In 2016 a New Zealand duo crowdfunded their fairy tale 'Promised Land', which followed a young prince who fell in love with a farm boy. The book was released in February of this year and now the duo are back looking to crowdfund a follow-up book which focuses on a lesbian couple.
Adam Reynolds and Chaz Harris, the co-authors of 'Promised Land' and co-founders of Promised Land Tales, are looking to add more diversity, representation and inclusion in books aimed at young children.
The pair have already seen a strong community response to their follow-up book, 'Maiden Voyage' which follows a fisherman's daughter, Ru, who inherits a treasure map and joins the crew of captain Freya to track down the treasure. Along the way there are pirates, an evil queen and a bond that develops into love.
"We've heard from countless readers all over the world telling us they want to see themselves represented in books like ours," Harris said.
"We're hoping to make this a series of inclusive books, and for 'Promised Land Tales' to provide much-needed authentic queer visibility in media going forward. At a time when the message of 'love is love' is important for the world to hear, we believe everyone deserves to live happily ever after."
'Maiden Voyage's campaign reached half of its funding goal after major LGBTQ icons George Takei and Sir Ian McKellen both giving boosts via their huge social media followings.
For 'Maiden Voyage', Reynolds and Harris teamed up with a third writer to not only add further representation within the content they create, but the team behind it also.
"We've co-written this new story with Lesbian writer Jaimee Poipoi to help us bring further authentic LGBTQ storytelling voices and representation into the Promised Land universe," Reynolds said.
Aimed at five to ten year olds, 'Maiden Voyage' is expected to be released in June 2018, which coincides with Pride Month.
You can find more information about 'Maiden Voyage' at their Kickstarter page.