The Flexible Facts of Life: Information and Stories for Kids, Celebrating Diverse and Creative Families
written and illus. by Serena R. Torrey
Language: English
CreateSpace, 2017.
38 p. : col. ill. ; cm.
ISBN: 1979869480 ; 9781979869485
Summary: It can be hard to know how best to talk with young kids about topics like sperm donors, adoption, or why some kids have 2 dads, some have 1, and some have none! Many of us believe that it's better to be open about this stuff right from the beginning, rather than having the child "find out" as a teen or adult. How to begin? Try this book! In a simple, straightforward manner, The Flexible Facts of Life combines information with stories to create a terrific resource for young kids, and is appropriate for kids aged 2-8. This book offers some unique features... 1. Focus on storytelling On a hand-painted rainbow of pages, readers are introduced to children with diverse family structures through simple stories about daily life. Young readers can easily relate to topics like sand castles, halloween costumes, and making breakfast! 2. Visual representations Gives kids an illustrated, age-appropriate understanding of concepts like sperm/egg donation, surrogacy, adoption, divorce, fostering, etc. 3. Gender-neutral discussion of biology For example, "Some bodies make teeny tiny sperm, and some bodies make teeny tiny eggs..." Early childhood is the perfect time to help kids to understand and celebrate their own origins. It's also a great time to teach kids to be respectful of other families with diverse structures. Enjoy reading The Flexible Facts of Life with the children in your life!
Available: https://www.amazon.com/Flexible-Facts-Life-Information-Celebrating/dp/1979869480
How We Made You By Mummy & Mama (LGBT Parenting)
written and illus. by Emma Wallis
Language: English
Amazon Digital Services LLC, 2017.
40 p. : col. ill.
Summary: This is the story of how Mummy and Mama made a baby. It is aimed at lower primary school age children. In this book we introduce the idea of reproduction and how two women might have a baby together. In this edition of the book we look at how Mummy and Mama made a baby using home insemination. This is a factual book which uses correct language for body parts. It also introduces the idea of the difference between reproduction and sex for pleasure.
Available: https://www.amazon.com/Made-Mummy-Mama-LGBT-Parenting-ebook/dp/B076NVBNGL/
Pourquoi tu as 2 mamans?
by Nathalie Sizaret
illus. by Daphné Dejay
Language: French
28 p. : col. ill. ; 20 cm.
ISBN: Le Monde de Gritie, 2017.
Summary: Deux femmes se rencontrent, s’aiment et désirent devenir parents. Aujourd’hui, elles sont mamans de cet enfant né du fruit de leur amour et d’un don extraordinaire.
Available: http://www.le-monde-de-gritie.com/albums-jeunesse-naissance/4-pourquoi-tu-as-2-mamans-.html
The 2 boys Who Wanted to Become Daddies
by Pascal Kerbel
illus. by Noh A.
Languages: English and French
Self-published, 2017.
32 p. : col. ill. ; cm.
ISBN:
Summary: "The best way to explain surrogacy to children."
Available: https://www.gayparentsbooks.com/
For Mommy So Loved You
by Leigh James
illus. by Embla Granqvist
Language: English
CreateSpace, 2017.
30 p. : col. ill. ; cm.
ISBN: 1981394265 ; 9781981394265
Summary: For Mommy So Loved You is a heartfelt story about a single woman creating her family through in-vitro fertilization and an anonymous donor. This book illustrates the process in a delightful way that both children and adults will enjoy. For Mommy So Loved You will help familiarize your child with their conception story and they will love to hear how they came to be!
Available: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1981394265/
I've Got Dibs!: A Donor Sibling Story
by Amy Dorfman
illus. by Darren Goldman
Language: English
With an X Press, 2017.
32 p: col. ill. ; cm.
ISBN: 0692981160 ; 9780692981160
Summary: I've Got Dibs! is the story of a mother introducing the concept of donor siblings to her donor conceived daughter. It focuses on the special connection a donor-conceived child has with other children conceived using the same donor. I've Got Dibs! is a great way to start a conversation about donor siblings with your children, their friends, as well as the adults in your life who may be struggling to understand the concept of these relationships. By sharing this book with her own child the author has helped her daughter respond to questions about her own donor siblings and more importantly understand and appreciate her own unique donor family.
