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Jessica's Two Dads
"How come I have two dads and no mom? Why doesn't my family look like everyone else's?"
Jessica loves her two dads. And they love her! She's their entire world, and they make sure she has everything she needs to be safe and happy. That's all she's ever known. But sometimes, Jessica can't help but wonder. How did I come to be? Why don't I have a mom? Does this mean our family isn't complete?
Most of the other kids at school have the same set of parents. One mom, and just one dad. She sticks out, and she can't help it. And sometimes the kids are mean. One day, Jessica comes to her dads with a question that takes a lot of courage to ask.
Follow the story of Jessica and her parents in this heartwarming tale by Melvin J. Coates.
Even though asking big questions is scary, Jessica's dads know exactly how to clear her worries and doubts. She learns that while their family might not be built the same, it doesn't mean she's any less than all the other kids. In fact, families come in all shapes and sizes! They have a community that shares support and acceptance, and a big, wide, beautiful world full of color and diversity.
LGBTQ+ parents aren't any less loving. But the conversations around it can be hard for kids. How are they supposed to answer other people's questions? Is it safe to express their thoughts and fears?
In his book, Coates shows worried parents and kids a safe way to handle these hard talks. Wrapped in kindness and compassion, it's a lesson to us all that as long as you can feel it, all love is equal and real.
More to know about this LGBTQ+ book for
- Available on Kindle and paperback
- Published by Renegade Publishings
- A kid-friendly, easy-to-digest book about love and diversity
- A must-read for concerned parents, LGBTQ+ adults and youth
Family is family–no matter what it looks like. Add Jessica's Two Dads to your cart TODAY!
Jessica loves her two dads. And they love her! She's their entire world, and they make sure she has everything she needs to be safe and happy. That's all she's ever known. But sometimes, Jessica can't help but wonder. How did I come to be? Why don't I have a mom? Does this mean our family isn't complete?
Most of the other kids at school have the same set of parents. One mom, and just one dad. She sticks out, and she can't help it. And sometimes the kids are mean. One day, Jessica comes to her dads with a question that takes a lot of courage to ask.
Follow the story of Jessica and her parents in this heartwarming tale by Melvin J. Coates.
Even though asking big questions is scary, Jessica's dads know exactly how to clear her worries and doubts. She learns that while their family might not be built the same, it doesn't mean she's any less than all the other kids. In fact, families come in all shapes and sizes! They have a community that shares support and acceptance, and a big, wide, beautiful world full of color and diversity.
LGBTQ+ parents aren't any less loving. But the conversations around it can be hard for kids. How are they supposed to answer other people's questions? Is it safe to express their thoughts and fears?
In his book, Coates shows worried parents and kids a safe way to handle these hard talks. Wrapped in kindness and compassion, it's a lesson to us all that as long as you can feel it, all love is equal and real.
More to know about this LGBTQ+ book for
- Available on Kindle and paperback
- Published by Renegade Publishings
- A kid-friendly, easy-to-digest book about love and diversity
- A must-read for concerned parents, LGBTQ+ adults and youth
Family is family–no matter what it looks like. Add Jessica's Two Dads to your cart TODAY!
30 pages, Paperback
Published January 27, 2023
2 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 19, 2025
3.5 stars
As someone who worked in early childhood education, I love seeing stories like this, which is why I wanted to read it. I loved the art work and the emphasis on the message of love. There were a few lines where I think it could have been simplified to seem more natural vs. preachy; I was also confused about what age range this was aiming for, because while it’s a picture book, the writing is more sophisticated then what I’d expect in a book written for pre-K or kindergarteners. However, overall I think it was well written and something a first or second grader could enjoy. I liked the focus on love and the explanation behind there being many different ways to start a family. I think the topic was handled with sensitivity and grace, and in an easy to understand way.
My only big complaint with the book was the ending. Wish the book had ended a page earlier then it did. The second to last page was a good conclusion point. I understand where the author was going with the last page, leading to a TBC, but instead of reading as a cliffhanger, it read like an incomplete thought. Doing this confuses the message and takes what was a meaningful, powerful ending and watered it down to a whimper. If I was reading this to a child, I would honestly stop at the second-to-last page and treat that as the ending.
