;''Portraying a gay family in a story that is not simply about gay families shows that these families exist too and are just as normal as other types of families. I really can't see how that can affect the quality of the story itself. I guess there are people who really feel very threatened when you try to open up perceptions on sexuality and gender identity.''

Karin Salmson, the co-founder of the new Vilda publishing house, whose new Hug line of children's books break away from "pink is for girls" traditions, as well as incorporating images of working women and gay parents. (AFP)