An LGBTI-themed fairytale book is set to be published after surpassing its crowdfunding goal.
'Promised Land' tells the story about Prince Leo and a farm boy named Jack, who meet and fall in love.
The New Zealand-based project has raised more than its NZD$25,000 (€15,092) goal - having got more than NZD$31,000 (€18,756) on its Kickstarter page.
The concept of the main characters, Leo and Jack | Image: kickstarter.com
It is aimed at 5 to 10-year-olds and up, with a target release date of October 11th 2016.
The book is written by Adam Reynolds and Chaz Harris, with illustrations by Christine Luiten.
The authors say if they reach NZD$35,000 (€21,127) or more, they will also produce an audio book of 'Promised Land'.
In a statement, Reynolds and Harris say: "Growing up with very little in the way of LGBT stories in print or on screen, we decided to write the story that our 8-year-old selves needed".
Authors Adam Reynolds and Chaz Harris | Image: kickstarter.com
"During our childhoods and teen years, we had no role models or stories that represented the notion that 'happily ever after' could even exist if you're gay. As such, we felt there should be more stories like that, and so we wrote one together".
They say the book is not just a story for gay youth.
"The sexuality of our main characters is never questioned - they merely happen to be two young men who meet and fall in love".
"Our goal has always been to create a story that provides understanding and acceptance by showing young people that, regardless of what gender they are attracted to, love is love".
