by Drs. Chelsea Johnson, LaToya Council, and Carolyn Choi
Illustrated by Ashley Seil Smith
4 stars
A wonderful exploration of some of the different ways people can be part of a family told through rhyming narration.
Each page spread introduces readers to a new family who represents different concepts. The book shows different types of families (nuclear, chosen, extended, interracial, adoptive), ways families are separated (transnational families, deployment, incarceration), big changes families may experience (marriage, blended families, separation, divorce, death), and things different families may have in common (shared ancestors, traditions, support, love).
I loved the different representations of families in this book. A great resource for talking to children about their own family and about families that may be different from theirs. Nice emphasis on what makes a family: those who love each other, support each other, and spend time together in their own ways.
Nice illustrations that pair well with the concepts introduced in the text. Readers can also lookout for the black-and-white cat the appears on each page spread.
At the back is a discussion guide, which provides details on the concepts explored in the text as well as a few reflection questions. There is also a section about the importance of self care. I love that the authors’ and illustrator’s bios show some of the ways the concepts introduced in the book relate to their own lives.
A nice exploration of the concept of family, some ways families’ experiences differ, and the unifying theme of love between family members.