Story Explorers: Diversity of family life

Loves Makes a Family

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.

  • 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. 

  • 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.

  • Is That Your Mama?

    Author: Patrice Lawrence and Diane Ewen
    Publisher: Scholastic
    Interest age: 4-5
    Reading age: 2-3

    Josie 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. 

  • 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.

  • 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. 

  • 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. 

  • 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.