For most of us, our family is the one big constant in our lives. They provide a safe place for us to learn and grow in a loving environment. But families come in all shapes and sizes. Our family may be very different to those of our friends. Even our own family doesn’t always stay the same.
The following books are just a few suggestions that introduce young children to the diversity of family life. You will find lots more in your local library. If you can’t find what you are looking for, ask a member of staff. If they don’t have something suitable on the shelves, they can always request something for you.
Baby Baby blah blah blah! – Jonathan Shipton & Francesca Chessa
Emily’s mum is expecting twins and Emily makes a list of good and bad things about babies so the family can talk about what life will be like after the twins are born.
Age: 3+
Don’t let the Aliens get my Marvellous MUM! – Gillian Shields & Liz Pichon
This little girl can’t imagine what her life would be like if her mum wasn’t there to do all those wonderful things that mums do! An out of this world book with simple text and bright illustrations.
Age: 3+
Ella Moves House – Angela Hassall & Caroline Ewen
Simple story of Ella whose Mum has a new partner. They are all moving in together, but Ella isn’t happy about this until Jo saves the day and rescues the situation.
Age: 5+
Families, Families, Families! – Suzanne Lang & Max Lang
This book introduces a whole host of silly animal families, who all carry the same message. It doesn’t matter how your family is made up – if you love each other, then you are a family.
Age: 3+
Flora’s Family – Annette Aubrey & Patrice Barton
This book uses a simple rhyming text. Flora finds out she is adopted and her parents explain what that means. Useful notes for parents and carers at the back.
Age: 4+
My Mum Goes to Work – Kes Gray & David Milgrim
A child’s perspective on how much a working mum misses him, and how she makes up for it when they are together.
Age: 3+
My Two Grannies – Floella Benjamin & Margaret Chamberlain
Two Grannies, two cultures, but only one grandchild. The competing Grandmas learn to celebrate their differences through their shared love for their granddaughter.
Age: 4+
Silly Baby – Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick
When all the family fusses over the new baby, Beth feels excluded but Gran spots the problem and helps her change her mind.
Age: 2+
The Great Big Book of Families – Mary Hoffman & Ros Asquith
A fresh, optimistic look at contemporary family life. Drawing on the huge diversity of families, this book highlights their similarities as well as their differences. Featuring homes, jobs, holidays and much more.
Age: 5+
When Daddy’s Truck Picks Me Up – Jana Novotny Hunter
A bouncy, rhyming and exuberant story about Dad’s anticipated arrival at preschool having been working away.
Age: 3+
Hampshire Library Service 