A Tale of Two Daddies

In this simple book, a child asks another what life is like with two dads. “Who’s your dad when your hair needs braids? Who’s your dad when you’re afraid?” asks one. “Poppa’s the one when I need braids. Daddy is there when I’m afraid,” replies the other.

There’s no plot to speak of, but the rhymes keep the stories bouncing along (even if a few seem forced). The illustrations by Mike Blanc are bright, bold, and full of action, with a children’s-eye view that only lets in the occasional adult leg or arm. The illustrations, too, give the books much of their gentle humor.

Young children with queer parents will enjoy the matter-of-fact replies by Oelschlager’s protagonists, which could give them confidence in speaking about their own families. Children with other family types may learn that having two moms or two dads isn’t so different. And straight parents who are seeking ways to speak about queer parents with their young children may find this book—which avoids both “problems” and pedantry—a good place to start.