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Daddy, Papa, and Me
Rhythmic text and illustrations with universal appeal show a toddler spending the day with its daddies. From hide-and-seek to dress-up, then bath time and a kiss goodnight, there's no limit to what a loving family can do together. Share the loving bond between same-sex parents and their children.
20 pages, Board book
First published June 9, 2009
8 people are currently reading
535 people want to read
About the author
Lesléa Newman
108 books249 followersLesléa Newman (born 1955, Brooklyn, NY) is the author of over 50 books including Heather Has Two Mommies, A Letter To Harvey Milk, Writing From The Heart, In Every Laugh a Tear, The Femme Mystique, Still Life with Buddy, Fat Chance and Out of the Closet and Nothing to Wear.
She has received many literary awards including Poetry Fellowships from the Massachusetts Artists Fellowship Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts, the Highlights for Children Fiction Writing Award, the James Baldwin Award for Cultural Achievement, and two Pushcart Prize Nominations.
Nine of her books have been Lambda Literary Award finalists.
Ms. Newman wrote Heather Has Two Mommies, the first children's book to portray lesbian families in a positive way, and has followed up this pioneering work with several more children's books on lesbian and gay families: Gloria Goes To Gay Pride, Belinda's Bouquet, Too Far Away to Touch, and Saturday Is Pattyday.
She is also the author of many books for adults that deal with lesbian identity, Jewish identity and the intersection and collision between the two. Other topics Ms. Newman explores include AIDS, eating disorders, butch/femme relationships and sexual abuse. Her award-winning short story, A Letter To Harvey Milk has been made into a film and adapted for the stage.
In addition to being an author, Ms. Newman is a popular guest lecturer, and has spoken on college campuses across the country including Harvard University, Yale University, the University of Oregon, Bryn Mawr College, Smith College and the University of Judaism. From 2005-2009, Lesléa was a faculty member of the Stonecoast MFA program at the University of Southern Maine. Currently, she is the Poet Laureate of Northampton, MA.
She has received many literary awards including Poetry Fellowships from the Massachusetts Artists Fellowship Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts, the Highlights for Children Fiction Writing Award, the James Baldwin Award for Cultural Achievement, and two Pushcart Prize Nominations.
Nine of her books have been Lambda Literary Award finalists.
Ms. Newman wrote Heather Has Two Mommies, the first children's book to portray lesbian families in a positive way, and has followed up this pioneering work with several more children's books on lesbian and gay families: Gloria Goes To Gay Pride, Belinda's Bouquet, Too Far Away to Touch, and Saturday Is Pattyday.
She is also the author of many books for adults that deal with lesbian identity, Jewish identity and the intersection and collision between the two. Other topics Ms. Newman explores include AIDS, eating disorders, butch/femme relationships and sexual abuse. Her award-winning short story, A Letter To Harvey Milk has been made into a film and adapted for the stage.
In addition to being an author, Ms. Newman is a popular guest lecturer, and has spoken on college campuses across the country including Harvard University, Yale University, the University of Oregon, Bryn Mawr College, Smith College and the University of Judaism. From 2005-2009, Lesléa was a faculty member of the Stonecoast MFA program at the University of Southern Maine. Currently, she is the Poet Laureate of Northampton, MA.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
September 21, 2011
Not so long ago, we heard about Peter Parnell’s controversial children’s book And Tango Makes Three, a true story about a pair of male Penguins in Central Park Zoo raising a chick. In its wake, many other gay-centric picture books were drawn and penned. Writer Leslea Newman and illustrator Carol Thompson created a twosome of such books, focusing on lesbian and gay parents separately.
Daddy, Papa, and Me is a simple glimpse at how two fathers care for their kid.
In artful mixtures of pastel-colored illustrations and rhythmic, playful voices, these books feature a day in a life of a lesbian and a gay couple. I’m pretty sure that LGBT parents will be happy to know that there are bedtime stories that can reflect their family setup.
The best thing about these books is a message that lies embedded at its core, one that even most adults find hard to comprehend nowadays: there’s really nothing wrong with having two homosexual parents as long as they love their child and they can provide his/her needs. The writing is pretty straightforward—no frills and complexities and ‘coming-out’ problems and all that jazz. In fact the books didn’t even touch the sensitive issues of homosexuality, they just zeroed in on the loving relationship between mothers, fathers, and children.
These are not exclusive for gay parents. I think these would be great starting materials to teach any child that there are different types of families, that love comes in many different ways, and (I’ll reiterate) that what’s important in family is not the gender of a kid’s guardians but that all of the unit’s members love one another.
