Choosing the values to teach your children begins with the messages conveyed in books around the home. Life lessons are packed in stacks of picture books that help kids navigate all sorts of challenges. Through the lens of characters in the stories, readers learn to process the emotional obstacles and apply them to their own lives. For this very reason, it is invaluable to provide children books representing non-traditional families, a reality that mirrors the world around them. By doing so, kids will develop a sense of acceptance, inclusion, and love for the own home life as well as others.
Love defines family, regardless of size, shape, or background. This book celebrates the diverse forms families take, from traditional to unconventional. A wall of family portraits portray ducks by a pond, pandas in pink vests, and many more animal family variations. Each portrait is paired with a simple, rhyming verse, celebrating all sorts of households: living with grandparents, aunts, having many pets, or just a plant. Some have two mothers, some fathers, some are adopted, and others have step-siblings. No matter the size or members, all families share on thing in common- unconditional love.
Kids' Books Celebrating Alternative Families
Traditional families, sometimes called nuclear families, refer to households with a mother, father, children, and maybe a few pets tossed in for extra attention. Years ago, kids raised in non-traditional homes may have struggled with answering questions from their friends about why their caregivers and family structure is different. Reading books about same-sex parents is especially helpful for kids who are struggling with a non-traditional household. Fortunately, societal views on family are shifting to embrace a wider definition of what family really means. Love, support, and care are now recognized as the core components of a family, rather than the specific relationships, roles, and genders of its members. Enjoy these books about alternative families that celebrate every type, including families led by single-parents, grandparents, blended parents, foster parents, and adoptive parents.
Why Read Picture Books About Non-Traditional Families
Raising children with open minds and kind hearts starts with the kinds of books read to them from the time they are toddlers. Kids need books that show all kinds of families regardless of their own home life. It's really important for them to see that families come in all shapes and sizes- including kids with two-dads, single parents, and stepparents- and that every family is special. These books help kids understand that all families look different. And for kids in non-traditional families, like those in two-mom households, seeing themselves in stories makes them feel seen and understood. Most importantly every little reader is reminded what really makes a family is love.
A Family is a Family is a Family
What makes a family special? A teacher's question sparks so many different answers from the students, showcasing the rich diversity of family structures within a single classroom. From grandmothers to two dads, step-siblings to new babies, each child's story is unique. However, a unifying truth shines through: it's the love and care shared within a family that truly makes it extraordinary.
Love Makes a Family
From morning wake-ups to evening kisses, this book highlights the everyday expressions of love across a spectrum of families. Whether a child is raised by two mothers, two fathers, a single parent, or a mother and father, the message is clear- love is the heart of every home. This vibrant board book shows that love is in the little things, like baking cookies, helping around the home, and reading good stories together.
My Family is Your Family!
This board book for toddlers is a joyous celebration of family diversity. It showcases the many ways families are formed, including single-parent families, blended families, families with gay parents, and families with grandparents. It's a colorful and heartfelt look at the many faces of love conveyed through smiling faces and easy-to-understand language for tiny tots.
A Family Like Ours
Every family is a unique tapestry, beautiful in its own way. Whether large or small, biological or chosen, A Family Like Ours honors the diverse connections that shape our lives. Family provides a haven of support, safety, growth, and inspiration, regardless of its form. What extraordinary, unexpected, or remarkable qualities define your family? This heartwarming story opens a conversation with your children about the most important values of being a family.
Miles Comes Home
Miles's adoption day is a blend of anticipation and apprehension. Teddy and David, his new dads, exude warmth and love, while his soon-to-be sister, Michelle, waits at home, brimming with excitement. She's ready to introduce him to his new room and the fun of ice skating, sharing the happiness of their unique family. Although it will take a little time to adjust to his new family, Miles knows deep in his heart that he is finally home.
Dino Duckling
Dino Duckling was a delightful surprise, a dinosaur born into a duck family. Mama Duck's love knew no bounds, embracing his unique physical qualities. However, a practical challenge arose: without wings, how could Dino Duckling join the winter migration? Alison Murray's heartwarming story beautifully tackles themes of acceptance and belonging, resonating with any child whose family members don't share outward similarities.
Family is Family
Little Chick's journey to school becomes a lesson in family diversity. He sees children accompanied by moms, dads, siblings – a stark contrast to his own family of two moms. Though intrigued by the differences, like swimmers and fliers, teeth and beaks, Little Chick discovers he is extremely content with his own unique family. He realizes that family is defined by love, not by conventional roles, and he embraces his place as an only chick with two loving mothers.
Discover More Wonderful Books About Family
