An inclusive and diverse celebration of the joys of preparing to welcome a child and the importance of community and family.

Many special people are involved in welcoming a new child into a family: parents, grandparents, siblings, friends, surrogates, midwives, doctors, doulas, therapists, social workers, financial planners, nutritionists, technicians and more. Everyone has their part to play, and it takes a lot of wishing, planning and training. But it's all worth it when we finally get to say, "We're happy you're here!"

With inclusive illustrations depicting diverse family journeys, including single parents, LGBTQ+ parents and a variety of family structures, this joy-filled picture book invites children and their special people to explore the meaning of family, community and the beautiful mix of science, wisdom and love that brought them into the world.

Julie Wilkins is a storyteller and entrepreneur. The owner of Little Bookshop, an independent bookstore where her passion for inclusive and diverse literature comes alive on the shelves, Julie is excited to be finding her own voice as an author. We're Happy You're Here is her first book. Julie lives in Squamish, British Columbia.

Julie Wilkins' profile page

Brady Sato is a Japanese Canadian illustrator who specializes in digital illustration. They developed an appreciation for visual storytelling from watching TV shows and reading manga as a child in Japan. Brady studied visual narrative at TAD in Austin, Texas, with Pixar artist Kelsey Mann. They are the creator of the popular webcomic All That You Are and their first picture book, Kunoichi Bunny, was named a 2022 New York Public Library's Best Book for Kids. Brady lives in Canmore, Alberta.

Brady Sato's profile page

“The exquisitely detailed illustrations have a distinctly old-fashioned feel to them, though the images of the various types of families are modern in their diverse representation…Young children will enjoy the pictures and older kids will be amazed by the number of people who may be involved in the birth of a child.”

Booklist

“An inclusive epistolary debut…Sato’s light-filled desaturated digital illustrations visualize figures of various abilities, ages, body types, family structures, gender presentations, religions, and skin tones preparing for a new arrival of their own.”

Publishers Weekly

“This beautiful book celebrates what it means to be alive and reminds us of the love, planning, science, and wisdom that come with creating a little human…Wilkins does a beautiful job capturing the moments of waiting, planning, and uncertainty, as well as very quickly highlighting diverse journeys leading to parenthood that may involve science (using a surrogate), foster care, IVF and more…The pastels are truly whimsical, and the details, from the hair to the tattoos, bring to life the diversity of the human race.”

Children's Literature Comprehensive Database (CLCD)

“The illustrations team with a diverse cast of families, sometimes in multiple vignettes to a spread, and include single, disabled, and LGBTQIA+ nurturers. With a realistic style and crystalline colors, the pictures convey the happy anticipation of new babies, and, in the closing pages, the welcoming atmosphere of a multifamily backyard cookout…This book will find its main audience among adults who appreciate inclusivity and sharing books out loud.”

School Library Journal (SLJ)

“Sato’s beautiful and colourful digital illustrations depict diverse families and the many ways littles are welcomed into a family...This would be a great book for new siblings and parents or for helping children to explore what it means to be a diverse family and the importance of community and family support. Highly Recommended.”

CM: Canadian Review of Materials

“A beautiful, loving look at diverse families and their helpers as they dream, plan, and hope, infusing practical tasks with a whole lot of love… Bound to become a go-to gift for LGBTQ families, though it really works for many different kinds, and that’s the beauty of it.”

Mombian