Controversies would always be close on this kind of literature’s heels, of course. I wouldn’t be surprised if these simple books would be listed as ‘most challenged.’
Daddy, Papa, and Me is a simple glimpse at how two fathers care for their kid.
In artful mixtures of pastel-colored illustrations and rhythmic, playful voices, these books feature a day in a life of a lesbian and a gay couple. I’m pretty sure that LGBT parents will be happy to know that there are bedtime stories that can reflect their family setup.
The best thing about these books is a message that lies embedded at its core, one that even most adults find hard to comprehend nowadays: there’s really nothing wrong with having two homosexual parents as long as they love their child and they can provide his/her needs. The writing is pretty straightforward—no frills and complexities and ‘coming-out’ problems and all that jazz. In fact the books didn’t even touch the sensitive issues of homosexuality, they just zeroed in on the loving relationship between mothers, fathers, and children.
These are not exclusive for gay parents. I think these would be great starting materials to teach any child that there are different types of families, that love comes in many different ways, and (I’ll reiterate) that what’s important in family is not the gender of a kid’s guardians but that all of the unit’s members love one another.
Controversies would always be close on this kind of literature’s heels, of course. I wouldn’t be surprised if these simple books would be listed as ‘most challenged.’
October 12, 2009
Daddy, Papa, and Me is a very cute board book written from the perspective of a toddler who enjoys playing with and wearing out his two fathers. The book begins with the toddler saying, "Who wants to play with me today?" On each page Daddy and Papa play with their toddler in different ways, from playing the guitar, to baking a pie, to dressing like a clown and playing with cars. Since this is a board book filled with descriptive illustrations my assumption is that this book is intended for toddlers and preschoolers.
Personally I thought this book was adorable, and that it is an age appropriate way to introduce young children to diverse family structures. The emphasis is not on the fact that the toddler has two dads, but instead emphasizes that the toddler enjoys playing with and loves both of his parents. I would buy this book period, but especially for a child who has same sex parents as it helps to reflect their own experiences.
While reading this book and Mommy, Mama, and me the librarian in me became concerned that both of these books would end up on someone's Banned Book list, like And Tango Makes Three. I would recommend this book for any kind of LGBT family event, and to children interested in diverse family perspectives.
Personally I thought this book was adorable, and that it is an age appropriate way to introduce young children to diverse family structures. The emphasis is not on the fact that the toddler has two dads, but instead emphasizes that the toddler enjoys playing with and loves both of his parents. I would buy this book period, but especially for a child who has same sex parents as it helps to reflect their own experiences.
While reading this book and Mommy, Mama, and me the librarian in me became concerned that both of these books would end up on someone's Banned Book list, like And Tango Makes Three. I would recommend this book for any kind of LGBT family event, and to children interested in diverse family perspectives.
November 10, 2020
A really lovely book that looks at a different version of family in an accepting and inclusive way
March 13, 2015
Вы что совсем с ума сошли???Вы пропагандируете людей давать детей на усыновления пидорасам и пидораскам чтобы те влияли на мировоззрение неокрепших разумом детей.Вы что стремитесь к само-уничтожению по средству прекращения размножения. Ведь на каждую такую семью.Будет минус три человека на земле.2 пидораса и дитя которое будет считать это правильным. А сколько таких уже на планете??Вы хоть думаете своей тупой башкой какой урон вы наносите будущему своими поступками??Вместо пропагандирования к нормальной семье и моральным ценностям,освоению космоса продвижению науки, вы пропагандируете к моральному разложению. Лесли ньюмана его или ее фиг поймёшь и других всех кто пропагандирует к моральному разложению и в следствии к человеческому вымиранию надо просто поставить к стенке и подорвать их к чёртовой матери не жалея их ни капли.Это будет сделано для общего блага..Иначе человечество вымрет как вид который стал импотентом и не захотел размножатся по собственной причине.
