Arts
We're Gonna Get Married!: More Tales from the Rainbow Library
We're Gonna Get Married!
More Faerie Tales from the Rainbow Library
by Neth Urkiel-Taylor
I
imagine with the commencing of marriage for same sex couples in Massachusetts,
there will be more need for children's books about same sex weddings and
divorces. Two well-known Massachusetts queer authors, Michael Willhoite
and Leslea Newman, have written children's books on these topics. While
I looked for books showing lesbians in commitment/civil union/marriage
ceremonies, the books available showed only gay male couples in these
situations.
Written almost a decade ago, Daddy's
Wedding by Michael Willhoite is a fairy tale come true. Michael is
not only a writer, but an illustrator whose work is very animated and
clear. This helps to hold the attention of people of whatever age who
like to look at the pictures.
The book's central figure is a boy
name Nick. It is Nick's Dad, Daniel, who is getting married to another
man. The book's age is revealed when Daniel's partner Frank refers to
the wedding as a "commitment" ceremony. But the story shows
men exchanging rings and vows, men kissing and the best-case scenario
of how families share in a special announcement and day of love between
two gay men. The "ex-wife" and her guy, along with Nick's grandparents,
are shown throughout the story as supportive and happy about this union.
Family acknowledgment and support of same-sex
couples are not always so perfect. In March, I wrote about My Two
Uncles by Judith Vigna. The main character, Elly, must come to terms
with the struggle facing her Uncle Ned, and Ned's "friend" Uncle
Phil: the gay couple is unwelcome to attend the 50th wedding anniversary
of the grandfather patriarch of the family.
Another book I have mentioned before and
will note again here is King and King by Linda de Haan and Stern
Nijland. This book takes a very comical and entertaining approach to finding
and marrying prince charming! I would suggest this book for laughs, to
open a discussion about gay marriage, and/or prior to reading Daddy's
Wedding.
Currently, many marriages lead to divorce.
New Victoria Publishers, Inc., in Norwich, Vermont, published Saturday
is Pattyday in 1993, authored by western Massachusetts writer Leslea
Newman. Similarly to Daddy's Wedding and My Two Uncles
this book looks at the subject matter through the eyes of a child. Frankie
allows us to experience some moments of her difficult transition when
one of her two moms moves out of the house. The book is honest and recognizes
from page one that both Patty and Allie are Frankie's moms. The relationships
shown are between Frankie and Allie, and Frankie and Patty. Each mother
shares with Frankie her thoughts about the divorce. The book concludes
on a very positive note, leaving room for smiles and good-byes.
Neth is currently involved in The Rainbow Library, a reference library
and Vermont resource for queer-themed picture books, videos, and family
information. Library staff are willing to facilitate reading circles with
your friends and family, group, school or organization. Call 652-0878
to learn how you can become involved, to get a bibliography or to learn
more about the library.