📚 Love Looks Like This: Inclusive Children’s Books for Every Kind of Family

As a labor and postpartum doula, surrogate support advocate, and proud partner in a two-mom household, I know firsthand how powerful it is for children to see families that look like theirs reflected in the stories they read. Whether you're raising little ones in a same-sex household, navigating surrogacy, parenting solo, or simply want your bookshelf to reflect the beautiful diversity of the world—we’ve got you covered.

Here’s a curated list of children’s books that celebrate love in all its forms: surrogacy journeys, two dads, two moms, single parents, and families that break the mold in the best ways.

🌱 Surrogacy Stories (Ages 2–8)

These books gently introduce surrogacy through metaphor, storytelling, and child-friendly language—perfect for explaining the journey to little ones or celebrating it with pride.

• The Very Kind Koala by Kimberly Kluger-Bell

  A sweet, simple story about a koala who helps another couple grow their family. Ideal for toddlers.

  
  

• Sophia’s Broken Crayons by Crystal A. Falk

  Told from a child’s perspective, this story explores surrogacy with empathy and warmth.

  
  

• Grown in Another Garden by Crystal A. Falk

  Mikey learns about how he was born through surrogacy—great for ages 2–8.

  
  

• Milo’s Adventure: A Story About Love by Frankie Nelson, BJ Barone & Debbie Donsky

  A heartfelt tale of surrogacy and two dads becoming a family.

  
  

• The Baby Kangaroo Treasure Hunt by Carmen Martinez Jover

  A gay couple uses surrogacy and egg donation to grow their family—told through adorable kangaroo characters.

  
  

• Wanted by Carolina Robbiano

  A whimsical journey of two parents dreaming of a baby and discovering surrogacy as their path.

🏳️‍🌈 Families with Two Moms or Two Dads

These stories center same-sex parents and show kids that love makes a family—whether it’s two moms, two dads, or anything in between.

• Heather Has Two Mommies by Lesléa Newman

  A classic that’s been updated to reflect modern families. Heather navigates school and friendship with her two moms by her side.

  
  

• Daddy, Papa, and Me / Mommy, Mama, and Me by Lesléa Newman

  Rhyming board books for toddlers showing loving daily routines with two dads or two moms.

  
  

• Stella Brings the Family by Miriam B. Schiffer

  Stella has two dads and wonders who to bring to her school’s Mother’s Day celebration. Sweet and affirming.

  
  

• Uncle Bobby’s Wedding by Sarah S. Brannen

  A young guinea pig adjusts to her uncle marrying another male guinea pig—gentle and joyful.

  
  

• The Different Dragon by Jennifer Bryan

  A bedtime story created by a boy and his two moms, exploring identity and imagination.

  
  

• ABC: A Family Alphabet Book by Bobbie Combs

  An inclusive alphabet book featuring gay and lesbian parents throughout everyday scenes.

👩‍👧 Single-Parent Families

These books highlight the strength, love, and joy in families led by one parent—whether by choice or circumstance.

• Just the Two of Us by Will Smith

  A lyrical celebration of fatherhood and the bond between a single dad and his child.

  
  

• A Chair for My Mother by Vera B. Williams

  A story of resilience and love in a single-mom household, told through saving for a special chair.

  
  

• One Family by George Shannon

  A counting book that subtly shows many family structures—including single parents, grandparents, and more.

💛 Bonus Picks: Inclusive & Empowering

These books don’t focus solely on family structure but celebrate identity, love, and belonging in all forms.

• Love Makes a Family by Sophie Beer

  Bright, bold illustrations show families of all kinds doing everyday things—love is the common thread.

  
  

• It Feels Good to Be Yourself by Theresa Thorn

  A gentle introduction to gender identity, perfect for families embracing authenticity and self-expression.

  
  

• Families, Families, Families! by Suzanne Lang

  Silly animals and rhymes showcase all kinds of families—two dads, single parents, grandparents, and more.

  
  

• Rainbow: A First Book of Pride by Michael Genhart

  Introduces the Pride flag and its meanings while showcasing diverse families, including interracial and same-sex parents.

Why Representation Matters

When children see themselves and their families reflected in books, it affirms their place in the world. It teaches empathy, celebrates difference, and helps build a foundation of love and acceptance from the very beginning.

Whether you're a doula supporting surrogates and intended parents, a parent building your child’s first library, or a community advocate like me—these stories are tools for connection, healing, and joy.

Let’s keep filling shelves with stories that say: You belong. Your family is beautiful. Love looks like this.