С уважением и надежду на скорое моральное выздоровление
Александр Невский
С уважением и надежду на скорое моральное выздоровление
Александр Невский
October 2, 2009
What is the purpose of your average everyday board book? It's not really a crazy question. In the history of printed literature, board books are relative newcomers. I mean, books for babies and toddlers? A radical notion! Yet parents who start reading to their kids early find that their children are better readers later on down the road. As a result, sometimes board books are simplified adaptations of already existing picture books, and sometimes they are written with the intention of beginning and ending their lives as board books (though if you're Sandra Boynton, sometimes you'll see the rare board book to picture book crossover). Topics cover everything from animal sounds to colors, peek-a-boo, letters, numbers, and families. Always with the families. Small children like to see children like themselves in books just as parents like to see their family situations reflected in the literature their kids read. The problem is that there really isn't a lot to pick and choose from if you're a modern gay or lesbian couple. On the picture book side of things you can sometimes find a sweet story in the midst of all the pabulum (Mini Mia and her Darling Uncle perhaps), but it's relatively rare. And on the board book side of things? Essentially you can either find translated/bilingual editions of Moreno Velo and Termenón Delgado's charming Manu series, but that's almost entirely it. Now Tricycle Press is taking a chance and producing some quality baby board book fare for the busy single sex family. What is the purpose of your average everyday board book? To teach children about the world, of course. Credit to author Leslea Newman and illustrator Carol Thompson for producing not one but two titles (Mommy, Mama, and Me and Daddy, Papa, and Me) for new families.
In Mommy, Mama, and Me a small child (Boy? Girl? Unclear) discusses the activities that make up a day with Mommy and Mama. Gentle rhymes describe everything from "Mommy lets me help her cook" to "Mama helps me read a book." No matter what this family does, however, they do it together until at the end of the day, "Now I'm tucked in nice and tight. Mommy and Mama kiss me goodnight." Similarly the book Daddy, Papa, and Me covers similar ground. Only in that book a slightly older toddler runs, plays, and eventually tuckers out an exhausted Daddy and Papa. Accompanied by bright and lively illustrations, these board books are keepers from page one onward. The art itself is a mixture of mixed media and what looks to be watercolors.
There was a time (and I like to think that it's past) when if an author or illustrator chose to write a story with a family in it that wasn't white, people would start tsking and murmuring under their breath that no white family would ever consider purchasing books about anything but similarly white families. The fact that black, Asian, Hispanic, and other ethnic groups readily purchased stories about all kinds of families that weren't their own race never really seemed to change their minds on the matter. As a children's librarian I do occasionally have to deal with parents who look at the books I recommend to them and then say, "Do you have anything less . . . urban?" *sigh* Still, it's less common than it used to be. Now in the case of these two books, I can almost anticipate people readying their arguments that no straight family would ever buy board books about gay folks. And again, the fact that gay families have little choice BUT to buy stories about straight family units doesn't seem to make much of a difference. To my mind, I don't think you're giving people enough credit. Are there people out there who will exhibit shock and horror at these loving little portraits and forbid them from their homes? Undoubtedly. Such are the times in which we live. But by the same token, I have faith that there are lots of forward thinking, intelligent people out there who recognize that if you want to build tolerance in your youngster, why not start sooner rather than later? Why not indeed.
I think one of the things I like the most about this book is the fact that like that delightful And Tango Makes Three, the whole point of the book isn't wrapped up in the fact that these families have homosexual parents. I've been waiting for good books where the parents just happen to be gay to come out, and so far I've been routinely disappointed. In the case of these Newman/Thompson titles, what you're dealing with here is just your standard I-love-my-mommies / I-love-my-daddies fare. No different really from a million other board books out there today. And yes, the point behind writing the books may have been to write something for those same families, but its themes are universal; Toddlers and parents loving one another. And I think we've plenty of room on our bookstore and library shelves for that.
In terms of the art, I've seen Carol Thompson's illustrations for books like Frieda Wishinsky's Oonga Boonga and Toby Forward's What Did You Do Today before. In this book she has managed to walk that fine line between being realistic and being stereotypical. She could have flamboyanted up the gay dads and butched to the nines the moms if she wanted to. So her job here was to create believable families that didn't reek of faux values. So, for example, while you won't see the dads sporting out-of-date moustaches and earrings, at the same time these don't look like two businessmen who happen to be living in the same space. Similarly, Mommy and Mama make up a believable lesbian couple that doesn't resemble television's vision of what lesbians look like (long-haired models, etc.).
Yup. Pretty nice from top to toe. I urge you, however, to consider these books as more than just merely token lit. Sure, I'd love to see publishers taking a chance and creating more books of this type out there, but the stories really stand on their own merits and deserve to be considered as just great little board books in and of themselves. Cute and touching by turns, it's the lucky baby that gets to have these read to them. No matter what your family looks like, if you have an anklebiter on your hands, these are fine literature for tiny tots. More than just the sum of their parts.
Ages 0-2.
