Daddy, Papa, and Me

  

Daddy, Papa, and Me. Lesléa Newman. Illus. by Carol Thompson. Berkeley: Tricycle Press, 2009. 18 pages. $7.99 (Boardbook). ISBN 978-1582462639. Ages 0-2.

What could be better than having two dads to entertain you? For the smiling child in Lesléa Newman’s Daddy, Papa, and Me the answer is nothing. Daddy amuses his little angel with crowns, planes, paint, and guitars while Papa shares clowns, pie, drums and cars. Newman does an excellent job sharing the common, everyday activities of this modern family in rhyme without making it seem out of the ordinary or trite. Carol Thompson’s bright, fun mixed media illustrations will hold the attention of young readers while also opening the world’s eyes. Children with gay parents get to see themselves in print from the youngest age and the rest of the world will be able to grow up learning that their neighbors live just like they do. This is a great book for today’s library collection.  Highly Recommended

My Thoughts…

I love rhymes. I don’t think it would matter that the book was about if it rhymed. Seriously though, this book was adorable. It was obvious going in that this book is intended to represent children from single gendered parents, but the fact is that this board book is for every child. The rhyme, the perfect size, and the bright pictures make it completely universal. I loved how the family did normal things that these families really do! It makes sure that children can see themselves in it. I also think it is important to emphasize that single sex parents don’t live crazy lives. I think it is important for straight children to learn that their friends’ living situations may be different, but not too much. I was also glad that the dads weren’t stereotypical. I think that would have diminished the book’s quality.

Potential Reaction…

Since this book is for very small children I think it will go over very well. I think children who have same sex parents will see themselves and think it is completely normal, and I don’t think kids with traditional families will be surprised or confused since the activities are completely normal and mundane. I think the rhyme scheme and bright pictures will attract any and every child (like they did me). I am scared that some parents would not like their children picking up and flipping through this book just because it does show a same gendered couple, but that’s just the way of the world. You will have people pissed about one thing or another. This book is tasteful and fun and would only find rejection if somebody had a fundamental issue.

Reminds Me Of…

This book reminds me of Mini Mia and Her Darling Uncle by Pija Lindenbaum. In this story Mia spends a lot of time with her favorite uncle, Tommy. All is well with her world until Tommy’s friend Fergus shows up. Mia feels like she has to compete for Tommy’s attention and affection. Children with same sex parents will be able to identify with Mia like they can with the small child in this book.