Established by Canadian activist and author S Bear Bergman, Flamingo Rampant — a crowd-funded micro press — produces books with themes that support LGBTQ2 families and gender-independent kids.
“We’re doing something new and different here at Flamingo Rampant,” Bergman says in a press release about the six titles available. “We’re not making bully stories of Very Special Episode books. We’re a bunch of queer and trans people with a mission to make books that our kids can see themselves, their families and their communities lovingly reflected in.”
We took a peek at all six, and below is a roundup of what to expect.
1. A Princess of Great Daring
Written by Tobi Hill-Meyer, illustrated by Elenore Toczinski.
Jamie has had quite a transformative summer. Now, as the former boy prepares to return to school, she wonders how her friends will react to the news that she’s a girl now. Not to worry. Brawny Madison and brainy Jackson are happy to have this brave princess by their side as they rescue Liam, a boy damsel in distress. It’s all good for this group of friends, who pretend to be whatever and whoever they want.
2. Is That for a Boy or a Girl?
Written by S Bear Bergman, illustrated by Rachel Dougherty.
This book is for the boy who loves tractor shirts, but only if they’re outlined in sparkles, and the girl who laments endless kittens and flowers that decorate everything aimed at her gender.
This book is for kids who love football and ballet equally, or refuse to sit like a lady on the bus, here’s to them.
3. Love is in the Hair
Written and illustrated by Syrus Marcus Ware.
Carter can’t sleep. Her mom and dad are at the hospital, awaiting the birth of her new baby brother or sister. Luckily her favourite uncles, Marcus and Jeff, are looking after her. Marcus’ long dreadlocks hold many stories, told in shells, beads and woven threads, including how he and Jeff fell in love.
4. M is for Moustache, a Pride ABC Book
Written by Catherine Hernandez, illustrated by Marissa Firebaugh.
A joyous romp through the alphabet, complete with happy dykes, smiling drag queens, rainbow flags and a parade of LGBT wonders.
5. The Newspaper Pirates
Written by J Wallace Skelton, illustrated by Ketch Wehr.
Anthony Bartholomew is out to discover who stole his daddies’ newspaper. Papa says it was newspaper pirates. So it’s up to Anthony to quest throughout their apartment building to find the perpetrators and become the Pirate King.
6. The Zero Dads Club
Written by Angel Adeyoha, illustrated by Aubrey Williams.
Akila and Kai are sitting at their school desk, feeling a little left out while the other kids work on Father’s Day projects for their dads. They decide to start their own club, the Zero Dads Club. All their friends with no dads are welcome to join, even Ellie, whose butchy Baba is sort of like a girl and kind of a like a boy. They’ll spend their special day celebrating the other members of their families.
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