Billy Sapz has written a children’s book about a little boy who befriends another little boy with two dads and quickly realizes their families aren’t so different. I interviewed him about how his book represents LGBT families.
What is the book about?
We Do That, Too is about a seven-year-old boy named Alexander Mulberry who meets another boy his age, Caleb Buttons, who just moved in across the street. Alex learns Caleb has two dads unlike himself who has a mom and a dad. While at first, he doesn’t understand how their families can be just alike as his parents explain to him, he quickly discovers for himself after spending a little time with Caleb and his family just how similar their families are regardless of having different kinds parents.
Who is the book’s audience?
I feel the content of the book is more suitable for children ages 6-10. It is just enough information for them to learn something but not too much where it is overbearing. Children 5 and under may have some trouble following along or sitting for the entire story. It is a storybook that depicts certain characters and situations; it is not a 3 word per page picture book.
How long is the book?
The book is 10 pages long with an illustration to accompany each literary page.
How did you come up with the idea for the book?
I set out to write a book surrounding this topic/matter as a gay man who was seeking to be married and have children of my own one-day. I wanted something a little more updated that depicts a modern gay family in today’s world. I also wanted to aid those parents and caregivers who may struggle with how to explain same-sex couples and parents.
Who is the illustrator?
The illustrator’s name is Genesis Ray Pelobello. I have never spoken directly to or met the illustrator; we were connected through the publishing company.
What do you hope people will gain from reading your book?
I hope children and adults alike will gain a better insight into what it looks like to be a family with same-sex parents, that it’s really no different than a family with a mom and dad. The overall point is to instill the simple idea that love is love and that is all you need to be a family. People tend to overthink it, it’s pretty simple.
Tell me a little about your self?
I am a proud gay husband and father of two amazing little boys. My husband’s name is Joe and our sons are Zach and Caleb. They are full biological brothers. The boys are now 1 and 5 and we are all a happily bonded, loving family. We live in New Jersey. This was my first children’s book and I have more on the way…stay tuned.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
We Do That, Too has been revised and re-launched from its original version. Originally, the book had much longer content and some of the situations and characters were slightly different. I revised the book to reflect a more personal experience after adopting, as when I wrote it I did not know how we were going to attain our children. I also reflected my son’s name, Caleb, previously Jake in the first version.
Where can you purchase the book?
The best place to purchase the book to ensure the most recent version is received is directly from the publisher’s website bookstore, www.xlibris.com but is also available at Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and available in eBook format.
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