Children's Books About Diverse Family Structures
Tessa Coffey
“How can we explain surrogacy to our children as they grow up?” Is one of the most common questions we are asked by parents through surrogacy.
As your child gets older, you might wonder how to introduce the concept of surrogacy in a way that feels right. Stories are a wonderful way to make complex topics more accessible and relatable! Thankfully, children’s literature is becoming more inclusive, with more books celebrating surrogacy, adoption, and diverse family structures. These stories can be a wonderful way to spark conversations and help children understand their own unique family journeys.
Our amazing Case Manager and Legal Services Coordinator, Heidi Martens, has reviewed some of the most highly recommended books on surrogacy, and we hope her insights help you find the perfect story to share.
Do you have a favorite book on surrogacy or family diversity? Let us know—we’d love to add it to our list!
The Different Dragon- Jennifer Bryan (2006) A heartwarming story about a young boy named Noah who, with the help of his two moms, creates a bedtime story featuring a dragon who doesn’t quite fit the usual mold. Through this imaginative tale, the book gently explores themes of individuality, acceptance, and diverse family structures.
Milo’s Adventure: A Story About Love – Frankie Nelson, BJ Barone & Debbie Donsky (2016). Keep a box of tissues on hand as you read this! Told from Milo’s perspective, this is a story of surrogacy, the love of his two dads and becoming a family.
While You Were Sleeping- Stephanie Burks (2004). Seems like a really sweet story about two moms and the feelings they have when they learn a birthmother has chosen them and then the feelings while they watch their new baby sleep.
ABC: A Family Alphabet Book – Bobbie Combs (2001). Depicts gay and lesbian parents throughout a typical alphabet book. Another good one where different families are shown but not the central focus.
Sophia’s Broken Crayons: A Story of Surrogacy from a Young Child’s Perspective- Crystal A Falk (2014). A lot of good feedback on this one. It seems to be written from the perspective of a straight family. Good for IPs or surrogates wanting to explain surrogacy to a young child.
The Very Kind Koala – Kimberly Kluger-Bell. A gentle and heartwarming story about a koala family that needs the help of another kind koala to have a baby. Perfect for younger kids (ages 3+) to introduce the idea of surrogacy in a simple, loving way.
Why I’m So Special- Carla Lewis-Long. This book is a wonderful choice for parents who used surrogacy to grow their family after struggling with infertility. It’s a great way to help little ones understand their unique story in a way that feels personal and special.
From the Start: A Book About Love and Making Families- Stephanie Levich & Alana Weiss. This beautifully written book celebrates all the ways families are created—through adoption, IVF, egg and sperm donation, and surrogacy. With inclusive language and a heartfelt message, it’s a must-have for any family built through non-traditional means.
A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo– Marlon Bundo & Jill Twiss. A sweet and funny story about a bunny who falls in love with another boy bunny, with themes of love, acceptance, and standing up for what’s right. A great book to help kids understand same-sex relationships in a fun and engaging way.
And Tango Makes Three– Justin Richardson & Peter Parnell. Based on a true story, this adorable book follows two male penguins at the Central Park Zoo who long for a family of their own—and with the help of a kind zookeeper, they get to raise a baby penguin together. A heartwarming way to show kids that love makes a family.
Happy Together- Julie Marie. This sweet story follows two dads on their journey to parenthood through egg donation and surrogacy. With cheerful illustrations and simple language, it’s a great way for young kids to learn about their family’s unique beginning.
Hope and Will Have a Baby- Irene Celcer. Told through the eyes of a curious little boy, this book shares the heartfelt journey of two parents as they work to grow their family through surrogacy. Part of a collection highlighting different paths to parenthood, this story beautifully captures the excitement, challenges, and deep love that go into creating a family. A great choice for explaining surrogacy in an emotional and meaningful way.
Some People Have Two Dads- Luca Panzini & Fabri Kramer. A wonderful book that helps explain same-sex parenting to young children in a warm and straightforward way. A great read for families with two dads or anyone wanting to teach their child about different family structures.
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