This bookshelf is dedicated to the beauty of families of all kinds, from those we are born into to those we are fortunate to find along the way. It contains stories about family life, adoption, blended families, fostering and more.
Happy reading!
All Kinds of Families
Written by Suzanne Lang
Illustrated by Max Lang
Ages Baby to 3 years
All kinds of families exist in this world, and this book touches on some of the many different combinations of families out there. The book highlights all the many types of family members there could be with a fun and humourous tone kids will love.
Favorite Line: Uncle Hal, Al, Sal and Uncle Lou, too!
Made for Me
Written by Zach Bush
Illustrated by Gregorio De Lauretis
Ages Baby to 3 years
This sweet and tender book focuses on a father’s love for his child. We see Dad take on fatherhood, loving and raising his baby with joy, wonder and determination. And his baby is enjoying every moment.
Favorite line: Of all the children that ever could be, you are the one made just for me.
Who takes care of you?
Written by Hannah Eliot
Illustrated by Jade Orlando
Ages 2-5
Raising a child does take a village. This book spotlights a diverse group of children sharing a bit about the people caring for them.
Favorite Line: We walk hand in hand. We dance to our own tune.
A Mother for Choco
By Keiko Kasza
Ages 2-5
Choco wants to find a family more than anything. This book shows us that the family you need sometimes is not the one you expected. It is a great book to discuss how family is about love, no matter how different you and your family members are, adopted or not.
Favorite Line: But I don’t have big, round cheeks like you.
How to Babysit a Grandma and Grandpa Board Book Boxed Set (How To Series)
Written by Jean Reagan
Illustrated by Lee Wildish
Ages 2-5
Being a kid and having to babysit the grandmas and grandpas is tough! This funny book series is a step-by-step guide for kids who want to be prepared when it’s their turn to babysit the grownups.
Favorite Line: You may want to have some extra tricks – grandpas always clap for more.
Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story
Written by Kevin Maillard
Illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal
Ages 2-6
A native bread becomes the centerpiece of a story about coming together, honoring heritage, respecting culture and all the things that native peoples uphold. It is a very insightful and powerful book with wonderful illustrations and a great bonus section that dives deeper into Indigenous traditions.
Favorite Line: Drop the dough in the skillet, the bubbles sizzle and pop.
Bathe the Cat
Written by Alice B. McGinty
Illustrated by David Roberts
Ages 3-6
The family cat is determined not to get a bath and will use some handy scrambling skills to get his way. But his efforts confuse everyone as they hurry to prepare for Grandma’s visit.
Favorite Line: Sarah feeds the floor. I’ll sweep the dishes.
No Dogs Allowed
Written by Sonia Manzano
Illustrated by Jon J Muth
Ages 3-8
A trip to the state park becomes an entire feat for Iris and her family. When they discover no dogs are allowed, they all come together to ensure El Exigente, their beloved pooch, isn’t left out of the fun.
Favorite Line: I was packing for El Exigente when my sister yelled, rolling her eyes, MOMMMM! Iris can’t bring that dog, can she? There’ll be nothing but trouble if he comes!”
Home for A While
Written by Lauren H. Kerstein
Illustrated by Natalia Moore
Ages 4-8
Calvin struggles to manage his emotions as he enters yet another new foster home. His new foster parent, Maggie, assists him in finding ways to cope with anger, sadness, frustration, and feelings of being unwanted.
Favorite Line: Calvin’s tummy settled like a quiet winter snow.
Mango, Abuela and Me
Written by Meg Medina
Illustrated by Angela Dominguez
Ages Baby to 3 years
When Mia’s grandmother leaves her tropical home to live with her family in the city, love helps them overcome their language barrier.
Favorite Line: Snuggled in my pajamas, I smell flowers in her hair, sugar and cinnamon baked into her skin.
Lunar Boy
Written and illustrated by Jen and Cin Wibowo
Indu is an adopted boy from the moon who goes to live with his blended family on New Earth. When he faces challenges in his new home, he asks the moon to bring him back. This graphic novel is a coming-of-age story that tackles acceptance, identity, love and family bonds.
Ages 10 and up
Favorite Line: When I chose to raise you I promised to love every part of you even the parts you haven’t figured out yet
Sisters
Written by Raina Telgemeier
The bond between sisters can be incredible—unless it isn’t! In this graphic novel, the author reflects on her childhood and shares her experiences with the complexities of family and sisterhood.
Ages 8 to 11
Favorite Line: The cousin I wished was my sister barely knows me at all and the sister I actually have hates me.
