The Story Behind The Twin Diaries: Stella and Mia Meet Papa
The Twin Diaries: Stella and Mia Meet Papa is a children's picture book about a family built through surrogacy, written for my daughters so they would grow up understanding their own story. I wrote it because when I went looking for a book that would explain surrogacy to two small girls, almost nothing existed.
Celebrating the love and diversity of modern families
As a parent, one of the main motivations for writing The Twin Diaries: Stella and Mia Meet Papa was to help my children understand and appreciate their own unique family story.
Stella and Mia, the twin sisters in the book, were born through surrogacy, and I wanted to make sure they knew how much they were wanted and loved right from the very beginning. By sharing their story in a way that is accessible and relatable to young readers, I hope to help them feel proud and empowered by their family's journey.
Why there was a gap to fill
I also wrote this book to fill a gap in children's literature around surrogacy and non-traditional families.
When I first started looking for books to help explain surrogacy to my girls, I was disappointed by the limited options available. Most of the books I found were either geared towards older children or were written in a way that didn't feel age-appropriate or sensitive to the experiences of surrogacy.
I wanted to create a resource that would help parents and caregivers explain surrogacy to young children in a way that felt positive and empowering.
Representation matters
Another reason I wrote this book is because I believe representation matters.
By including diverse family structures in children's literature, we can help promote understanding and acceptance for all families, regardless of how they came to be. I wanted to show that families created through surrogacy are just as loving, happy and normal as any other family.
A story about love, not just about surrogacy
I wrote this book because I love storytelling and believe in the power of books to connect people and inspire empathy.
The Twin Diaries: Stella and Mia Meet Papa is not only a story about surrogacy and non-traditional families, but also a story about love, hope, and the joys and challenges of parenthood. I hope readers of all ages connect with the characters and the themes in the book, and come away with a greater sense of compassion and understanding for all families.
What it meant to write it
As I reflect on my decision to write it, I am filled with a sense of deep purpose and gratitude. Through this book I have been able to share my family's story with the world, and help promote understanding and acceptance for all families, regardless of their structure or how they came to be.
More than anything, though, I wrote this book for my daughters. I want them to know that they were wanted and loved from the very beginning, and that their story is unique and beautiful. I want them to grow up feeling proud and empowered by their family's journey.
As a parent, there is nothing more powerful or rewarding than being able to share your love and your story with your children. Through this book, I hope to inspire other parents and caregivers to do the same, and to help create a world where all families are celebrated and accepted, regardless of their differences.
To all the parents and caregivers out there navigating the complexities of surrogacy and non-traditional families: I see you, I hear you, and I am with you. Together we can help create a brighter and more inclusive future for all children, where love and family come in many different forms.
Illustrations by The Art of Will.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Twin Diaries: Stella and Mia Meet Papa about?
It is a children's picture book about twin sisters born through surrogacy, written to help young children understand a family built that way. It is aimed at young readers rather than older children.
Why did Joseph Tito write a children's book about surrogacy?
He wrote it for his own twin daughters, after finding that almost no age-appropriate children's books existed that explained surrogacy in a positive, accessible way.
What age group is The Twin Diaries for?
It is written for young children — the age at which a child first starts asking where they came from — rather than for older readers.
Is The Twin Diaries based on a true story?
Yes. Stella and Mia are the author's own twin daughters, born via surrogacy, and the book is drawn directly from their family's story.
Who illustrated The Twin Diaries?
The illustrations are by The Art of Will.
Where can I buy The Twin Diaries?
Signed copies ship direct from Joseph, and the retail edition is available on Amazon. See the books page for all editions.
Joseph Tito
Creator of The Dad Diaries. Gay dad of twins. Writing about fatherhood, surrogacy, and the beautiful mess of real life.