In Mommy, Mama, and Me a small child (Boy? Girl? Unclear) discusses the activities that make up a day with Mommy and Mama. Gentle rhymes describe everything from "Mommy lets me help her cook" to "Mama helps me read a book." No matter what this family does, however, they do it together until at the end of the day, "Now I'm tucked in nice and tight. Mommy and Mama kiss me goodnight." Similarly the book Daddy, Papa, and Me covers similar ground. Only in that book a slightly older toddler runs, plays, and eventually tuckers out an exhausted Daddy and Papa. Accompanied by bright and lively illustrations, these board books are keepers from page one onward. The art itself is a mixture of mixed media and what looks to be watercolors.
There was a time (and I like to think that it's past) when if an author or illustrator chose to write a story with a family in it that wasn't white, people would start tsking and murmuring under their breath that no white family would ever consider purchasing books about anything but similarly white families. The fact that black, Asian, Hispanic, and other ethnic groups readily purchased stories about all kinds of families that weren't their own race never really seemed to change their minds on the matter. As a children's librarian I do occasionally have to deal with parents who look at the books I recommend to them and then say, "Do you have anything less . . . urban?" *sigh* Still, it's less common than it used to be. Now in the case of these two books, I can almost anticipate people readying their arguments that no straight family would ever buy board books about gay folks. And again, the fact that gay families have little choice BUT to buy stories about straight family units doesn't seem to make much of a difference. To my mind, I don't think you're giving people enough credit. Are there people out there who will exhibit shock and horror at these loving little portraits and forbid them from their homes? Undoubtedly. Such are the times in which we live. But by the same token, I have faith that there are lots of forward thinking, intelligent people out there who recognize that if you want to build tolerance in your youngster, why not start sooner rather than later? Why not indeed.
I think one of the things I like the most about this book is the fact that like that delightful And Tango Makes Three, the whole point of the book isn't wrapped up in the fact that these families have homosexual parents. I've been waiting for good books where the parents just happen to be gay to come out, and so far I've been routinely disappointed. In the case of these Newman/Thompson titles, what you're dealing with here is just your standard I-love-my-mommies / I-love-my-daddies fare. No different really from a million other board books out there today. And yes, the point behind writing the books may have been to write something for those same families, but its themes are universal; Toddlers and parents loving one another. And I think we've plenty of room on our bookstore and library shelves for that.
In terms of the art, I've seen Carol Thompson's illustrations for books like Frieda Wishinsky's Oonga Boonga and Toby Forward's What Did You Do Today before. In this book she has managed to walk that fine line between being realistic and being stereotypical. She could have flamboyanted up the gay dads and butched to the nines the moms if she wanted to. So her job here was to create believable families that didn't reek of faux values. So, for example, while you won't see the dads sporting out-of-date moustaches and earrings, at the same time these don't look like two businessmen who happen to be living in the same space. Similarly, Mommy and Mama make up a believable lesbian couple that doesn't resemble television's vision of what lesbians look like (long-haired models, etc.).
Yup. Pretty nice from top to toe. I urge you, however, to consider these books as more than just merely token lit. Sure, I'd love to see publishers taking a chance and creating more books of this type out there, but the stories really stand on their own merits and deserve to be considered as just great little board books in and of themselves. Cute and touching by turns, it's the lucky baby that gets to have these read to them. No matter what your family looks like, if you have an anklebiter on your hands, these are fine literature for tiny tots. More than just the sum of their parts.
Ages 0-2.
January 26, 2020
This winsome little board-book features a cheerful toddler spending the day with his two fathers: playing music together, dressing in costumes, and having tea with his stuffed animals. Lesléa Newman's rhyming text - "Daddy wears a shiny crown. Papa dresses like a clown. Daddy's plane goes zoom, zoom, zoom! Papa's car goes vroom vroom vroom!" - is ideal for reading aloud, and Carol Thompson's adorable illustrations accentuate the fun in each scene.
As mentioned in my review of Mommy, Mama, and Me , I am always on the look-out for children's books which portray same-sex parents in a positive and natural light, without becoming too preachy, and Daddy, Papa, and Me certainly qualifies! I'm particularly thrilled that it's a board-book, and meant for very young children, as there is such a dearth of good early-childhood books in this vein! A wonderful gift for any toddler, whether the child of same-sex parents or not!
