A Mother for Choco

A Mother for Choco. Keiko Kasza. New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1992. 32 pages. $15.99 (Hardcover). ISBN 0-399-21841-6. Grades PreK-3.

A Little Bit of Everything...

I am not sure I would consider A Mother for Choco a LGBTQ book, but it sure is cute! Choco is different, but different looking. He doesn’t necessarily seemed confused about anything other than he wants someone to take care of him. All of the other animals rejected him because he wasn’t the same species, didn’t look the same, until he met Mrs. Bear. She accepted him for who he was and loved him as her own because she was loving and caring. She was still a female mother figure. I totally get the being different and accepting that you may not have a perfect match and that people should be accepting of those different than them, but I don’t get the LGBTQ vibe. I do think kids will like this book, and I can’t think of any negative potential reactions. I think the message of ‘packaging isn’t everything’ is important for kids, especially if they do have a nontraditional family. Huh, maybe that is why it is considered LGBTQ? Is it help people understand that just because their family is different it doesn’t mean they aren’t loving, happy, and okay? Anyway, back to my previous thought. I think kids will like the descriptions of the animals and that they will laugh at the pictures, especially the one where Mrs. Bear adopts all of Choco’s characteristics. Speaking of adopts...this book would be great for kids who have been adopted (like me!) who may not look like their adoptive parents or siblings. I think it is a cute story with a happy ending that readers of all ages can appreciate it and enjoy.