Available: https://www.amazon.com/Ive-Got-Dibs-Donor-Sibling/dp/0692981160
Un tout petit petit cadeau de vie : une histoire de don d'ovule
by Carmen Martinez Jover
illus. by Rosemary Martinez
Language: French
Carmen Martinez Jover, 2017.
p. : cm.
ISBN: 6072906230 ; 9786072906235
Summary:
Available: https://www.amazon.fr/dp/6072906230
Un tout petit petit cadeau de vie : une histoire de don d'ovule pour garçon
by Carmen Martinez Jover
illus. by Rosemary Martinez
Language: French
Carmen Martinez Jover, 2017.
p. : cm.
ISBN: 6072906222 ; 9786072906228
Summary:
Available: https://www.amazon.fr/dp/6072906222/
אמא בטן, אמא לב
by Lee Reuveni Bar David
illustrated by Mike Goldberg and Tehila Meyer
Language: Hebrew
Tel Aviv: Yuval Publishing, 2015.
Summary: תיאור:
"אמא בטן אמא לב" הוא הספר העברי הראשון העוסק בשאלה איך מגיעים ילדים לעולם במשפחה של שתי נשים. את הספר כתבה לי ראובני בר דוד, והוא מסופר מנקודת מבטו של עיליי, ילד בן 5 שנולד לבית עם שתי אמהות. לי ראובני בר דוד מצליחה להמחיש באופן מאיר עיניים את האופן בו ילד קטן מבין ומפנים כיצד נולדה הזוגיות של אמהותיו וכיצד הוא בא לעולם בעקבותיה. בעיניו של ילד בן 5, אהבה היא אהבה שאינה תלויה במגדר, שיש בה את כל המרכיבים האנושיים שכולנו זקוקים להם, ושהיא בסיס נפלא לבית חם, מטפח, יצירתי ופתוח. בעזרת טקסט בהיר וקליט, הורים יכולים להעביר לילדיהם מסרים חשובים של קבלה ופתיחות אמיתית לבחירות בחיים ולמבנה משפחתי מגוון.
Available: https://www.hamigdalor.co.il/store/books/%D7%90%D7%9E%D7%90-%D7%91%D7%98%D7%9F-%D7%90%D7%9E%D7%90-%D7%9C%D7%91/
Sueños de familias: hijos concebidos por técnicas de reproducción asistida
by Marianela Casanova
illus. by Bellina et al.
Language: Spanish
Cien Lunas Editorial, 2016.
Available: http://www.idea.me/proyecto/45450/suenos-de-familias
Wo ist Karlas papa?
by Pia Olsen and Karla Elena Olsen
illustrated by Ina Korneliussen
Language: German
Denmark : Pia Olsen, 2017.
p. : col. ill. ; cm.
ISBN:
Summary: Karla hat keinen Papa. Sie wurde mit der Hilfe eines Samenspenders geboren - das hat ihre Mama ihr erzählt. Karla versteht zwar nicht ganz, was ein Samenspender ist, aber er muss ein lieber Mensch sein, weil er Mama und Karla geholfen hat, zusammen zu sein. Und deshalb können auch Karla, Oma und Opa zusammen sein. Der Samenspender kann Karla aber nicht dabei helfen, einen Papa zu bekommen. Das ist aber kein großes Problem für Karla, weil sie damit beschäftigt ist, mit all ihren Freundinnen und Freunden zu spielen.
Available: https://www.amazon.de/Wo-ist-Karlas-Papa-Karla-B%C3%BCcher/dp/3961112282
L'arc en ciel des familles
written and illustrated by Muriel Douru
Language: French
Dunkerque : Ailes sur un tracteur, 2014.
1 vol. ; 21 cm.
