Sat. Oct 5th, 2024

Book Celebrates Families of All Shapes, Colours and Sizes

Award-Winning Children’s Book Celebrates Families of All Shapes, Colours and Sizes

 In her fifth book, published to coincide with Gay Pride Month (June), Freeda the Frog and the Two Mommas Next Door (Mascot Books; distributed by Ingram and also available on Amazon; ISBN: 978-1645433859; Hardcover), award-winning author Nadine Haruni helps kids understand that families come in all shapes, colors and sizes. But it isn’t a book just for children with same-sex parents or for kids in the LGBTQ+ community. Says Nadine Haruni, who is also an attorney: “The common thread of all the books is to not only be helpful to kids and families who can relate to these specific situations, but to help all kids recognize that no two families look the same, and encourage an environment of awareness, empathy and inclusivity.”

In the book, the tadpoles are surprised and filled with questions when they first meet their new neighbors, Jessica and her parents, Morgan and Irene. Why does Jessica have two mommas? Does not having a mommy and daddy like most kids make her feel weird? But their momma, Freeda, encourages Frannie, Frank and Jack to get to know Jessica’s two mommas. Before long, the tadpoles discover that Morgan and Irene are a lot like other mommas they know. Through spending time with Jessica and her mommas, the tadpoles realize that families can have two mommas or two daddies—because what makes a family is love

For toddlers, preschoolers and older kids too, the world of grown-ups is often confusing and sometimes scary. In her Freeda the Frog children’s book series, Haruni makes coping with various life challenges easier for little ones with the help of a momma frog, Freeda, and her three little tadpoles, Frannie, Frank and Jack. The Freeda the Frog series also serves as a tool to help parents, educators and school counselors open conversations about difficult topics with children in an upbeat and non-scary way. Toward that goal, each book offers discussion questions at the end. The entire series has been leveled for schools to align with National Education Standards, and all five books have received Readers’ Favorite 5-star reviews and Gold Mom’s Choice Awards for excellence in the family-friendly picture book category.  

NADINE HARUNI is an attorney and the author of the Freeda the Frog children’s book series, which addresses various real-life “stuff,” celebrates the different types of family situations and helps kids know that they’re not alone. She frequently does book events, interviews and podcasts throughout New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. Nadine has gone through a divorce herself and is now the mother of five kids in a blended family—one of whom has recently come out as a gay woman. For more information, please visit www.freedathefrog.com.

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By Penny McCarthy

Penny McCarthy is a seasoned entrepreneur and co-founder of Parents News UK, a pioneering publication launched in 1993 to serve the needs of busy parents in Southwest London. Alongside her husband, Fergus McCarthy, Penny played a crucial role in the rapid expansion of the printed edition, which grew from a local startup to a widely circulated monthly publication with a reach of 192,000 copies across Kent, South London, and beyond. Under Penny’s leadership, Parents News quickly became a trusted resource for families, providing valuable information on education, entertainment, sports, and family-friendly events. Her vision helped the publication extend its influence with franchises in Northern Ireland and Cornwall, catering to a growing demand for accessible, family-oriented content. In 1997, recognising the importance of digital media, Penny spearheaded the launch of Parents News UK Online. The website initially mirrored the content of the printed editions and has since evolved into a comprehensive online resource for parents, achieving significant popularity with up to 700 daily hits. In 2017, the publication transitioned fully to an online platform, continuing to inform and engage families across the UK. Today, Penny remains deeply involved in the ongoing success of Parents News UK, focusing on innovative advertising opportunities and future growth plans. Her dedication to supporting families through accessible and practical content has made Parents News a cherished name in households across the country.

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