I received a free copy of this book via Children's Books and am voluntarily leaving a review.
As someone who worked in early childhood education, I love seeing stories like this, which is why I wanted to read it. I loved the art work and the emphasis on the message of love. There were a few lines where I think it could have been simplified to seem more natural vs. preachy; I was also confused about what age range this was aiming for, because while it’s a picture book, the writing is more sophisticated then what I’d expect in a book written for pre-K or kindergarteners. However, overall I think it was well written and something a first or second grader could enjoy. I liked the focus on love and the explanation behind there being many different ways to start a family. I think the topic was handled with sensitivity and grace, and in an easy to understand way.
My only big complaint with the book was the ending. Wish the book had ended a page earlier then it did. The second to last page was a good conclusion point. I understand where the author was going with the last page, leading to a TBC, but instead of reading as a cliffhanger, it read like an incomplete thought. Doing this confuses the message and takes what was a meaningful, powerful ending and watered it down to a whimper. If I was reading this to a child, I would honestly stop at the second-to-last page and treat that as the ending.
I received a free copy of this book via Children's Books and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 3, 2023
Diversity is important and this book is a great starting point for children
"Jessica's Two Dads" is a heartwarming and thought-provoking children's book that explores the theme of diversity and acceptance. The story revolves around a young girl named Jessica, who realizes that her family is different from the traditional families she sees around her. She has two dads, and although she loves them dearly, she faces a lack of tolerance from some people in her community.
The book highlights the importance of acceptance and understanding, and it shows how Jessica finds the internal strength and perseverance to overcome the challenges she faces. The story is beautifully illustrated, and the characters are relatable and engaging. The author's message of inclusivity and tolerance is both timely and necessary in today's world.
Overall, "Jessica's Two Dads" is an excellent book that teaches children about diversity, respect, and acceptance. It is a must-read for parents and educators who want to promote empathy and understanding in young children. The story is uplifting and inspiring, and it will leave a lasting impression on readers of all ages.
"Jessica's Two Dads" is a heartwarming and thought-provoking children's book that explores the theme of diversity and acceptance. The story revolves around a young girl named Jessica, who realizes that her family is different from the traditional families she sees around her. She has two dads, and although she loves them dearly, she faces a lack of tolerance from some people in her community.
The book highlights the importance of acceptance and understanding, and it shows how Jessica finds the internal strength and perseverance to overcome the challenges she faces. The story is beautifully illustrated, and the characters are relatable and engaging. The author's message of inclusivity and tolerance is both timely and necessary in today's world.
Overall, "Jessica's Two Dads" is an excellent book that teaches children about diversity, respect, and acceptance. It is a must-read for parents and educators who want to promote empathy and understanding in young children. The story is uplifting and inspiring, and it will leave a lasting impression on readers of all ages.
July 29, 2024
THE WORLD NEEDS THIS
I don’t usually pick up children’s books, but when I saw what this was about, I knew I had to read this. I am so glad this book was made; I wish this existed when I was growing up! This book conveys valuable lessons about family, diversity, acceptance, and love in a beautifully simple and yet touching way, through honest words and heartful art. The real beauty of this is, it’s not just for kids, but parents and adults alike from all walks of life can learn a lot from this as well. I do think this book is a must-have for schools, bookstores, and every household.
Real family is about love and acceptance, and love is love.
I don’t usually pick up children’s books, but when I saw what this was about, I knew I had to read this. I am so glad this book was made; I wish this existed when I was growing up! This book conveys valuable lessons about family, diversity, acceptance, and love in a beautifully simple and yet touching way, through honest words and heartful art. The real beauty of this is, it’s not just for kids, but parents and adults alike from all walks of life can learn a lot from this as well. I do think this book is a must-have for schools, bookstores, and every household.
Real family is about love and acceptance, and love is love.
July 13, 2024
Beautiful!
Jessica’s Two Dads is an amazing book that is well-written, nicely illustrated, and educational. It’s a great book not just for children of same-sex couples but for all children. I think that it’s important that our society does a better job with educating our children about family structures that are different from their own so that they can be tolerant and even appreciate the diversity in our world. Books like this one are the first step. The language is simple enough for young children to understand, and the tone is very positive. I recommend it.
