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A Tale of Two Daddies | ||||||
Hardcover: $15.95 Vanita Oelschlager Illustrators: Kristin Blackwood and Mike Blanc Ages 4-8 42 Pages |
March, 2011
I stumbled upon this week’s book in our local library a few months ago and I instantly loved it.
The author of “A Tale of Two Daddies”, Vanita Oelschlager, does a wonderful job capturing the genuine curiosity expressed by children when they meet someone who has a family that looks a little different from their own. This charming story features a little boy who wonders about the family of his playground playmate; a little girl who has two dads.
As the two children play together, the little boy begins to ask a series of questions including, “Which dad helps you when your day begins?/ Who is there to tuck you in?”
The little girl proudly responds, “Poppa’s awake when my day begins. / Both of my daddies tuck me in.”
I love that kids and caretakers can read this story and think about who helps them in their own home and discover that while each family is not exactly the same, love is always there! “Who is your dad when you’re sad and need some love?” “Both, of course!”
Through it’s simple story and beautiful illustrations, this book reminds us that a child’s concept of “family” is ultimately formed by what they know and see around them; so surround the children you love with books about the love shared between all families!
What Smart Girls Are Reading Today January 17, 2011
As I contemplated Peter Appelbaum’s use of children’s literature in curriculum theorizing, I wondered if I could apply his concepts to books about same-sex parents. “A Tale of Two Daddies” is about a little girl with two daddies, Poppa and Daddy. It is a very simple story of who does what narrated by her friend. We don’t ever get the name of the little boy who narrates, but the care of the little girl rotates between the two dads, or may exclude them (she can match her own socks!), or may include both of them.
I think the lessons here are obvious if we only want to use this text as curriculum. However, if we want to consider this story in terms of theorizing, then we need to ask more questions: Why is there a need for such a book? What occurrences in the author’s life prompted her to write this book? Who do these characters represent to the author?
The author, Vanita Oelschlager, wrote this story for her grandchildren, she says on the fly page, and all proceeds will go to the multiple sclerosis society in honor of her husband. It would be interesting to know what other children might draw from this book. What kind of back story would elementary children write from reading this book? What questions would come up for other children after reading this book? The little boy claims that someone named Lincoln said she had two daddies. Who is Lincoln? Why is Lincoln needed to give credence to the questions he has for his friend about her two daddies?
January 8, 2011
There are many things I like about this book, and just a couple that I don't. I love the subject, of course, that a child of any gender can live a normal, loving life with gay parents. I love that the personalities of the two dads are not only discussed, but SHOWN in the illustrations. Only their legs, never their faces. Love it! I love that this wonderful child is such a free spirit. I like that the story rhymes and has somewhat of a rhythm. And that leads me to what I'm not so crazy about...the rhythm is off in many places, and sometimes the rhyming seems forced. But you can't have everything, right?
Picture Book Depot December 9, 2010
If you are starting a blended family, or know someone who is, Vanita Oelschlager’s new children’s book, A Tale of Two Daddies, is the perfect book for you.
A Tale of Two Daddies, is told through the eyes of two children: A boy who is fascinated that his friend has two daddies, and a girl who is proud to spell out all the things her “daddies” do for her.
The girl calls her two daddies “Poppa” and “Daddy,” and tells her friend, in exquisite detail, how the two are different, and how they are alike: “Poppa’s the one when I need braids.” “Daddy is there when I’m afraid.”
Thus proceeds a delightful tale of love, trust and family pride. Illustrator Mike Blanc tops the story off with bright, colorful drawings reminiscent of early childhood at its finest.
For a heartwarming story about unconventional families, unconventional roles and unconventional love, pick up a coy of My Two Daddies.
Young Adult Books Central August, 2010
If you are starting a blended family, or know someone who is, Vanita Oelschlager's new children's book, A Tale of Two Daddies, is the perfect book for you.
A Tale of Two Daddies, is told through the eyes of two children: A boy who is fascinated that his friend has two daddies, and a girl who is proud to spell out all the things her "daddies" do for her.
The girl calls her two daddies "Poppa" and "Daddy," and tells her friend, in exquisite detail, how the two are different, and how they are alike: "Poppa's the one when I need braids." "Daddy is there when I'm afraid."
Thus proceeds a delightful tale of love, trust and family pride. Illustrator Mike Blanc tops the story off with bright, colorful drawings reminiscent of early childhood at its finest.
For a heartwarming story about unconventional families, unconventional roles and unconventional love, pick up a copy of A Tale of Two Daddies.
The Children's Book Review June 2, 2010
A simple and effective story of a young girl who has two dads. It is written from the perspective of the little girl, and most definitely offers up a non-threatening way to open conversations about same sex parents. As for the pictures: I always enjoy Kristin Blackwood’s linoleum block print illustrations.
August, 2010
Through a series of simple questions one little boy comes to understand one little girl who has two daddies. He is curious and she is proud. Bright, colorful, uncluttered illustrations add to the book.
This simple text shows how easily children can accept a family with two daddies. The little boy asks normal-type questions because he is curious not because he is trying to hurt or embarrass the little girl. The little girl gets to share about her family in a way that lets the boy and the reader know she is proud.
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