The absolute absence of bisexual representation in children’s books leaves two gaping holes; there are no mirrors in which young bi readers may view themselves or their families, and there are no windows for every other reader to “see into a world where attraction to multiple genders can exist within a single character” (Knopp-Schwyn & Fracentese 415). The question is, do we name “bisexuality” in the books? Do we label the characters with the text? Or do we infer it with illustrations? Children with bi family members or bi friends might recognize the presence of specific flags, certain symbols on clothing or posters, or groups marching in pride parades within books as being similar to their own lives and families (Naidoo & Lynch 44). I love the idea of more flags being on display, especially as flags are evolving to represent more than just the rainbow. I still think some sort of introduction would be necessary, though, to include readers who are not familiar with bi colors or the bi flag or symbols. And while authors may want to avoid slapping labels on characters, naming bisexuality in a direct way can actually legitimize it and counteract the bi erasure that is so prevalent by “placing it as an equal among sexual orientations” (Knopp-Schwyn & Fracentese 417). I understand the hesitation to label people, fictional or otherwise, but because of the proliferation of bi invisibility, it feels important to make the distinction. “On the one hand, employing labels can advance hegemonic discourse; on the other, it can be seen as enabling the recognition of marginalized voices and simultaneously repudiating heteronormative default assumptions, particularly for bisexual people” (Coletta 89). However, relying on naming it alone is perhaps more helpful in a young adult novel than in a children’s book. Teens who read YA are more likely to realize their sexuality (or at least have strong hints of it), which makes the naming of it more crucial so they can have that mirror they need. Young children, on the other hand, might not develop their sexualities until later in life. Yes, they may feel an affinity at a young age, but growing into an actual orientation identity may take some time and maturity. Gender identities and differences can be felt and recognized at a young age, which is why children’s books that address gender non-conformity are utterly crucial for little ones, to see themselves and to help see others. I fully support there being more and more books that address gender differences and spectrums for young kids. I just would also like to see more bisexuals in children’s books for the simple reason that my kid has two bi moms and it would be nice to see our existence reflected. There is a double standard that occurs, however, when one considers that heterosexual parents don’t need an introduction or an explanation. If a man and a woman are married or parenting in a book, the reader does not pause the narrative to explain heterosexuality, so it can be argued that a text with bi characters should not have a break in its own story to “offer a teaching moment when the same information could be instead provided through contextual clues” (Knopp-Schwyn & Fracentese 420). Compulsory heterosexuality is a beast that lurks in every corner. Knopp-Schwyn & Fracentese argue that despite obstacles, including short lengths, the picture book format can easily represent bisexuality, using four criteria: “that a character be shown (a) to have romantic attraction (b) to multiple characters (c) of different genders over the course of the narrative (d) without the narrative’s text invalidating the character’s existence as bisexual” (432). This argument is straightforward and actually makes a lot of sense. It does mean that the gender of each character needs to be explicit, since appearance coding (such as long hair, dresses, etc.) is not definitive. Put this succinctly, it does not seem insurmountable to toss a few bisexual books our way. Of course, avoiding stereotypes will be key, and it would be great to show bisexual characters to be part of a larger community and to be living a happy life. For YA books, especially, it is critical to avoid stereotypes and to “develop characters for whom bisexuality is not an issue of great turmoil or the sole feature of their narrative” (Knopp-Schwyn & Fracentese 429). The next step will be to find some bisexual authors and illustrators to create it, and I know so many families who will be overjoyed to see their rainbow families in picture book pages.