As mentioned in my review of Mommy, Mama, and Me , I am always on the look-out for children's books which portray same-sex parents in a positive and natural light, without becoming too preachy, and Daddy, Papa, and Me certainly qualifies! I'm particularly thrilled that it's a board-book, and meant for very young children, as there is such a dearth of good early-childhood books in this vein! A wonderful gift for any toddler, whether the child of same-sex parents or not!
March 13, 2019
Night, night, night..
June 5, 2023
A book about a boy, his daddy, and his papa. Quick read and rhyming. Pictures were just enough and not overwhelming. Made for a quick read. Truly a book for fabulous fathers!
May 17, 2015
I enjoyed this board book about a baby in a loving two father family. It uses simple text to describe the ways daddy and papa show this baby love through bed time. The illustrations continue to support the showing of love through bright, happy colors creating scenes of playing house together. A great aspect to the illustrations is that it eludes to a biracial marriage as well.
This book does a phenomenal job of showing children from single-sex families that their family structure is strong, happy, and healthy. I would use this book to show my students the diversity among families when doing a study on the different types of books. This would also be a great resource for a young single-sex family!
This book does a phenomenal job of showing children from single-sex families that their family structure is strong, happy, and healthy. I would use this book to show my students the diversity among families when doing a study on the different types of books. This would also be a great resource for a young single-sex family!
January 28, 2016
This is another joyous book from Leslea Newman filled with love and caring parents and a child. Daddy and Papa spend a day playing with their young one. This is sure to inspire smiles and giggles in both parents and child readers.
June 26, 2015
The perfect board book to read with Trent today! (Though we actually read it before the ruling.)
October 19, 2025
Daddy, Papa, and Me is aimed for children in pre-k through kindergarten. This book shows the daily life of a child with two dads. This book celebrate love, care, and shows fun in the family. Key themes include family diversity and love. I selected this book because this is a perfect way to introduce LGBTQ+ families in a simple but positive way. The illustrations make the story engaging while also having room for discussions about acceptance and respect.
March 9, 2022
This story was a good read about a child with two dads. It shows the daily life this kid has with the dads and a good representation of how the LGBTQIA community is being more normalized. Stereotypes involved may be that children with LGBTQIA homes may not experience things that same as a straight household. This book breaks down that barrier to show how life is really no different depending on the scenario. I also noticed that this story shows that a loving and supportive home is still present between same sex couples. From playing games, drawing, playing guitar, going to fly a kite and so much more. Nothing seems out of place or stereotypical. Just two parents finding ways to spend time with their child. Overall, this book was a good read, but very simplistic and not overly engaging.
November 23, 2017
This book depicts a family with two dads and a very happy baby. the colors are bright and simple. yet they are able to show love in such a simple way. This book is very simple, but a must for any library.
February 23, 2017
The story is about a little boy who shares his playful experiences he has with both his Daddy and Papa until they fall asleep. This story is for younger children in primary grades (K – 2). The book is meant for younger children because it is a small book for small hands. It is a board book, and it’s a rhyming book, “Daddy wears a shiny crown. Papa dresses like a clown.” The little boy gets the same quality time and attention from Daddy and Papa, and most importantly they make him happy.
There isn’t a strong story line since there isn’t a problem in the story. This book is a good way to begin the conversation with children about same sex couples and how it affects the children. The fact that the little boy was happy throughout the story should allow students to see that children with same sex parents are normal, fun, and content. The illustrations depict the short story well with smiling faces and light colors. This book can also be used to teach rhyming words, although its likely I would not use it to teach rhyming words.
There isn’t a strong story line since there isn’t a problem in the story. This book is a good way to begin the conversation with children about same sex couples and how it affects the children. The fact that the little boy was happy throughout the story should allow students to see that children with same sex parents are normal, fun, and content. The illustrations depict the short story well with smiling faces and light colors. This book can also be used to teach rhyming words, although its likely I would not use it to teach rhyming words.
November 7, 2011
I thought that this book was okay, but it was not anything special in my eyes. This is the first time that I have had to read a book about how children adapt to gay parents and looking at it from a kids perspective. When I first picked up this book I thought it was going to explain to me how the child deals with it. But, I was wrong. I was very surprised when the book just went through what the boy did on one day with his Daddy and his Papa.
I thought that it was interesting that it did not exactly explain anything else. But, I guess as I read the book it made the audience realize that even though this little boy had two dad's instead of a mother and a father nothing was very different. They still each taught him new and exciting things and each had their own way of showing their son new practices. It was as though it was as society says "normal" to have two fathers because it still felt the same as having a mom and dad. I think that is what I liked the most about the book. That even though he did not have a female figure in his life, the fathers still tried to teach him all different things and skills that he could use.