Jessica’s Two Dads is an amazing book that is well-written, nicely illustrated, and educational. It’s a great book not just for children of same-sex couples but for all children. I think that it’s important that our society does a better job with educating our children about family structures that are different from their own so that they can be tolerant and even appreciate the diversity in our world. Books like this one are the first step. The language is simple enough for young children to understand, and the tone is very positive. I recommend it.
September 5, 2024
Jessica has two dads is awesome!
The author, Melvin Coates, does a fantastic job explaining why, “Jessica has two Dads, her internal and external battles with the other children who are different, her deep love for them and how much they love her, the introduction into a LGBTQ community and counselor who helps her evolve into a stronger person.” We learn, “It’s okay to ask questions” and from this perspective we can grow!
Whether you’re a family of Dads, Moms, or looking to open your child’s heart to the world, this book is a must read!
The author, Melvin Coates, does a fantastic job explaining why, “Jessica has two Dads, her internal and external battles with the other children who are different, her deep love for them and how much they love her, the introduction into a LGBTQ community and counselor who helps her evolve into a stronger person.” We learn, “It’s okay to ask questions” and from this perspective we can grow!
Whether you’re a family of Dads, Moms, or looking to open your child’s heart to the world, this book is a must read!
July 26, 2025
This book is a song for love. It doesn’t matter colour, or ethnicity, or religion, just pure love.
It is well-explained so children can understand why they have two dads or two mums instead of a mum and a dad.
I know there will be people who don’t agree with me, but there are too many children in the world without family, and the only thing they want is to be loved, and those children don’t mind if love comes from a woman or a man because LOVE IS LOVE.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It is well-explained so children can understand why they have two dads or two mums instead of a mum and a dad.
I know there will be people who don’t agree with me, but there are too many children in the world without family, and the only thing they want is to be loved, and those children don’t mind if love comes from a woman or a man because LOVE IS LOVE.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 3, 2023
Accessibly Simplistic and Well-Intentioned
With simple and spacious art that’s complimentary to the text, this is a sweet children’s story that addresses same-sex parents as well as the struggles that their children may encounter. It approaches the topic with compassion and nuance, and I think this is a good book for both exposing children to the existence of same-sex/LBGTQ+ parenthood and acting as a supportive resource for those children with same-sex parents.
With simple and spacious art that’s complimentary to the text, this is a sweet children’s story that addresses same-sex parents as well as the struggles that their children may encounter. It approaches the topic with compassion and nuance, and I think this is a good book for both exposing children to the existence of same-sex/LBGTQ+ parenthood and acting as a supportive resource for those children with same-sex parents.
December 28, 2024
Excellent Book
Melvin Coates does an excellent job outlining a young girls journey as she confront issues growing up with two loving dads. The story is told in a very sensitive voice that focuses on Jessica's experience. I would recommend this book for all children, no matter how many mothers or fathers they have.
Melvin Coates does an excellent job outlining a young girls journey as she confront issues growing up with two loving dads. The story is told in a very sensitive voice that focuses on Jessica's experience. I would recommend this book for all children, no matter how many mothers or fathers they have.
July 20, 2025
I enjoyed reading this story about a girl who asks her two dads why she doesn't have a dad and mom. The author handled the subject well, in a positive way. The pictures in the book are colorful and upbeat. The story ended abruptly for me, but the "To Be Continued" note indicated this book is probably the first in a series. Overall, the book is well done and appropriate for the target age range.
August 16, 2024
Nice to have pride!
This is a nice book because there will be the question. The best thing about this is to tell a child that they are not different or alone. And they can be proud as well!!
This is a nice book because there will be the question. The best thing about this is to tell a child that they are not different or alone. And they can be proud as well!!
June 29, 2024
Love the topic
Jessica’s Two Dads is a great topic and read. I enjoyed the topic and can’t wait for the story's second part.
Jessica’s Two Dads is a great topic and read. I enjoyed the topic and can’t wait for the story's second part.
July 11, 2024
Positive
I liked how the story explained diversity in parenting and explained that LGBTQ can be loving parents the same way as binary parents can be.
I liked how the story explained diversity in parenting and explained that LGBTQ can be loving parents the same way as binary parents can be.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews