There are so many ways to be a family, and no family will look the same. Which is why we’re thrilled that so many children’s books are stepping away from the nuclear family and heteronormativity to celebrate the LGBT+ community. After all, family is more about love than biology. So we’ve rounded up some of our favourite books about families. They’re perfect for any family to read together, whether it’s spotting your own family setup or learning about others.
We Are Family by Lucy Reynolds and Jenna Herman – A fun look at all the different family types in the animal kingdom and the many ways young animals grow up.
All the Families in My Town by Ophélie Célier, Thomas Piet, and Ariane Caldin; translated by Robin Bright – Aria’s tiny village might only have nine houses, but no single one is alike! There’s always something that makes a family special…
The Pirate Mums by Jodie Lancet-Grant and Lydia Corry – A swashbuckling fun book where a boy is totally embarrassed that his mums are pirates.
Bedtime, not Playtime! and Early One Morning by Lawrence Schimel and Elīna Brasliņa – These wonderful little board books with rhyming text show one family’s evening and another family’s morning.
Love Makes a Family by Sophie Beer – A simple board book with vibrant illustrations showing different families demonstrating what love truly is.
Julian at the Wedding by Jessica Love – A gorgeously illustrated book with minimal text but lots of celebration, inclusion, and love.
My Magic Family by Lotte Jeffs and Sharon Davey – A rhyming text where a child shares about her magic family, and discovers the magic of all her friends’ families too.
All About Families by Felicity Brooks and Mar Ferrero – A factual look at families – who they are, where they live, what backgrounds they have.