WHY’D YOU MARRY YOUR BEST FRIEND?

Told through Rafael’s curious lens, this playful and lyrical tale unfolds as a vibrant celebration of love, friendship, and the cozy, everyday magic of life with your favorite person.  

When Rafael hears that Uncle Matty and Theo are getting married, there’s a lot to celebrate—but there’s a lot to wonder about, too!

After a day of balloons and big news, Rafael has one important question: “Why’d you marry your best friend?”

Uncle Matty’s whimsical answer unfolds as a joyful parade of vibrant, silly scenes:

From llama-filled adventures to gooey pizza nights and quiet hugs under starry skies, Uncle Matty shows Rafael why best friends make the perfect partners: laughing, dreaming, and lifting each other up in every moment.  

With a tender nod to all kinds of families, including Rafael’s own Mommy and Daddy, this warm and lively story captures the universal joy of sharing life with your favorite person—the kind that feels like a party (or a sleepover!) every day.

Perfect for cozy bedtimes, lively classrooms, or eye-catching Pride displays in libraries, museums or bookstores, WHY’D YOU MARRY YOUR BEST FRIEND? offers a warm, accessible way for parents and educators to spark talks about love, relationships, and family.

With a short discussion guide and creative “lit-art-acy” activities, the story gently invites children to explore how love grows—through laughter, listening, and everyday joy.

As a proud “Guncle” and openly gay educator, I crafted this story to fill a gap I’ve long felt in children’s literature—a joyful, empathetic story that helps kids explore same-sex relationships with curiosity, ease, and heart.  

Joey O’Connor

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