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New Gay-Friendly Children’s Book on Adoption by Two Daddies

“No demand,” said publishers … so Dutch author publishes himself

WASHINGTON, December 7, 2009  –  Today, a remarkable new children’s book has been published in English and Dutch:  Arwen and her Daddies (Arwen en Haar Papa’s) by Dutch author and adoptive father Jarko De Witte van Leeuwen.

It is the story of the interracial adoption of Arwen, an African American girl born in New York City, by her Dutch gay daddies. It is the first in a series of gay-friendly and diversity oriented children's books that De Witte van Leeuwen plan to publish in the next couple of years.

What makes this book so special is that the story is told by four-years-old Arwen herself.  The combination of topic and target audience (children age 3-7 and their parents) is unique.

There are very few children’s books, especially for very young children, showing a family with same sex parents.  The fact that the book tells a true story makes it all the more special.

“I am aware of the fact that some people may find some of the book’s elements controversial: bi-national, interracial adoption by a same sex couple,” the author reveals.

“Yet, the story is told and illustrated in a very natural way.  I hope that the message of love and respect will be universal. It’s a true feel good book.”

“Our daughter Arwen is very fond of books and having stories read to her, Mr. De Witte van Leeuwen said when asked about his motivation to publish this book.

“In all children’s books that we have read to her, sooner or later a mommy, or a mommy and a daddy, make their appearance.  I thought, ‘Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to read a story to Arwen that features two daddies’.

“So I started a search only to find very few children’s books featuring same sex parents.

“Initially I had made this book just for Arwen ... a single copy for our little girl to explain to her in an age-appropriate manner – and when the time is appropriate for her – how we became a family.

“However, other families I spoke with were also interested in having a book about same sex parents and encouraged me to publish for other families to read.  They too wanted a book for their children to learn about the wonderfully diverse society that we live in.  In addition, my hope is to have the book further communicate to children that it is perfectly okay to be who you are.”

Mr. De Witte van Leeuwen has published his book independently.

“The publishing firms that I had approached with the manuscript informed me – if they replied at all –  that the topic wasn’t interesting commercially”, the author explained.

“They didn’t think there would be an audience for ‘that kind of books’.  I think they are wrong. So I decided to go ahead and publish independently.” Because of all the enthusiasm De Witte van Leeuwen has met especially from American supporters, he decided to publish both a Dutch and an English version of the book right away.

Copies can be purchased exclusively through www.feel-good-families.com. It is the first in a projected series of gay-friendly and diversity oriented children’s books that Jarko De Witte van Leeuwen plans to publish in the next couple of years.

 ‘Arwen and her Daddies’ costs 41 US Dollars or 22 Euros in the Netherlands (26 Euros in the rest of Europe).  It is hoped that an online facility for those in UK want to purchase will be available later in the week (price will be 25 UK Pounds).  Shipping and handling is included in all prices.

./Arwen en Haar Papa’s: 56 full colour pages, ISBN 978-90-814854-2-5

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING

“A lovely book! The pictures are beautiful and the text is simple and sweet” – Evan Wolfson, founder and Executive Director of Freedom to Marry

“There is so much love in this story. I felt like I got a great big hug. A very special, very warm book” – Doug Spearman, actor

“I love it! Warm and fuzzy.  Can I do the movie?” – Julie Dash, director

“I love it. It’s beautiful.” – Natalie Garcie, actress and host

“What a beautiful story!  Truly touching.  This family is full of love and that is magnetic!” – Trenyce Cobbins, American Idol

“It’s beautiful, timely, simple, warm and just what the world needs to see. Spread the love.” – Isaiah Washington, actor

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