What makes a family?
Some families are big, some are small; some like to hike and some even go around nude. Jane Godwin’s Families embraces the idea that families are all special in their own unique way. This rhyming picture book describes the different sizes, roles and interests that can be found in all sorts of families.
The beautiful paper collage illustrations by Yael Frankel complement the book perfectly. Each page represents the diversity of families in a way that allows us all to find one that reminds us of our own. The simple colour palette allows the relationship and connection between the illustrated family members to shine through.
The 4-line rhyming style used in the book makes it an engaging and fun read-aloud book for young children – make sure you leave enough giggling time between pages! At the heart of the book though is a simple message about respect for ourselves and for others, and that no matter what size, shape or colour families come in, they are all a place when we should feel loved and as though we belong.
This book would be a great springboard for young children to share the things that make their family special, and to learn about the diversity of families in their class or school. The sensitivity and humour with which Jane Godwin has approached this book will make it a favourite for reading aloud again…and again…and again.
Related units:
For teaching units of work that explore books with similar themes, why not try:
- Who's your real mum, by Bernadette Green and Anna Zobel, explores the nature of family, love and connection with a focus on a rainbow (LGBTQI+) family
- Who are we? by Philip Bunting - this premium unit of work explores the concept of identity for young children