The author behind ‘Grandad’s Pride’ book which sparked school row: How children’s writer who won Waterstones award for work which ‘celebrates LGBTQIA+ families’ was inspired by stories ‘passed down by their own family’
- Harry Woodgate is the author and illustrator of several children’s books
- They describe themselves as non-binary and enjoy music, cycling and baking
The author of a book featuring men in bondage and a person with trans ‘top surgery’ scars that has been slammed by parents is a ‘non-binary’ writer and illustrator who has penned several other books for children.
Harry Woodgate is the author of Grandad’s Pride, which was criticised by husband and wife Will and Maria Taylor, of Hull, East Yorkshire, who were horrified when they spotted ‘two images of men who are partially naked in leather bondage gear’ in the book.
When the couple approached Genesis Pre School in Hull with their concerns over the overtly sexualised images, they were shocked when the school refused to apologise for stocking the book.
The couple therefore opted to remove their four-year-old daughter from the school.
Granddad’s Pride is the sequel to Granddad’s Camper, which is described as a ‘picture book for children that celebrates LGBTQIA+ families.’
In March last year, Woodgate, who uses they/them pronouns, was crowned winner of a Waterstones award for the work.
They said they were inspired to write the book by ‘stories passed down’ by their family about their own grandfather.
The author of a book featuring men in bondage and a person with trans ‘top surgery’ scars that has been slammed by parents is a ‘non-binary’ writer and illustrator who has penned several other books for children. Harry Woodgate is the author of Grandad’s Pride, which was criticised by husband and wife Will and Maria Taylor
Woodgate’s other published children’s books include ‘How to Spaghettify Your Dog… and other science secrets of the universe’ and ‘Timid’, which tells the story of a ‘non-binary’ protagonist who ‘lives in the shadow of their inner cowardly lion.’
The blurb of Granddad’s Camper reads: ‘Celebrate love in all its forms, as Grandad tells his granddaughter about the adventures he used to have with Gramps.
‘A long time ago, Grandad and Gramps spent many happy days travelling the world together in a camper van.
‘But now Gramps isn’t around any more, Grandad doesn’t feel much like having adventures.
‘As she listens to his wonderful stories, Grandad’s granddaughter has an idea to cheer him up…’
Woodgate’s website shows how they have previously worked with Google, The Washington Post and publishers including Harper Collins, Simon & Schuster and Penguin Random House.
In their spare time they are said to enjoy writing music, cycling, baking and exploring coffee shops.
Grandad’s Pride was criticised by husband and wife Will and Maria Taylor, of Hull, East Yorkshire, who were horrified when they spotted ‘two images of men who are partially naked in leather bondage gear’ in the book
Their website adds: ‘Harry is passionate about writing and illustrating diverse, inclusive stories that inspire children to be inquisitive, creative, kind and proud of what makes them unique.’
Speaking in an interview with Pride and Less Prejudice, a group which provides ‘LGBTQ-inclusive’ books to school children, Woodgate said they were inspired to write Granddad’s Camper when doing their undergraduate dissertation.
READ MORE: Parents remove their four-year-old daughter from pre-school after she was shown ‘Grandad’s Pride’ book featuring men in bondage gear and trans ‘top surgery’ that was written by winner of Waterstones Children’s Book Prize
They said they noticed a ‘lack of inclusion of older members of the community and a strong focus on “coming out” stories, which is only one aspect of queer identity.’
They added: ‘I was also inspired by personal experiences and relationships – both the stories passed down by my family about my own grandad, who I was never able to grow up with, and also other older male figures and role models I had when I was younger, who I wanted to honour and celebrate.’
Woodgate also claimed that there is a ‘need for books which address different forms of prejudice, from homophobia and transphobia to ableism and racism, because these are unfortunately things that many children will still experience and which they deserve to see discussed honestly in their books.’
Asked what they enjoy most about illustrating children’s books, they said: ‘I love being able to bring a story to life, to create worlds that feel complex and three-dimensional, and most importantly, vibrant and inviting for young readers.
‘If reading a book is like visiting somewhere on holiday, writing and illustrating one is like living in that place, getting to know the people, planting beautiful things in your front garden and watching them grow.
‘I find it immensely rewarding to have the opportunity to create books that I can share with children and adults alike; that I can hold in my hands and say, “I made that”; and that I hope can make a real, tangible difference to the children who read them.’
The illustrator’s workers have also been shortlisted for the V&A Illustration Awards and the Folio Society’s Book Illustration Competition twice.
The row over Granddad’s Pride erupted after parents claimed it encourages body modifications too early.
‘Top-surgery’ involves either the removal or augmentation of the breasts, which if undergone by a trans man means breast tissue is taken out and the chest is contoured to emphasise the pectoral muscles.
The book, which has a 4+ reading age, tells the story of Milly spending the summer in Grandad’s cottage by the sea.
When Milly is playing in the attic one day, she unearths Grandad and Gramps’ old Pride flag.
When the couple approached Genesis Pre School in Hull with their concerns over the overtly sexualised images, they were shocked when the school refused to apologise for stocking the book
When Grandad explains to Milly what Pride is, he and Milly plan a Pride march in the village.
