Daddy's Roommate by Michael Willhoite, Michael Willhoite (Illustrator)

Publishers Weekly

This picture book is an auspicious beginning to the Alyson Wonderland imprint, ``which focuses on books for and about the children of lesbian and gay parents.'' That the venture is being undertaken is in itself commendable: consciousness-raising concerning gay issues can handily begin at an early age with the help of books such as Willhoite's. His text is suitably straightforward, and the format--single lines of copy beneath full-page illustrations--easily accessible to the intended audience. The story's narrator begins with his parents' divorce, and continues, ``Now there's somebody new at Daddy's house.'' The new arrival is male; Frank and Daddy are seen pursuing their daily routine (eating, shaving, sleeping--even fighting), and on weekends the three interact easily on their various outings. ``Mommy says Frank and Daddy are gay''--this new concept is explained to the child as ``just one more kind of love.'' Willhoite's cartoony pictures work well here; the colorful characters with their contemporary wardrobes and familiar surroundings lend the tale a stabilizing air of warmth and familiarity. Ages 2-5. (Dec.)

Children's Literature

I like the idea of sharing a large range of family books with young children to show life's diversity. Among those books there ought to be some that picture gay and lesbian families. When it comes to gay and lesbian children's books, Alyson Press is far and away the forerunner. It is the company that introduced controversy with Heather Has Two Mommies and Daddy's Roommate. Both are good introductions for younger children to the subject of families with gay or lesbian parents.

School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 2-- A first title in a new line of books for children with homosexual parents , told in a straightforward manner. A young boy describes his father's relationship with his roommate, Frank (they ``live together, work together, eat together, sleep together . . .''), and his own relationship with these men--shopping, gardening, and enjoying the zoo, beach, movies, etc. He believes that ``being gay is just one more kind of love. And love is the best kind of happiness.'' The tone throughout the book is positive, and the boy has healthy, affectionate bonds with the adults in his life. There is no mention of bitterness or possible criticism from others. The message, that alternative lifestyles are as nurturing as mainstream ones, is intentionally obvious. Bright, framed watercolors in an almost comic-book style portray the relationships with a light touch. This is a book to consider for purchase because of the treatment of the subject rather than for the quality of writing or art. It will be useful for children in similar situations or for helping those from heterosexual families understand differences. A similar picture book, Leslie Newman's Heather Has Two Mommies (In Other Words, 1989) presents a lesbian family. --Heide Piehler, Shorewood Public Library, WI

Alternative Family Magazine - Bobbie Combs

Both the story and the pictures are warm and positive, showing Nick with the two partners and lovingly depicting the family's relationship.

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