Daddy's Roommate

This picture book is an auspicious beginning to the Alyson Wonderland imprint, ``which focuses on books for and about the children of lesbian and gay parents.'' That the venture is being undertaken is in itself commendable: consciousness-raising concerning gay issues can handily begin at an early age with the help of books such as Willhoite's. His text is suitably straightforward, and the format--single lines of copy beneath full-page illustrations--easily accessible to the intended audience. The story's narrator begins with his parents' divorce, and continues, ``Now there's somebody new at Daddy's house.'' The new arrival is male; Frank and Daddy are seen pursuing their daily routine (eating, shaving, sleeping--even fighting), and on weekends the three interact easily on their various outings. ``Mommy says Frank and Daddy are gay''--this new concept is explained to the child as ``just one more kind of love.'' Willhoite's cartoony pictures work well here; the colorful characters with their contemporary wardrobes and familiar surroundings lend the tale a stabilizing air of warmth and familiarity. Ages 2-5. (Dec.)