This book is about a girl who is growing up with two fathers: one she calls "poppa" and another she calls "daddy". She meets a boy who asks her about her uncommon family dynamic, to which she patiently explains that they are no different than any other family. This was a great children's book that educates children on LQBTQ+ relationships by breaking down gender norms that are assigned to mothers and fathers. Through thoughtful dialogue and playful imagery, the author effectively conveys how same-sex parents are just as capable and "normal" as heterosexual parents through a child-like lens. This book is a great way to introduce children to diverse family dynamics that may not be as represented in their cultures. By reading this book, children will be able to recognize different family structures and becoming more accepting and open-minded to the families around them. It is important to teach children important social issues from a young age since that is when their brains are still developing. Reading this book to children is a great way to achieve this as the book handles this social topic in a way that is simultaneously engaging and educational for children.

‘A Tale of Two Daddies’ by Vanita Oelschlager is a heartwarming story that explores a young girl's life with her two fathers. It aims to normalise same-sex parenting and highlight the loving family dynamics regardless of gender.

Plot: ★★★★☆

The plot is very cute, centring on a girl who has two dads. The story is simple and focuses on everyday activities and how each dad contributes to her life. It's a gentle and straightforward narrative that promotes acceptance and understanding of diverse family structures.

Character: ★★★★☆

The characters are very sweet. The little girl and her two dads are depicted with warmth and affection. Their interactions are loving and supportive, providing a positive portrayal of same-sex parenting.

Illustrations: ★★★★☆

The illustrations are reminiscent of the ‘learning to read’ books from primary school. They are simple yet effective, capturing the essence of the story and making it accessible for young readers. The artwork supports the narrative well, enhancing the overall reading experience.

Engagement: ★★★☆☆

Engagement may be a bit lacking as it isn’t the most groundbreaking story anymore. Society has come a long way since 2010, and the message this book conveys about gender roles and parenting might feel somewhat outdated. However, it still holds value for children who may not be familiar with or exposed to diverse family structures.

Readability: ★★★★☆

The readability is good, with clear and simple language that is easy for young readers to understand. The book's structure and vocabulary are well-suited for early readers, making it an effective tool for reading practice.

Enjoyment: ★★★☆☆

Enjoyment might vary. While the story is sweet and the illustrations are charming, it may not capture the interest of all children, especially those already familiar with diverse family dynamics. However, it can be a comforting read for children in similar family situations or those learning about different types of families.


‘A Tale of Two Daddies’ by Vanita Oelschlager is a sweet and heartwarming book that promotes acceptance of same-sex parenting. With adorable characters and simple, effective illustrations, it provides a positive portrayal of diverse family structures. Although the story might feel slightly outdated in today's more progressive context, it remains a valuable read for introducing young children to the concept of different family dynamics.

the illustrations are so pretty! 'A Tale of Two Daddies' is for children and so the content is kept simple, easy to understand. it's a good book to teach little kids to accept families that might look different.

This book is a great introduction for children to talk to them about same sex parents. It's an easy read, with rhymes that help move the story along at a quick pace but explains things so it's easily understood. I love the illustrations, they are bright and cheerful and also make the story light and fun.

Perfect for all children! This is a story that would help normalize having two daddies, two mommies or a mom and dad. Kids will learn that there really isn’t much difference and that love is love.

Kids are curious. When a child has heard that his friend has two Daddies, he asks what each one of them does. Who does this or who does that. At the turn of the page, she answers the question. Sometimes it is Papa, sometimes Daddy, sometimes both or she does things herself. The facing page shows the friend asking another set of questions. The book lets kids with questions know that no matter how a family is structured, the parents lovingly take care of the child. The art work always shows just the father's legs or occasionally his hands. This clever illustration choice keeps the focus on the child. This book is the perfect companion for Oelschlager's A Tale of Two Mommies which shows two children on a beach asking a third child about his two mommies.

These two books provide a mirror that lets a child of an LGBT family see themselves. They also provide a window to other children that shows that if a friend has same sex parents, they are still just normal loving caregivers.

This was a cute but brilliant conversation between two children about a little girl’s two Dads. What I particularly liked was the fact that there was no follow up questions when she matter of factly answered which Dad did what for her: it was just accepted. Lovely!

This book was adorable and a great way to explain two daddies to younger children. Having same sex parents doesn’t make your life any different. There’s so much love to go around.

A simple story with great representation of one type of families.

Thanks to NetGalley and VanitaBooks LLC for the eARC.

