Who's in a Family?
What’s inside...
Family is important, but who's in a family? Why, the people who love you the most! This equal opportunity, open-minded picture book has no preconceptions about what makes a family a family. There's even equal time given to some of children's favorite animal families. With warm and inviting jewel-tone illustrations, this is a great book for that long talk with a little person on your lap.
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What makes a family unique? Can you think of different types of families?
How do the characters in the book show love and care for each other?
Why do you think it's important to respect all kinds of families?
How does reading this book make you feel about your own family?
What have you learned about how families can help each other?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use personal examples from your family or families you know to illustrate the book's themes.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about their family and listen without judgment.
Connect the book's scenarios to real-life situations to make the themes more relatable and understandable.
Reinforce the message that all families are valid and important, emphasizing inclusivity and respect.
Highlight positive actions and attitudes displayed by the characters to encourage similar behavior in your child.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding diverse family structures
Explanation: The book illustrates a variety of family configurations, including traditional nuclear families, single-parent families, and families with same-sex parents.
Real-World Application: Children learn to recognize and respect different types of families they encounter, promoting inclusivity and acceptance in their everyday interactions.
Example Lesson: Valuing each family member's role
Explanation: Through its narrative, the book emphasizes the importance of each family member, regardless of the family structure.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this understanding by appreciating the roles and contributions of their own family members, fostering a supportive home environment.
Example Lesson: Embracing love and support
Explanation: The story highlights that what defines a family is love and support among its members, not just biological ties.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to value emotional bonds and support within their family and friendships, reinforcing positive emotional development.