The BookTrust, which promotes children reading, has already warned parents: ‘The illustrations in Grandad’s Pride include realistic depictions of what a Pride march might look like, including a person dressed in adult leather wear and some images which are culturally sensitive.
‘Parents and carers should read the book before sharing.’
Mrs Taylor accepted a staff member had checked whether she was okay with the contents. But she did not notice the images at first.
One image shows the two men in fetish gear during a Pride march while another marcher holds up a sign saying ‘All You Need Is Love’.
When another parent alerted them the couple complained to the nursery, expecting an apology.
When staff defended the images, the couple decided to remove their four-year-old daughter.
Will said: ‘We identified two images of men who are partially naked in leather bondage gear.
‘One has a leather cod-piece moulded tightly around his crotch along with garters running down his thighs.
Will and Maria Taylor, of Hull, East Yorkshire, were horrified when the spotted ‘two images of men who are partially naked in leather bondage gear’ in the pages of Grandad’s Pride
‘He also has a studded dog collar around his neck and knee-high boots. Both have various leather straps around their bodies and studs/spikes.
‘The main and most immediate concern is that children have been exposed to at least two age-inappropriate sexual or erotic images of a man in what can only be reasonably described as ‘bondage/fetish/BDSM’ gear.
‘When we went to the nursery to raise concerns about the book, to be honest, we expected staff to instantly apologise and that would be the end of the matter. But the safeguarding lead began to defend the images.
‘They argued the children would not understand or perceive erotic or sexual images. Staff claimed the image was just portraying ‘dress-up’ and would not be perceived as erotic by a child as they have no idea what ‘erotic’ is.’
The staff denied the images are erotic, telling the couple: ‘That’s just your opinion.’
Mr Taylor continued: ‘That was no justification in our eyes. Arguing with us over the appropriateness of these sexual images quickly damaged the trust we held for the nursery team.
‘At this stage I was concerned and took our daughter out of the nursery.’
Mr Taylor argues that a child’s lack of understanding is no justification in exposing children to sexualised imagery.
He said: ‘It seems those with safeguarding responsibilities are basing their decisions on what is safe and appropriate based on whether the child will recognise the risk for what it is.
‘To be clear, the ‘perception’ of the child is not the arbiter of what is age-appropriate or safe, regardless of their level of understanding.’
He added that he and his wife have been branded ‘bigots’ for taking their stand. He said: ‘The staff felt I was being bigoted and I was not having that.
‘I have volunteered at both Hull and York Pride events. ‘Some people will try and twist this and make me out to be some kind of homophobe.
Grandad’s Pride depicted men who were partially naked in leather bondage gear in the pages of Grandad’s Pride
Critics of Grandad’s Pride say it has harmful subliminal messaging for young children
‘But if we want equality and understanding then we should respect certain boundaries.
‘There are many LGBTQ+ books at the nursery which is great. They encourage children to be tolerant, respectful and not to judge people. But I believe this book has gone too far in introducing sexual imagery.
‘I have been to many Pride events and there can be inappropriate behaviour for children which is why Hull has a family-friendly zone and that’s fine.
‘It is a shame as this is a very good nursery and my children have been very happy here.
‘The trustees have responded reasonably well and taken the book out while carrying out a safety audit. My criticism is with the staff who thought it was okay in the first place.’
The trustees of the nursery have since confirmed that the book has been removed from the nursery.
The trustees says the book is widely available at bookstores and libraries in East Yorkshire.
They told the couple: ‘As Trustees, we agree that the images in the book Grandpa’s Pride are not age appropriate.
‘This book has been removed from Genesis and a comprehensive audit of all other books has taken place to ensure all books, whilst celebrating culture and diversity, are age appropriate.
‘We also intend to raise this with Hull Early Years and seek their advice on the illustrations within this book, when the new school year commences in September.
‘After speaking to staff, we are confident that each staff member has a solid understanding of the statutory EYFS framework and safeguarding policies, including harmful sexual behaviours.
‘We are also confident, after removing this book from the setting, that children who attend Genesis are not exposed to sexual or erotic images.’
But the trustees defended the response from the nursery staff and said they will continue to receive regular training in the policies and procedures.
Woodgate’s other published children’s books include ‘How to Spaghettify Your Dog… and other science secrets of the universe’ and ‘Timid’, which tells the story of a ‘non-binary’ protagonist who ‘lives in the shadow of their inner cowardly lion.’
The trustees said: ‘It is with deep regret that you felt it necessary for you to remove your daughter from Genesis.
‘We can assure you that Genesis Pre-school strives to create a culture of value and respect for each and every young person. As Trustees we are confident that Genesis does create a culture of safety, in which Safeguarding children is the highest priority.’
The book Grandad’s Pride, written and illustrated by Harry Woodgate, has already angered some parents when it was released earlier this year.
Publisher Andersen Press said: ‘We stand by our author and illustrator Harry Woodgate and their book Grandad’s Pride.
‘We believe it is a faithful representation of Pride Celebrations and Pride Parades around the country enjoyed by many families.
‘We discussed the images of the Pride parade during our stringent and robust editorial process and decided collectively that we should show a true representation of what a Pride march looks like and what the many children who attend these events see.
‘We consider accusations of “hidden messages” to be baseless, deeply offensive and homophobic.’
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