Koala bear Koko and Baba (neither of whom are gendered) are very close, and Koko does many things on Baba’s back—eating, playing, bathing, sometimes (accidentally) peeing, and more. One day, however, while riding on Baba, Koko wants to follow a butterfly. Baba doesn’t listen, so Koko leaves Baba’s back and discovers a whole swarm of delightful butterflies (and we see that Baba is still right behind). Koko goes safely back to sleep on Baba’s back at the end as Baba gives a knowing wink.
This is a simple but sweet story of a child’s first steps towards independence, with whimsical illustrations that in soft colors capture all of Koko’s budding emotions—comfort, curiosity, frustration, trepidation, and joy.
Baba and Koko aren’t explicitly nonbinary, but since this book would work splendidly for families with a nonbinary parent and/or child, I am tagging it as such so that folks can find it.
