Two dads from Soham publish new LGBTQ+ children's book

After starting their family a few years ago, the dads found that their story of being a same-sex, interracial family brought together through adoption was virtually impossible to find in a child’s book. 

Although stories of nontraditional families can sometimes be found ‘hidden’ in children’s books using animals or something similar, the dads felt it was time to make a book that didn’t hide the fact that families with LGBTQ+ parents are a key part of our communities. 

The couple said: “We love reading books to our child, but because of our ‘muddled’ family dynamic it’s not always easy for our child to relate to the characters found in them. 

“We created ‘My Perfectly Muddled Family’ for our child to give them the opportunity to feel included and to see themselves in a children’s book, and after it was finished, we realised we wanted to share out story with others so they could do the same.” 

The book’s unique style means the characters have been created using just their outlines instead of defining what they look like. 

By removing the distraction of a family’s differences and focusing on the things that bring a family together, they hope their message of ‘a family who loves you’ can reach a wider audience and promote acceptance. 

The couple added: “We hope other families like ours can finally see themselves in a children’s book, but we also hope ‘traditional’ families can use it to teach their children that although other families may look different from their own, we all share the same family bond.” 

Joined by a host of ‘muddled’ characters along the way, the colourful book uses rhyming and playful settings to engage young children and share important messages of family, togetherness, and understanding. 

‘My Perfectly Muddled Family’ is available now on Amazon in paperback and Kindle format and has been released to coincide with LGBTQ+ Adoption & Fostering Week which runs from March 6 until March 12.