In the last few weeks, my best male friend married his partner of many years. A few days ago, a dear girlfriend had a baby with her wife.

The pastor at my church married his long-time partner in May. Another friend is being cared for by his husband during a sudden illness; they’re grateful they married after 30 some years and don’t have to worry about the legalities of the healthcare system.

You see where I’m going with this.

There’s much to be said about the horrendous events in Florida this week. In this space, I simply want to recognize that “love is love” with a children’s book.

My kids know girls can marry girls, boys can marry boys, and boys can marry girls. Books help reinforce these simple lessons.

Worm Loves Worm by J.J. Austrian and illustrated by Mike Curato is a great celebration of love.

As Worm and Worm plan their wedding, other bugs tell them, “that isn’t how it’s done.”

“Then we’ll just change how it’s done,” says Worm.

“Yes,” says Worm.

And they marry, each wearing a mix of a bride and groom’s outfits. Surrounded by their friends.

Pretty simple. It’s a lovely book.

The Worms look amazing in their wedding garb.

When I told the kids my friend was having a baby with her wife, Max asked me, “Did they need a boy?”

“Yes, a boy helped them,” I said. (Note, they don’t know all the DETAILS of how a baby is made.)

“Yeah, sometimes it takes five people to make a baby,” said Calvin.

We may need a book about babies.

Dedicated to the people of Orlando with love.