Heather likes pairs, and one of her favorite pairs is her two mamas: Mama Jane and Mama Kate. Kate is a doctor, Jane is a carpenter, and Heather helps them both with their jobs. The girl loves to go outside for picnics with her mothers when the weather is nice.

Then, Heather joins a play group and finds out that some kids have fathers, but she does not. This makes Heather very sad, but then she realizes that some other kids have two fathers and no mother or a mother, step-father, and father, but they do not live with their father. Teacher Molly lets the kids know that families have all different constellations, but the theme that binds them together is love.

Heather Has Two Mommies by Lesléa Newman, 2009

I think it is terrific that we have books to explain non-traditional family styles to kids, especially as our nation moves more towards acceptance of gay marriage. This book not only helps kids of gay parents but also kids in traditional families understand the diversity that makes us interesting and unique.

• Lesléa Newman's web site
• Books by Lesléa Newman
• Books about gay families