community that coalesces to support that kid’s desire to live (and dance!) authentically.
• a birthday party counting book called Bell’s Knock-Knock Birthday, featuring sound effects, kids, and cake –  together!
• a mischeivous and magical story set at a community Eid celebration, featuring two gay dads and their twins
• a charming Passover Seder story of two lesbian bubbies and a lost afikomen that cannot be found.
• a Christmas story of a young girl who goes to great lengths to make the holiday wonderful for her parent who has come out as trans during Advent.

They’re doing what I’ve praised before and wanted more of: offering stories that show the intersectionalities of our lives and the traditions that we are part of, even as we make our own traditions as LGBTQ families. They also stress, “All of these books will be written by people who are representing their own cultural/religious holidays and festivals.” I haven’t read any of them yet, but judging from the last set, they should be great!

Founder S. Bear Bergman wrote in an e-mail to previous supporters that “to make sure that this project funds and these books before a reality, we need 750 sets purchased.” They hope to raise $63,000 by December 29, with books delivered in February 2017. Visit their Kickstarter page for the donation levels (starting at only $1) and rewards.

I recognize that not everyone has the wherewith to make any kind of financial contribution, so if you do, consider buying an extra set to donate to a school, library, community center, congregation, or other organization. And if you don’t, please contribute by helping to spread the word!