The Family Book (Hardcover)

by Todd Parr (Author) "To my Family-who sometimes did not understand me, but encouraged me to go after everything I wanted even when we did not agree..." (more)

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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Product Description
There are so many different types of families, and THE FAMILY BOOK celebrates them all in a funny, silly, and reassuring way. Parr includes adopted families, step-families, one-parent families, and families with two parents of the same sex, as well as the traditional nuclear family. His quirky humor and bright, childlike illustrations will make children feel good about their families. Parents and teachers can use this book to encourage children to talk about their families and the different kinds of families that exist.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Little, Brown Young Readers; 1st edition (October 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0316738964
• ISBN-13: 978-0316738965
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 10.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (48 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #9,008 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

53 of 59 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 "Zonkerette" (Near Boston, MA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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!

31 of 33 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 - See all my reviews

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.

26 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

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

By	Robyn R. Bailey (Nashville, TN United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.