PreS-Gr 2 This is a new edition of the now classic picture book, first published in 1989. The story opens with descriptions of Heather playing with toys in the tall grass behind her house. The child has two of many things including arms, legs, feet, and elbows. "Heather has two pets: a ginger-colored cat named Gingersnap and a big black dog named Midnight. Heather also has two mommies: Mama Jane and Mama Kate." As Heather enters school for the first time she observes that many of the students in her classroom have unique families. To illustrate, Ms. Molly asks the children to draw pictures of their families. Each drawing displays the differences found within each household, yet as Heather's teacher comments, "The most important thing about a family is that all the people in it love each other." The author's text is simple yet powerful in its ability to move readers of all ages. Cornell's fluid watercolor and gouache illustrations breathe life into this delightful story. Each page is artfully and distinctly rendered to be a visual depiction of the beauty and joy of diversity. VERDICT Readers will be warmed by this glimpse into Heather's family, whether revisiting the text or experiencing it for the first time. Claire Moore, Darien Library, CT

The twenty-fifth-anniversary edition of Newman's picture book is evidence that this modern classic of LGBTQ literature e first children's book to feature the child of two lesbian parents a survivor despite the fact that, from its first publication, the book has been one of the most challenged in America. It was, in fact, the ninth most-challenged book of the 1990s, and this new edition seems sure to spark still more protests. Though a quarter of a century has passed, the book holds up well. With new illustrations and a slightly revised text, it remains a charming, sweet-spirited story that still fills a need, as children of same-sex parents too often continue to be subject to taunts, teasing, and other forms of mean-spirited opprobrium. Nevertheless, times are changing as gay marriage has become legal in 36 states, and Heather, in an understated way, has changed, too. In the book's first edition, Heather's two mommies were partners. Now ough it goes unremarked in the text e two women are depicted wearing wedding rings; it appears that Heather still has two mommies, but now they are married! Newman and her new illustrator Cornell deserve kudos for bringing fresh life to this standard title.