Overall I liked this book. I think that it would be a good book to introduce to a younger child who is just starting to realize that his family might be different than everyone else's. And even though that may be true, it is not a bad thing because he still gets to experience everything that he would have even if he was in a family that had a mother.
I thought that it was interesting that it did not exactly explain anything else. But, I guess as I read the book it made the audience realize that even though this little boy had two dad's instead of a mother and a father nothing was very different. They still each taught him new and exciting things and each had their own way of showing their son new practices. It was as though it was as society says "normal" to have two fathers because it still felt the same as having a mom and dad. I think that is what I liked the most about the book. That even though he did not have a female figure in his life, the fathers still tried to teach him all different things and skills that he could use.
Overall I liked this book. I think that it would be a good book to introduce to a younger child who is just starting to realize that his family might be different than everyone else's. And even though that may be true, it is not a bad thing because he still gets to experience everything that he would have even if he was in a family that had a mother.
October 19, 2012
This short narrative is a great story for early readers. It is told from the viewpoint of a toddler that spends the day with her two fathers. She calls one Daddy and the other one Papa. This story tells about all the fun things she gets to do with Daddy and Papa (ex. “Daddy helps me paint the sky. Papa helps me bake a pie”). As a literacy teacher, I will use this text to teach my children about rhyming words and rhyming phrases. As you read the book, each phrase on the left page rhymes with the phrase on the right page (ex. “Daddy’s plane goes zoom, zoom, zoom. Papa’s car goes vroom, vroom, vroom”). This text is ideal for teaching early literacy students because the simple language is easy for young students to understand. Also, the book is short enough to hold their attention spans, and it relates to an activity all children do on a regular basis, play with their parents. The illustrator, Carol Thompson did a fantastic job at making the drawings colorful and playful. They really draw children into the story. The author, Leslea Newman, is a lesbian, and has written several books about gay parents. She did a great job at showing in a very realistic way how families with gay parents engage in the same everyday activities as families with straight parents (ex. “ Who wants to play with me today?” “I do Daddy and Papa say”). This book relates to my topic about diverse families because it exposes children to what life is like in a family that has two fathers.
October 18, 2013
The characters of this story include the child which is the narrator of the story and the two fathers, daddy and papa. This is a short and sweet book that was written by Leslea Newman who is an advocate for the LGBT community. She is also a lesbian herself and married to a woman. She has written several award winning books and this is just one of her many books. This book is told from the perspective of the child who is nameless and how they spend their time with their fathers. They play all throughout the book with paper airplanes and cars, paint pictures, play musical instruments, and even cook together as well. I like how the book is written as poem and here is an example, "Daddy's plane goes zoom, zoom, zoom! Papa's car goes vroom, vroom, vroom! The illustrations in the book are very cute and simple and bring the characters to life.
I would definitely read this book to a Pre-Kindergarten class because it is the most simple book out of my text set. It is short, to the point, rhymes, and the kids will be able to relate to the activities that they see within the book. I could even read the book and ask open ended questions such as what are some activities that you like to do with your own parents? This book will also be a good introduction to the many different types of families that are out there and it can teach acceptance of diversity.
I would definitely read this book to a Pre-Kindergarten class because it is the most simple book out of my text set. It is short, to the point, rhymes, and the kids will be able to relate to the activities that they see within the book. I could even read the book and ask open ended questions such as what are some activities that you like to do with your own parents? This book will also be a good introduction to the many different types of families that are out there and it can teach acceptance of diversity.
October 31, 2012
In the story Daddy, Papa, and Me, a toddler child narrates the things he does with his two dads. This book belongs in the children's book genre that deals with same sex parents. Many children can relate to this book because the parents do what parents do. They cook, they teach, they play, and they love.
With each turn of the page there is a new rhyme set. The narrator uses rhyme between the two dads. "Daddy helps me paint the sky. Papa helps me bake a pie." I will use this book in my classroom to help illustrate the use of rhyme. I like that some of the rhyming words do not follow the traditional same end-spelling rhyme but rhyming sounds as well.
Leslea Newman has authored many children's books that portray gay and lesbian families. I love how diverse her audience is. She has written many children's books as well as adult novels. Newman wrote Heather Has Two Mommies, the first children's book to show lesbian families in a positive way and has been writing many more books in the same genre.
