Story Explorers: Diversity of family life
Families come in all shapes and sizes, and for all children, it’s important to see their own experiences reflected in the stories they read. Books can offer comfort, validation, and a sense of belonging by showing that there is no one "right" way to be a family.
We’ve selected these books to highlight the many permutations of family life in our society. From traditional nuclear families to foster, adoptive, and kinship families, these stories celebrate the beautiful diversity of what it means to be a family. As you explore these books, we hope children will see their own family set-up — and the families of their friends — reflected in these pages, leading to a sense of pride and understanding.
Discover our book recommendations reflecting the diversity of family life below.
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My Family Your Family
Author: Laura Henry-Allain Illustrator: Giovana Medeiros
Publisher: Penguin
Interest age: 6-8
Reading age: 6+An accessible, useful non-fiction guide to all types of families.
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The Great Big Book of Families
Author: Mary Hoffman Illustrator: Ros Asquith
Publisher: Frances Lincoln
Interest age: 4+
Reading age: 7+The Great Big Book of Families is about the diversity of families. The simple message is that every family is unique and special and that there is no such thing as 'normal' or 'abnormal'. Books simply don’t get much more inclusive than this.
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Is That Your Mama?
Author: Patrice Lawrence and Diane Ewen
Publisher: Scholastic
Interest age: 4-5
Reading age: 2-3Josie doesn’t look like her mum, and worries that she should. But her family show her that all families are different, and all are special. A beautiful book full of empathy and heart.
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The Only Monster
Author: Matt Coyne Illustrator: Brendan Kearney
Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children’s Books
Interest age: 4-5
A little monster gets sad that she doesn’t have any siblings until Dad reassures her that families are measured by love and not numbers.
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Cub
Author: Jonty Howley
Publisher: Flying Eye Books
Interest age: 3-8
Magnus has gone to live with his grandparents, who give him a soft toy lion. Then Cub comes alive! A moving story about bravery, and kinship care.
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Loves Makes a Family
Author: Sophie Beer
Publisher: Little Tiger
Interest age: 2-5
With simple text, and bursting with bright, vibrant illustrations, this simple, inclusive, board book speaks volumes about all aspects of the love inspired by children in the adults who care for them.
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Changing Tides
Author: Júlia Moscardó
Publisher: Little Tiger
Interest age: 3-6
Reading age: 7+Lula and her dad travel to the seaside with her new brother and step mum. A beautiful, expressive story about forming a new family.