The Family Book

Rating:
Summary: As one who is part of a "different" family...
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: Normalizing Gay Parents
Review: I was introduced to this book during our public library's "story time" - for two-year olds. I'll agree with the other "5 star ratings" -- with the glaring exception that I do not want to be teaching my children that having two mommies or two daddies is "normal". Alas, I'm one of those "religious fanatics" who believe that marriage should be between one man and one woman. This book is obviously geared toward preschool children, and I don't want to have to explain about gay parents before my kids even understand about sex! The book has great illustrations, etc. but, if you want skip a possible discussion about children having gay parents - I'd pass on this book.

Rating:
Summary: Educator Favorite
Review: I'll admit a bias right up front: Todd Parr is one of my favorite authors. Each of his books that I have introduced and read to my classes has been a big hit with the students---and this one is no exception.

Each page contains one sentence about families. For example, midway through the book we read, "Some families live near each other," which is humorously illustrated by two mouse holes with six sets of eyes peering out. The opposing page counters with, "Some families live far from each other." Here we see two colorful, alien space families on opposite planets.

In addition to living conditions, habits, and physical appearances, Parr also discusses different family structures. "Some families have a stepmom or stepdad and stepsisters or stepbrothers," while "some families have two moms or two dads."

While we learn that families can be quite different from one another, we also learn that families share some things in common. "All families," writes Parr, "are sad when they lose someone they love," and "all families can help each other be strong!"

There is a wonderful vitality to the book thanks to the bold drawings, bright, nearly neon colors, and handwritten text. Add to that an affirming story with an important message and you have here a definite winner. Highly recommended.

Reviewed by the Education Oasis Staff

Rating:
Summary: Our boys' favorite book -- and it gets us hugs each time!
Review: Our twin boys love this book -- it's their absolute favorite. The best part is that there is a page that says "All families like to hug!" When we get to that page we get giant boy hugs from both of our nearly 2-year-old twins.

I don't know if it's the colors or the whimsical drawings or the subject matter that thrills them most, but this is ALWAYS on the top of their reading list.

Rating:
Summary: Great for all families
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: Not for parents who want to deny reality
Review: This is an AWESOME book for all kids. It has great colors and gives a very affirming message about family love. I couldn't help but roll my eyes at the negative review. Chances are your kids will run into a same-sex family sooner rather than later. You don't have to explain sex any more than you have to explain divorce or premarital sex or death when they are introduced to a single parent family. The truth is that families come in all shapes, sizes, colors and permutations and the best family in the world is yours, whoever you are and whatever your family looks like. The same sex parents are just one page of this delightful book and I doubt it will raise questions for any child who isn't old enough and mature enough to learn a bit more about the world they live in anyway. It's OK to teach your child that some people don't go to church or believe in a different religion than us and we still respect and value them even though we think it's important to go to church. In the same way, you can teach them that some people think it's OK to have two mommies or two daddies, even though we disagree. There are so many ways around this topic...

I'm probably writing to a wall, though. Bottom line, if you aren't going to freak out at your children learning there are people who live, act and believe differently than you do, this is a fantastic book. If you are going to freak out -- best to get your pastor to vet any reading or play materials you bring into your home.

Rating:
Summary: A wonderful, caring tribute to today's diverse families
Review: 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!