This picture book has the most wonderful cover art. The unnamed little girl is so precious and full of joy. The little boy is genuinely and kindly inquisitive asking her about her two daddies she refers to as poppa and daddy. Any nonnuclear family unit can be awkward for children. While this is not the most exciting book, it had a definite purpose, to help children understand differences. Just as a momma and daddy family, each have different roles that vary with every family.

The little boy wants to know who takes care of her scrapes, who builds things for her, who feeds her, who helps with homework, who braids her hair…The girl answers every question and her love for her parents is clear.

The author demonstrates the dear love the two daddies have for their child as in any loving family, The little girl's every need is met.
And then the perfect ending… when the boy asks the girl which dad helps her when she is sad and needs love. Her answer is both. No matter your family structure, the most important thing for a child is to be taken care of by someone who loves them.

We never see the faces of the dads, just the loving hands as they care for their child.

Then the authors profiles at the end are fabulous as we see only their legs.

Vanita Oelschlager is cowgirlish

Kristin Blackwood has on her frayed pants with stylish heels

Mike Blanc has pants and sensible shoes although his pants seem to be a little short. 😊

My ONLY complaint about this book, Mr. Blanc , is where the little boy fell off the tree limb and his neck looks broken. But he was ok in the next panel.

Y’all keep writing and illustrating, I love your fine work!

Definitely an inclusive book! I appreciate how much detail the author put in while targeting it for children. It's definitely not talked about enough, good book!

I'm in love. That' it, that's the review.
Seriously, I know NetGalley needs at least 100 characters to consider a review done, but I don't have anything else to say except: read it, it will make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this book in exchange for my review! All opinions are my own.

I thought this book was super charming. As someone who has many LGBT friends, I have always thought that LGBT people could be as good a parent as straight couples. It saddens me that some people think that people shouldn't be parents based on who they love. I think this book should be read in every classroom and library as LGBT relationships should be normalized for children. I also hope that one day the gender of the parents won't matter and the only thing that will matter is that the child is loved, protected, and cared for.

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Thank you!

I just read this book and I read the other one, "A Tale of Two Mommies".
I wrote my review about the other one.
Now I'm here for talk of "A Tale of Two Daddies".

This illustrated book has the similar structure of the other. To the protagonist are asked some questions about is parents, in this case two daddies.
The little girl, protagonist of this book, answer without problem, saying which dad do something and with one to else. And also which things she does alone or she in not allowed to do.

The book is good for teach to kids how much it's normal have two daddies or two mommies. It's nothing scary or wrong. And I believe it's also useful for some adults with omophobya problems.

Like in the other, I would have to see more details.

The best way to introduce the idea of 2SLGBTQIA+ people to children is to frame it in a way that makes sense to kids. Every kid has a family, and kids are open-minded and curious about other people's families. This book sensitively and appropriately introduces a girl with two dads to a boy with (probably) a nuclear family. Readers are likely to engage in this book as a window (learning about others) or mirror (seeing ourselves represented) book.

Every library should carry this book!

Thanks to NetGalley, Vanita Oelschlager, and the publisher for providing an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

i absolutely love that there is a children's book for representation with having two same sex parents, because there are families like that and it is very unseen in books! i know this will help a kid in that scenario

An absolutely perfect story to teach kids about different families! This doesn’t over explain it just shows kids that every family is different and yet in ways the same!! Love everything about it!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Yes, this is so lovely!! It has a very satisfying rhyming scheme to it, the illustrations are cute, but mostly I love that it doesn't over-explain the concept. It's just simple and to the point. Parents, no matter their sex, have their individual strengths in raising a child, and having two dads is no different than any other combination in that regard. Wonderful book.

I liked the pictures, the language, and the story. I read some reviews that said this story isn't realistic, but I've known families exactly like this. One parent helps in one way while the other parent helps in another. This is the case when it comes to a mom and dad instead of two dads or two moms. Everyone brings different strengths and skills to a relationship, and the thing both parents bring is love.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this

interesting idea of the characters "legs", you immediately remember your childhood and "tom and jerry" (and, relatively recent release, "onward", also with queer rep). the cover is very jarring, the colors are just terrible, although in the rest of the book they are fine. it's awkward that I had to read the work in "digital editions". too much trouble: you download the app, the file, open it, and it starts to glitch when you zoom in (because the font is too small to read on a phone) and then it doesn't flip well. i would have preferred to use the convenient "netgalley" and "kindle", not THIS.