With each turn of the page there is a new rhyme set. The narrator uses rhyme between the two dads. "Daddy helps me paint the sky. Papa helps me bake a pie." I will use this book in my classroom to help illustrate the use of rhyme. I like that some of the rhyming words do not follow the traditional same end-spelling rhyme but rhyming sounds as well.
Leslea Newman has authored many children's books that portray gay and lesbian families. I love how diverse her audience is. She has written many children's books as well as adult novels. Newman wrote Heather Has Two Mommies, the first children's book to show lesbian families in a positive way and has been writing many more books in the same genre.
November 18, 2015
This lovely, simple book describes the daily habits of a gender-neutral toddler and his or her two daddies. The book takes us through a day of work and play--the toddler's fathers clean the house, play with the toddler, bake food for the family, and take a nap. The pages are colorful and the book is cardboard, making it appropriate for young children and older children with disabilities. Because each page contains rhyming lines, this would be a great book for decoding words, and talking about onsets and rimes. It's also a great read for discussing with children the diversity of family composition. It can be a jumping-off point for teaching children at an early age that even though a family might look different from our own, that there are still more similarities than differences: a teacher could tie the activities the fathers do in their home to the activities children do with their own families. I love that this book doesn't have to explicitly talk about tolerance and acceptance--by showing a regular family performing regular activities, it just embodies tolerance and acceptance.
March 7, 2011
Published June 14th 2009 by Tricycle Press
Interest Level: Pre-K-K
This is a board book about a same-sex couple and how they interact with their child. Although this is not a book that is for older students, it is an interesting book that allows for the exploration of an uncommon theme and topic. The problem with this board book is that some of the illustrations stereotype each parent to a certain "gay parent" type. One scene has the father who wears dress shirts teaching the child to sew and the father who wears jeans and a t-shirt teaching teaching the child to throw a ball. Although it is reversed in a scene where the child learns to make a pie with the "sporty" father (who wears an apron), it still seems as if the illustrator is playing towards certain typologies of gay parents. This is a beginning to introducing young children to an alternative lifestyle, but there is much to be desired from the characterizations of the fathers.
Interest Level: Pre-K-K
This is a board book about a same-sex couple and how they interact with their child. Although this is not a book that is for older students, it is an interesting book that allows for the exploration of an uncommon theme and topic. The problem with this board book is that some of the illustrations stereotype each parent to a certain "gay parent" type. One scene has the father who wears dress shirts teaching the child to sew and the father who wears jeans and a t-shirt teaching teaching the child to throw a ball. Although it is reversed in a scene where the child learns to make a pie with the "sporty" father (who wears an apron), it still seems as if the illustrator is playing towards certain typologies of gay parents. This is a beginning to introducing young children to an alternative lifestyle, but there is much to be desired from the characterizations of the fathers.
April 1, 2013
Newman, Lesléa, and Carol Thompson. Daddy, Papa, and Me. Berkeley, CA: Tricycle, 2009.
Subgroup: same sex families
Genre: Poetry
Topics: Family, same sex families
Synopsis: This easy to read picture board book focuses on a little boy who has two daddies, one of them who he refers to as "papa" and another who he calls "daddy". In this book the little boy describes his days with both his daddies using rhyming words like "strum" and "drum". He does everything from throwing a ball to playing the drums. Just little any little the boy, the boy in this story enjoys wearing out his dads till they are too tired to play. The book concludes with the little boy tucking in his dads for bed and kissing them both goodnight. This book introduces children from an early age that families can be different but are equally loving.
Subgroup: same sex families
Genre: Poetry
Topics: Family, same sex families
Synopsis: This easy to read picture board book focuses on a little boy who has two daddies, one of them who he refers to as "papa" and another who he calls "daddy". In this book the little boy describes his days with both his daddies using rhyming words like "strum" and "drum". He does everything from throwing a ball to playing the drums. Just little any little the boy, the boy in this story enjoys wearing out his dads till they are too tired to play. The book concludes with the little boy tucking in his dads for bed and kissing them both goodnight. This book introduces children from an early age that families can be different but are equally loving.
October 22, 2013
This rhyming board book, Daddy, Papa, and Me, tells the story of two daddies and their small child. The book shows the two daddies spending time with their toddler. The daddies participate in various activities with the toddler such as playing hide and seek, baking cakes, playing dress up, and giving kisses goodnight. This book contains rhythmic text throughout. Therefore, I could use this book in my classroom to teach students about rhyming words. This text can be used to teach about same sex parents and how they do normal things with their children just like “regular” families do. The author, Leslea Newman, is a part of the culture group represented in the story; knowing this makes the book feel more genuine and real. The illustrator, Carol Thompson, does an amazing job of highlighting the text using her illustrations. The pictures are animated and very child friendly.