ISBN: 9791090286153
Summary: L'arc en ciel des familles propose une galerie de portraits de familles, croquées dans leur quotidien, avec les mots de la réalité pour expliquer comment elles se sont construites, ce qu'elles aiment, ce qui fait leur différence et leur quotidien. À la fin, toutes les familles se retrouvent devant l'école qui célèbre leur diversité. Chaque enfant sera également amené à dessiner son propre arbre généalogique, selon ce qu'il vit et non les modèles imposés. Lorsqu'on explique aux enfants comment on fait les bébés, on leur ment ! Et « nous », « on ne ment pas aux enfants » ! Ou plutôt, on ne veut plus leur mentir, parce qu'il existe tellement de manière de « faire famille », qu'on peut très bien leur expliquer d'où ils viennent VRAIMENT dès le plus jeune âge. C'est-à-dire pas dans des choux et des roses. Enfin, si l'on considère cette flore comme des stéréotypes sexistes : si l'on les imagine comme des métaphores de la PMA et de la GPA, que la cigogne est une mère porteuse, que l'on parle d'adoption et de familles recomposées, variées, diverses dans toutes leurs dimensions (origines sociales, ethniques, de procréation, de couples, de structure familiale...). Sans nier les familles majoritairement hétérosexuelles, nos enfants s'inscrivent dans une société plurielle, un arc-en-ciel de vies, d'origines et d'expériences. Ce livre explique sans détour leurs parcours, les inclut et les rassemble... Le livre ne s'adresse pas uniquement aux familles homoparentales (même si elle en montre toutes les possibilités, elle n'en oublie aucune, là est la différence avec les autres livres pour enfants), mais bien à tous les enfants qui, dans leur école ou famille élargie, ont connaissance de la réalité des différentes formes de « faire famille.
Available: https://www.amazon.fr/Larc-ciel-familles-Muriel-Douru/dp/B00N0YJU6S/
Tenemos dos mamás
by Violeta Morales Luelmo
illus. by Jara Morales Luelmo
Language: Spanish
[S.l] : Crececuentos, 2013.
28 p. : il.col. ; 19x19 cm.
ISBN: 9788461622764 ; 8461622766
Summary: Los mellizos son los únicos niños del cole que tienen dos mamás. Los demás les hacen muchas preguntas acerca de esto, pero ellos tienen muy claras las respuestas. Su familia es diferente, pero sus vidas son tan normales y felices como las de cualquier niño o niña de su clase.
The Pea That Was Me: Volume 8: A Single Mom's Egg and Sperm Donation Story
written and illustrated by Kimberly Kluger-Bell
Language: English
CreateSpace, 2017.
26 p. : col. ill. ; cm.
ISBN: 1545051836 ; 9781545051832
Summary: The Pea That Was Me (Volume 8) is a charming introduction to sperm and egg donation for children of single moms by choice (age 3 and up). Whimsical drawings explain the simplified facts of conception, emphasizing how much the child was wanted and how many people helped to bring them to life!
Available: https://www.amazon.com/Pea-That-Was-Me-Donation/dp/1545051836/
Tad the Squirrel
by Matthew Chatterton
illus. by Breanna Stenger
Language: English
CreateSpace, 2016.
24 p. : col. ill. ; cm.
ISBN: 1530518342 ; 9781530518340
Summary: After battling infertility for years and discovering cancer was the cause, the dream of having children would only be possible with a third party donor for the Chattertons. This is the case for many families and that's the origin of this children's book. Tad the Squirrel helps to simply explain that there are many ways families come to be, and parent/child connections are more than just skin deep. It's a story of realizing differences but also seeing that "family" is more than just DNA.
Available: https://www.amazon.com/Tad-Squirrel-Matthew-Chatterton/dp/1530518342
Hattie Peck: The Journey Home
written and illustrated by Emma Levey
Language: English
Sky Pony Press, 2017.
32 p. : col. ill. ; cm.
ISBN: 1510713905 ; 9781510713901
Summary: Hattie Peck adores eggs of all kinds. However, she cannot make any of her own. No worries—Hattie has collected eggs from all over the world, hatched them, and raised her blended family of cockatoos, storks, owls, anything from an egg—even reptiles. But now it’s time. They all need to leave her big loving nest. So off the flock goes, on their biggest—and saddest—adventure. Even though, in her heart, Hattie knows it’s best. A poignant story about family and differences, making hard decisions, letting go and inclusion. It’s not all sad, though, due to a nice twist ending as in the first book. Bright colorful and lively illustrations and lots of information about egg-bearing animals round out the story.
Available: https://www.amazon.com/Hattie-Peck-Journey-Emma-Levey/dp/1510713905
The Magic of a Dream
written and illustrated by Faye Wills
Language: English
Crystal Publishing, 2017.
