Introducing a delightful new children’s book, Worm Loves Worm, which gracefully explains the essence of marriage equality to young minds. The story begins when two adorable worms discover love and decide to tie the knot. However, their friends are curious about traditional roles: who will wear the dress and who will don the tuxedo? The charming conclusion is simple: it doesn’t matter, because Worm loves Worm.
Written by J.J. Austrian and beautifully illustrated by Mike Curato, this book tackles what many perceive as a challenging subject: the concept of marriage equality. This marks Austrian’s debut as a picture book author, while Curato has previously brought to life other beloved stories such as Little Elliot, Big City and Little Elliot, Big Family, all of which convey messages of inclusivity and compassion.
Curato shared on his blog, “We are all a little different. This has been a fact that I’ve been reminded of daily. Most of my life, I doubted that I could ever be married—not because of a lack of love, but due to legal barriers.” He dedicates this heartfelt book to his husband, Jake, with whom he celebrated marriage in 2013 after same-sex marriage became lawful in Washington State. Curato completed the illustrations in February 2015, just months before the Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage nationwide.
As a parent, I’ve witnessed my child grow up in an environment where love between same-sex couples is simply a part of life. My little one has seen her uncle and his partner express affection just like her father and I do. The first wedding she attended was that of her aunt marrying her long-time love, though she was too young to recall the event. Now, at almost three, she understands love and connection without question. Her older sibling, at five, has never doubted why same-sex couples care for each other.
It’s vital to recognize that children are not born with intolerance; they learn it. By introducing the idea of marriage equality early on, we can foster a generation that embraces love in all its forms. This is why Worm Loves Worm holds such significance, highlighting the need for more literature that normalizes diverse representations of love and commitment.
For those interested in exploring more about family building, check out our post on the home insemination kit here. Additionally, for expert insights, you can refer to this resource that delves deeper into the topic, as well as this excellent source for all things related to pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, Worm Loves Worm is an essential read for children, demonstrating that love transcends traditional boundaries and that understanding marriage equality can be a simple and joyful part of growing up.