Arts
Reflections of the Rainbow Queens
More Faerie Tales from the Rainbow Library
More Faerie Tales from the Rainbow Library
by Neth Urkiel-Taylor
February
is the month in which we celebrate love. So, I would like to share with
you some books that talk about love.
I first found Martin and Tommy
by Welleran Poltarnees at the Gay and Lesbian Center in New York. This
adorable picture book, published by Simon & Schuster, was originally
a collection of post cards sent from a father to his young son. The relationship
depicted is between Martin the Bear and Tommy the Elephant. Together,
Martin and Tommy build a house, tend their garden, dance, sing, make flower
crowns, cook and enjoy the beauty of the night sky. The illustrations
are classic. This is not a gay book, yet it certainly depicts a loving
male bond.
I think my most favorite book so far for
the Rainbow Library is the book Caleb's Friend by Eric Jon Nones.
Nones's stories are original, and he beautifully illustrates his own writing.
This book starts speaking to you from the front cover. This story is about
the enduring love between a young sailor and a merboy. If a picture really
is worth a thousand words, I would suggest you find this book and look
at it.
It would be incomplete to speak of love
without adding a Valentine's Day-related reference. An out-of-print book,
Things to Make and Do for Valentine's Day by Tomie de Paola,
is not the most-up-to-date or fabulous Valentine book; still it was written
by one of our own. Author Tomie de Paola has written many holiday-themed
books. This one is a small collection of crafts, games, jokes, tongue-twisters
and recipes that celebrate February 14th. Its strength is in its clear
instructions and easy-to-follow steps paired with pictograms, so that
most children could guide themselves in collecting the materials and probably
through the activity itself.
A quirky, eclectic and playful book, King
and King by Linda de Haan and Stern Nijland is my top pick for a
gay Valentine's Day picture book. King and King made me laugh.
The queen decrees that the prince must get married. Princesses come from
far and further even. None of them stirs the prince's heart. Alas, who
will marry the prince? The use of mixed media in the illustrations added
texture and discovery to each page. The book even left space for heterosexual
love to blossom. A true faerie's tale - this is a treasure!
Neth is currently involved in The Rainbow Library, a reference library
that is a Vermont resource for queer-themed picture books, videos, and
family information. Library staff is willing to facilitate reading circles
with your friends and family, group, school or organization. Call 652-0878
to learn how you can become involved,
to get a bibliography or to learn more about the library.