32 p. : col. ill. ; cm.
ISBN: 1942624239 ; 9781942624233
Summary: Where Do I Come From? When your child asks that inevitable question, you now have the answer for the Ivf child. This touching bedtime story,written by a mom who's been there, done that, is one you can read over and over again. Come snuggle up with me.
Available: https://www.amazon.com/Magic-Dream-Faye-Wills/dp/1942624239
Scarlett's Story: A Tale About Embryo Donation
by Linda Stamm
illus. by Joan Clipp
Language: English
Graphite Press, 2017.
20 p. ; col. ill. : cm.
ISBN: 1938313178 ; 9781938313172
Summary: Scarlett’s mom tells her the wonderfully unique story of how she came into being through embryo donation. Along the way, Scarlett hears about the challenges her mom and dad faced in trying to have a baby, as well as the ultimate good news of her birth into a warm and loving family. This vividly illustrated children’s book is a perfect way for kids to learn about their distinctive beginnings. It’s great reading for children of all ages, but written for children ages 5–10.
Available: https://www.amazon.com/Scarletts-Story-About-Embryo-Donation/dp/1938313178/
The Flowers' Missing Piece
by Kari Boeckermann
illus. by Tina Green
Language: English
Blurb, 2017.
p. : col. ill. ; cm.
ISBN: 1389850862 ; 9781389850868
Summary: A book for young children to assist in explaining creating a family through the use of donor egg or sperm.
Available: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1389850862/
Making Violet: A Sperm Donor Story
written and illustrated by Erin DeVore
Language: English
CreateSpace, 2017.
24 p. ; col. ill. ; cm.
ISBN: 1546353828 ; 9781546353829
Summary: Violet and Mommy discuss the way Violet was created using the help of a sperm donor, through the metaphor of mixing paints like red and blue to make purple. As the mother of a child conceived via sperm donor, I found that there weren't simple children's books to explain our unique family story the way there were for adoption and other alternative family creation methods. This story is the honest and simple telling that I've used with my own children and I hope helps your family share and learn too.
Available: https://www.amazon.com/Making-Violet-Sperm-Donor-Story/dp/1546353828/
Building My Family: A Story of Egg Donation and Surrogacy
by Carrie Eichberg
illustrated by Elizabeth Parkinson
Language: English
BookBaby, 2017.
col. il. ; 26 p. ; cm.
ISBN: 1543901611 ; 9781543901610
Summary: Written by a reproductive psychologist, this book is for children conceived through egg donation and surrogacy. It serves as tool to help parents talk about the special way their child came into their lives. With pride and honesty, a young boy explains in child friendly terms how his parents used assisted reproductive techniques to build his family. The goal of the book is to get parents talking openly and honestly to their children about their unique conception story. Based on the theme that relationships are more important in families than genetic connection, this book opens the door for parents to have their own forthright discussions with their children.
Available: https://www.amazon.com/Building-My-Family-Donation-Surrogacy/dp/1543901611/
Spectacular You: An IVF Love Story
by Kate Pache
illustrated by Gina Song
Language: English
Authorhouse, 2017.
col. ill. ; p. ; cm.
ISBN: 1524695610 ; 9781524695613
Summary: Spectacular You: An IVF Love Story is a wonderfully crafted book that lovingly explains in vitro fertilization (IVF) to children through the eyes of the parents. It explains to children the magic of their unconventional conception and the overall desire the parents had to bring that child into their lives. Beautifully illustrated and tenderly written, this story is a must for any child who was conceived through IVF.
Available: https://www.amazon.com/Spectacular-You-Ivf-Love-Story/dp/1524695610/
The Sweetest Blessing: A Story of a Couple Conceiving Via Donor Insemination
written and illustrated by Elaina Leigh
Language: English
Elaina Leigh, 2017.
Summary: Explaining to a child how he or she was created with the help of a donor is not easy. Not only is it hard to explain, but it is quite difficult for a little one to comprehend. A picture book that tells the story can help tremendously. The Sweetest Blessing was written for the express purpose of helping parents explain in a loving manner, with simple terms, how and why a sperm donor was needed to help them conceive. In this book, no official medical language other than "egg" is used, although a picture of sperm moving toward an egg and others of a fetus in various stages of growth are included. Sperm is referred to as "seeds," and the sperm donor is called a "donor."
