Families come in all shapes and sizes, making each one unique and special. Because every family is different, there is no "wrong" way to have a family.
Here are some stories that celebrate families, no matter how they are made.
Blackout by
One hot summer night in the city, all the power goes out. The TV shuts off and a boy wails, "Mommm!" His sister can no longer use the phone, Mom can't work on her computer, and Dad can't finish cooking dinner. What's a family to do? When they go up to the roof to escape the heat, they find the lights--in stars that can be seen for a change--and so many neighbors it's like a block party in the sky! On the street below, people are having just as much fun--talking, rollerblading, and eating ice cream before it melts. The boy and his family enjoy being not so busy for once. They even have time to play a board game together. When the electricity is restored, everything can go back to normal . . . but not everyone likes normal. The boy switches off the lights, and out comes the board game again. Using a combination of panels and full bleed illustrations that move from color to black-and-white and back to color, John Rocco shows that if we are willing to put our cares aside for a while, there is party potential in a summer blackout.
Boundless Grace by
Grace is invited for a visit with her father and his new family in Africa.
Grandfather Counts by
When her maternal grandfather comes from China, Helen, who is biracial, develops a special bond with him despite their age and language differences.
An African Princess by
A young girl makes some reassuring discoveries about her identity when she visits her mother's island home in this upbeat story matched with bold, richly patterned illustrations. I walk tall and say, "I'm Lyra. I'm an African princess. That's me." Lyra's mama tells her that she's a princess from Africa. But at school the kids poke fun and call her silly. How many African princesses have freckles and live on the tenth floor? But on a visit to the Caribbean, Lyra meets her Taunte May, who shows Lyra how she is one in a long line of princesses from Africa. Based on author Lyra Edmonds's own life and beautifully illustrated with Anne Wilson's richly textured art, this is the wonderful story of a child who learns to be proud of who she is.
Gettin' Through Thursday by
Andre dreads Thursdays. Thursday is the day before his mother gets paid at work each week and it's the day when money is tight and spirits are low for Andre and his older brother and sister. It's also the day when he gets his school report and although he anticipates being top of his class, he's sure that instead of the celebrations his mother has promised, it will be another miserable Thursday.
By the Dawn's Early Light by
Because mom works the night shift, grandmother must spend nights with the family's two young children.
The Daddy Book by
Some daddies work at home. Some daddies work far away. Some daddies teach you to walk. Some daddies teach you to ride a skateboard. All daddies love you!
The Mommy Book by
With his trademark, child-like art, Todd Parr celebrates mothers, whether they drive a minivan or a motorcycle or work in a big building or at home.
Adoption can be a difficult subject for children to understand. The books in this list explain adoption and help illustrate just how special adoptive families can be. Most focus on the importance of the child to the adoptive parents and the love that is shared in all families.
The Red Thread by
There is an ancient Chinese belief that an invisible, unbreakable red thread connects all those who are destined to be together. A king and queen rule a beautiful and peaceful land. They should be full of joy and contentment, but they both feel a strange pain that worsens every day. Then a peddler's magic spectacles reveal a red thread pulling at each of their hearts. The king and queen know they must follow the thread wherever it may lead.
Tell Me Again about the Night I Was Born by
A young girl asks her parents to tell her again the cherished family story of her birth and adoption.
A Mother for Choco by
Choco was a little bird who lived all alone. He wished he had a mother, but who could his mother be?
My Adopted Child, There's No One Like You by
Every child is special. And every child deserves to be recognized for what makes him or her unique. A read-to-me children's picture book, My Adopted Child, There's No One Like You conveys love, acceptance, and a sense of individuality to adopted children.