April 8, 2014
This is a cute book that shows that there really is no difference in sexuality when it comes to parents loving their children. I like that the book did not have to explicitly state that Daddy and Papa were a gay couple. It just shows that they are the little boys dads by the actions that they do. They all play together and do various activities that any other average family would do.
I think this would be a good book to give to a child who needs to see an example of same sex parents in a picture book so they don't get confused when they only see a mom and a dad in stories. It will give them something to relate to. It may also be good to give to children who do not understand their relatives or friends's parents same sex relationship. It just shows them that it's loving just like any other family structure.
I think this would be a good book to give to a child who needs to see an example of same sex parents in a picture book so they don't get confused when they only see a mom and a dad in stories. It will give them something to relate to. It may also be good to give to children who do not understand their relatives or friends's parents same sex relationship. It just shows them that it's loving just like any other family structure.
October 10, 2015
Daddy, Papa, and Me is an okay children’s book in my opinion. It is definitely geared towards the younger kids of the elementary group. Language wise, the sentences on each page are short and it doesn’t tell much. The book is basically about how the child has two dads and how they do normal parenting things. It might be interesting to children, but there is no great plot to truly capture their attention. But I do believe it is a great book to introduce the topic of same-sex parents to younger kids. The illustrations are accurate and they go along with the story. And I am glad to say that there were no negative stereotypes of the represented groups. It was just overall, a innocent, short children’s book.
"Now Daddy and Papa are tucked in tight. I kiss them both and say, "Night-night!" - An except from the book.
"Now Daddy and Papa are tucked in tight. I kiss them both and say, "Night-night!" - An except from the book.
October 12, 2015
“But Stella had two dads.
Everyone else had a mother. Howie had two!
Stella would be the only one without a mother
At the Mother’s Day party. “
This is a story about Stella and her two dads. She is having conflict of how to go the Mother’s Day party with two dads because she does not have a mom. The story line is very exciting and interest to children. The topic hit on the children who are living with same sex parents’ conflict when they want to go to Mother’s Day party without a mother. The illustrations are beautiful and colorful. A teacher, parent, or community educator may want to read this book to young children so they know that they can do almost everything even without a mother and still be happy with two dads.
Everyone else had a mother. Howie had two!
Stella would be the only one without a mother
At the Mother’s Day party. “
This is a story about Stella and her two dads. She is having conflict of how to go the Mother’s Day party with two dads because she does not have a mom. The story line is very exciting and interest to children. The topic hit on the children who are living with same sex parents’ conflict when they want to go to Mother’s Day party without a mother. The illustrations are beautiful and colorful. A teacher, parent, or community educator may want to read this book to young children so they know that they can do almost everything even without a mother and still be happy with two dads.
October 29, 2014
I read this book right after Mommy, Mama, and Me. This is the next book in the series. The text is simple and the pictures are beautiful. A child and his two fathers spend the day together playing. They go to the park, they play dress up, they play instruments, and have a great day together. Nothing in this book could even be considered offensive. It is surprising that it keeps getting banned. Just like Mommy, Mama, and Me, this book can be a great tool for teaching children diversity and tolerance.
May 15, 2015
This is an enjoyable story of two dads at play with their young child. The family spends the day together and as with every family, each parent has different strengths and talents to offer the child. Together, they fit into a joyful, caring family. I love that this book is intended for a very young audience, I'd say toddler age. The illustrations are fun and comical, very age appropriate.
I think this book could/should be included in libraries simply as a wonderful and engaging story. As such, the message is presented in a natural way.
I think this book could/should be included in libraries simply as a wonderful and engaging story. As such, the message is presented in a natural way.
March 13, 2015
Like it's predecessor, Mommy, Mama, and Me, the strength of this book is in describing a very average home-life. This one happens to have two men as parents -- a reality that is as un-expressed as it is irrelevant. Told from the child's point of view, Daddy and Papa take on various roles in playing and caring throughout the day until everyone is worn out at the end. An excellent introduction to LGBT households for any family that cares to promote equality in all its forms.
July 29, 2014
Similar to her other book "Mommy, Mama, and Me," this story shows a family of two dads and their child doing everyday mundane activities. It's a wonderful book to introduce to children when talking about different family make-ups and differences in general. It's great for preschool and kindergarten aged children.
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