Available: https://elainaleigh.com/
Dream Come True: The Story of a Single Woman Conceiving via Donor Insemination
written and illustrated by Elaina Leigh
Language: English
Elaina Leigh, 2017.
Summary: Explaining to a child how he or she was created with the help of a donor is not easy. Not only is it hard to explain, but it is quite difficult for a little one to comprehend. A picture book that tells the story can help tremendously. Dream Come True was written for the express purpose of helping single mothers explain in a loving manner, with simple terms, how and why sperm donors were needed to help them conceive. In this book, no official medical language other than "egg" is used, although a picture of sperm moving toward an egg and others of a fetus in various stages of growth are included. Sperm is referred to as "seeds," and the sperm donor is called a "donor."
Available: https://elainaleigh.com/
Meeting my brother
by Jennifer L. Dukoff
illus. by Charles Berton
Language: English
Jennifer L. Dukoff, 2017.
24 p : col. ill. ; cm.
ISBN: 0692874038 ; 9780692874035
Summary: Meeting My Brother is a heartwarming, one of a kind children's book about donor conceived siblings meeting and becoming family.
Available: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0692874038/ref=sr_1_2
Mummy's journey: a sperm donation fairy tale
written and illus. by Anja Reiler
Language: English
Amazon Digital Services LLC, 2017.
Summary: The author of this book is the mother of a girl that was conceived with the help of a donor, at a fertility clinic in Denmark. She wanted to start early on to explain to her daughter why she didn’t have a father, but she struggled to find age appropriate literature. She therefore decided to write her own book. The book uses simple language and colourful illustrations to explain that it is possible to have a child as a single mother, without a father. It is about donor conception and assisted reproduction, explained to young children. It is tried and tested on her daughter, a number of children of different ages and their parents, as well as child care professionals.
Available: https://www.amazon.com/Mummys-journey-sperm-donation-fairy-ebook/dp/B06XF53WFS/
Dancing on Daddy's shoes
by Gabriel Dietsch
illus. by Ashley Lucas
Language: English
CreateSpace, 2017.
52 p. : col. ill. ; cm.
ISBN: 1545240698 ; 9781545240694
Summary: Knowing how to talk to your children about In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) may be awkward, but this book allows you to share a beautiful story of how Ella came to be and hopefully open dialogue among your family. Even if IVF is not a topic in your house then share the love story between a father and his daughter.
Available: https://www.amazon.com/Dancing-Daddys-Shoes-Gabriel-Dietsch/dp/1545240698/
Penny's Pocket: a tale about bringing a sibling home through gestational surrogacy
written and illus. by Elizabeth K. Hebl, M.D.
Language: English
Doctor Mom Books, 2017.
30 p. : col. ill. ; cm.
ISBN: 0692847723 ; 9780692847725
Summary: A tale of a family of o'possums who use a gestational surrogate to bring home their second child. This is a children's book to help understand infertility and gestational surrogacy. It is intended for children under the age of 8.
Available: https://www.amazon.com/Pennys-Pocket-sibling-brought-gestational/dp/0692847723/
All you need is love: celebrating families of all shapes and sizes
by Shanni Collins
Language: English
London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2017.
40 p. : col. ill. ; cm.
ISBN: 1785922513 ; 9781785922510
Summary: All families come in different shapes and sizes, but they are all special when they love and respect each other. These rhyming stories are a celebration of the diversity of families and encourage inclusion and acceptance in a child's relationships. By promoting diversity and understanding in family life and elsewhere, these stories support a positive approach to life at a young age, which fosters strong mental health and well-being. Each page is dedicated to a different family, with stories exploring adoption, fostering, disability, race, gender, and illness. Filled with humour and delightfully illustrated, children will love reading these stories with friends, family and in school again and again.
Available: https://www.amazon.com/All-You-Need-Love-Celebrating/dp/1785922513/
Blib, Blob, and Blub
written and illus. by Bianca Neumann-May
Language: English
Bianca Neumann-May, 2017.
24 p. ; col. ill. ; cm.
Available: http://lifegavemelemons.co.uk
