Lesbian Mom Kickstarts Donor-Conceived Children's Book

A U.S. Navy veteran and lesbian author of a new, professionally-illustrated children's book for donor-conceived children of two-mom lesbian families has launched a Kickstarter campaign to publish the book. Christy Tyner's book "Zak's Safari" explains their conception story, but she needs your help to bring it to life.

"I assumed that because there were so many two-mom families out there, there must proportionately exist a plethora of wonderful donor-conception books for families just like mine, " wrote Tyner on her Kickstarter page. "I happily began my search, but was soon disappointed. I did find a few books that technically fit the bill, but they seemed to lack some qualities that I look for in any children's book. And I just didn't want to compromise those qualities. After all, this book was extremely important to me."

The book, beautifully illustrated by Ciaee (pronounced ji-AH-yee), follows Zak as he invites the reader on a very special tour of his family. Zak shows the reader how his parents met, fell in love, and wanted more than anything to have a baby -- so they decided to make one.

In the first half of the book, Zak teaches the reader about his biological origins. Using simple but accurate language, readers learn about sperm and egg cells, known-donors, donors from sperm banks, and instructions called genes that make up who we are. Zak's enthusiasm, combined with his scientific curiosity and gratitude for his inherited "awesome genes" make him the perfect tour guide for this contemporary conception story.

The second half of the book celebrates family. Illustrations depict Zak and his two moms living the adventure of everyday life: eating meals together, playing at the beach, going for nature hikes and hanging out with friends and family.

Writes Tyner, "It's my hope that this book will provide a starting place for many future conversations with your kids about their donor and conception story. The book is written in a style that is genuine, informative, casual, and easy to understand. It will be most meaningful to kids ages 4-8."

The project currently has raised $8,262 of its $13,000 goal. Go online and contribute to this fabulous, creative children's book project before it ends on December 1.