To paraphrase Sojourner Truth, "Ain't mine a family?"
Despite what many on the far right of the political/cultural spectrum would have you believe, there are many ways to be a family, and Todd Parr's The Family Book celebrates them all — in all their variations and diversity — with simple, hand-printed text and simple, neon-bright and utterly appealing illustrations.
"Some families are the same color. Some families are different colors. All families like to HUG each other!"
"Some families have two moms or two dads. Some families have one parent instead of two. All families like to celebrate special days together!"
How can families be different yet still the same? The Family Book answers all!
Every family — adopted families, step-families, one-parent families, families with two parents of the same sex, and traditional families — love each other, support each other, are sad when they lose someone they love, and celebrate special days together. It's the love that binds us close to each other that makes us a family, not its conformity to a singlular configuration or definition.
"There are lots of different ways to be a family. Your family is special no matter what kind it is."
A much-loved children's author and illustrator, Todd Parr has over 20 picture books to his credit. (A particular favorite of mine is My Really Cool Baby Book. Sadly, it's no longer in print but you can still find it through Amazon and other specialty outlets.)
The Family Book, like all of his work, shares a reassuring and affirming message that will help children, especially those who live in family situations outside the traditional "norm", feel good about themselves and their very special families. A wonderful read for children of all ages, a definite must for children aged two to four.
So to answer the question, "Ain't mine a family?" You betcha! Get The Family Book for your own little kiddos and show them how!
Article comments
1 - Natalie Bennett
This article has been selected for syndication to Advance.net, which is affiliated with newspapers around the United States. Nice work!