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In 2021, the second year of the global pandemic, Tom Tracy, like so many of us, found a new passion – writing children’s stories. Inspired by his now 5-year-old daughter’s curiosity for the world around her, Tom embarked on his story-telling journey. In just a few short months after publication, Tom's first book - Scoochie & Skiddles in Fun at Gramma's - propelled to number one reader/reviewer voted status on Reedsy Discovery during the week of January 10, 2022.
Tom’s books are necessary contributions in the world of children’s literature. There are precious few children’s books that help kids understand adoption or feature same-sex parents. Increasing the library of available books that feature “families like mine” is important in helping to create a sense of belonging and value. Tom's books honor diversity and affirm that families of all kinds are special, making them must-have books not only for LGBT families, but all families.
Tom and his husband, Elliott, live in NJ. Their family consists of two daughters of different races who have been brought to them through adoption. As such, it is important to Tom and Elliott to ensure that the girls can see themselves and families like theirs represented in their community, at school, in the media and in print. In their family, Elliott is “Daddy” and Tom is “ODie” – a take on “Other Daddy”.
To learn more about Scoochie & Skiddles, go to www.scoochieandskiddles.com or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/scoochieandskiddles
Reviewed by Jennifer Ibiam for Readers' Favorite
It was one of those days at the park for Scoochie and Skiddles. The children had fun on the swing set and monkey bars. They also met up with friends. One of the new friends asked their parents’ whereabouts, and Scoochie pointed to them sitting on a bench. There were two daddies, no mommies, and that was surprising! The friend had seen nothing like that. So she asked about the mommy, but Scoochie didn’t have one. Then with pride, Scoochie launched into the story of her adoption, the process, praises for her birth mom, incoming sister, and the family dynamics. Follow this delightful kid as she narrates her story, from birth to adoption, and every adoptiversary. Scoochie & Skiddles is written by Tom Tracy and illustrated by Dustin James.
As children, schools taught us that nuclear families comprised a mother, father, and children. They also said the relationship between couples was solely heterosexual. However, Scoochie & Skiddles by Tom Tracy shows that the world has evolved and love has no barrier. Love is broad, unconfined, and inclusive. It transcends race, gender, ideologies, laws, and beliefs. In this picture book, the author explores the intricacies of adoption and the beauty of different family makeup through Scoochie’s narrative. I loved the simple grammar because it will help children grasp this complex topic. The illustrations are also excellent as they merge captivating colors with descriptive images. This book addresses LGBTQ parents, heterosexual parents, and the children born to them. They were all unique. Great work, Tom and Dustin!
