
Papa, Daddy, & Riley
Seamus Kirst, Author
Devon Hozwarth, Illustrator
Magination Press, Fiction, 2020
Suitable for ages: 4-8
Themes: Families, Love, Diversity, Gay fathers, LGBTQ+
Opening: “On the first day of school, my parents walked me to my classroom. My friends were being dropped off by their families, too….I was with my dads.”
Book Jacket Synopsis:
Riley is Papa’s princess and Daddy’s dragon. She love her two fathers! When Riley’s classmate asks her which dad is her real one, Riley is confused. She doesn’t want to have to pick one or the other.
Families are made of love in this heartwarming story that shows there a lots of ways to be part of one.
Why I like Papa, Daddy, and Riley:
Seamus Kirst has written a sweet story about different families that is both contemporary and realistic. It is an important book for young children as it demonstrates how curious, open and honest kids are with each other. When Olive sees Riley’s two fathers on the first day of school, she asks, “So, which one is your dad dad? And where is your mom?” The question confuses and upsets Riley. She has to choose? Both Daddy and Papa reassure Riley that she doesn’t have to choose and tell her that “Love makes a family.”
This is the first time I’ve seen the expression “belly mommy” in reference to the woman who gives birth to Riley. This is a nice inclusion. Riley even has a picture of her. (This meant a lot to me because we adopted two children and I always wished we had photographs of their birth mothers.)
The different family representations throughout this book, will suit many families. Some kids have one parent, some have two. Some families have stepparents, aunts, uncles, and grandparents who care for them. Some kids have foster parents. Kids need to see their families represented in books. That is why this book is so important.
Devon Holzwarth’s beautiful illustrations are rendered in bright pastels and watercolors. The children’s facial expressions and body language are spot on and so truth to life. The pages are filled with different family representations. I love the diversity.
Resources: This book is a resource. It will prompt many interesting discussions among many different or diverse families.
Seamus Kirst is a writer who work has been published in The Washington Post, The Guardian, Teen Vogue, Forbes, The Advocate, and Vice. He has always loved reading picture books and is still in slight disbelief he has published one of his own. He is absolutely honored to be able to contribute to LGBTQ representation that he wished he could have read and seen when he was young. He lives in New York with his two cats, Sugar Baby and Bernie Sanders. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram @SeamusKirst or on Facebook @seamuspatrickkirst.
How wonderful. I love the different family representations. A book for the 21st century.
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Yes, the different family representations is done very simply so kids understand, but packs a powerful message about love.
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This sounds like a sweet book and I love that it shows lots of different families. Would be fun to pair with All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold, illustrated by Suzanne Kaufman. Great choice.
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It is a sweet book that will touch your heart!
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Another AmAzInG pick and review; thank you, Pat, for helping us beef up our shelves with such beautiful stories.
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You are welcome. I really love this book for young kids. So age appropriate and perfect to show kids how many different kinds of families there are.
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This sounds like a terrific, inclusive book, Patricia! And a great choice for Pride Month! I haven’t seen the use of “belly mama” either, and like the term. Usually it’s “birth mother,” but that doesn’t feel very kidlike. Great review!
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Thanks. I’m glad others haven’t heard the term before in books, but it is more kid-friendly. Such a sweet book!
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I’m sure many will benefit from the messages in this book. I see many kids who have either two dads or moms. Thanks for letting me know about this important story.
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Yes, we have a lot of families in our church with two dads or two moms. This is a perfect book for young kids and a great Father’s Day gift.
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What a great book. I love the way families are depicted and really enjoyed listening to Seamus read it. So delightful. Thanks for sharing.
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