The Family Book [Hardcover]

Todd Parr (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2003 | Age Range: 3 - 6 years

Represents a variety of families, some big and some small, some with only one parent and some with two moms or dads, some quiet and some noisy, but all alike in some ways and special no matter what.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2-As he did in The Mommy Book and The Daddy Book (both Little, Brown, 2002), Parr introduces children to an array of families. Whimsical illustrations featuring neon colors and figures outlined in black show big ones and small ones, and families that look alike and relatives who look just like their pets. The art features both human and animal figures; thus, pigs depict both a family that likes to be clean, and one that likes to be messy. Some families include stepmoms, stepdads, stepsisters, or stepbrothers; some adopt children. Other families have two moms or two dads, while some children have only one parent. Interspersed with the differences among families are the ways they are alike: all like to hug each other, are sad when they lose someone they love, enjoy celebrating special days together, and can help each other to be strong. This concept book celebrating the diversity of family groups is distinguished by its sense of fun.
Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA
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From the Back Cover

There are lots of different ways to be a family. Your family is special no matter what kind it is. Love, Todd

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Age Range: 3 - 6 years
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers; 1st edition (October 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0316738964
• ISBN-13: 978-0316738965
• Product Dimensions: 10.5 x 0.8 x 10.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (102 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #42,314 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Todd Parr is the author and illustrator of over 40 best-selling books. His books have won multiple awards. He co-created the animated preschool TV series, ToddWorld. It has won three Parent's Choice awards, an IParenting award and has also been nominated 3 times for an Emmy in the Outstanding Animated Children's Program category. Todd has also created several short-films for Sesame Street. His books are based on empowering children to feel good about themselves while learning about differences. You can visit him online at www.toddparr.com.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

210 of 218 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars As one who is part of a "different" family... November 22, 2004

By A reader

Format:Hardcover

I love this book and all of the other Todd Parr books that I have bought for my son. As the gay dad of a son who has both a dady and a papa, I am very happy to see that books like this exist. And I am saddened by the reviewer who does not recommend this book because they don't want to have to explain gay parenting to a two year old "before they have to explain sex." Why in the world whoud you have to explain either to a preschool aged child!?!? Children at that age take reality at face value--as reality. I tell my son that there are families with one parent, a mom or dad, two parents (explaining that most kids do not have two mommies or daddies--because that is indeed the reality of the world) and that some kids are raised by their grandparents or an aunt or another relative. These ARE the realities of the world and just because you don't "agree" with something that already exists or just because some families are in the minority doesn't seem a justification for denying reality to your kids. Again, I applaud Todd Parr for the books he writes and the parents who read them to their children.

60 of 62 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for all families June 1, 2004

By Robyn R. Bailey

Format:Hardcover

The fact is that different families exist.We need to teach our children that is okay that there are many different families and no one family is better than another. So many kids are taught from such an earlier age to judge. I think books like this one do a good job of teaching that not everyone has to be part of a cookie cutter life. If everyone would just accept those around them instead of finding the difference or the fault the world would be a more peaceful place to live.

77 of 84 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful, caring tribute to today's diverse families September 23, 2003

By R. Smith

Format:Hardcover

Todd Parr is an absolute gem! He knows so well how to create fun and appealing books for children that promote self-acceptance and an appreciation of the diversity of modern society. In The Family Book, Todd shows us how families can be different from each other in some ways, but how all families are similar as well. "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!"

I highly recommend this book for all families, schools and communities that are trying to prepare children to understand, appreciate and embrace the differences that they will encounter in their lives. In particular, biracial, adoptive and alternative families will find this book a very special addition to their home libraries. Thank you, Todd Parr, for sending a message of love to the world in your books!