The Family Book

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Written & illustrated by Todd Parr


Little, Brown and Company/Hachette Book Group 2010 (originally published in 2003)

Reviewed copy: my own

Back of book:
THE FAMILY BOOK celebrates all kinds of families and shows how each is special in its own way. Welcome to the world of Todd Parr. His books are designed to:

• Develop Early Literacy
• Enhance Emotional Development
• Celebrate Differences
• Promote Character Growth
• Encourage Creativity and Self-Expression
• Make You Laugh!

More from Missus B
The Family Bookis an old favourite I have shared with many children down through the years.

The pages are filled with chunky, child-like drawings in rich, vivid colour.
Through an array of rainbow characters ,we see that the world is filled with many different family types.

Some families look alike
Some families look like their pets

ain't that the truth!
image from Cesar

The book uses opposites to describe families: 

Some families are big...Some families are small.... 

Some families live near each other...Some families live far from each other 

It shows that, while we can live differently, there may be aspects of family life that we all have in common....

.........All families like to celebrate special days together!

..........All families can help each other be strong!

A range of family types are depicted in the story including :single parent families, large families, small families, blended families, adoptive families and families with same-sex parents.

Diverse family groups are represented
with colourful animal and cartoon characters

The text is large and uses simple lettering for beginner readers. The use of opposites and simple sentences makes it easy for children to memorize and join in with the story. As a read-aloud book, I like that the large font  is visible for little listeners. The text is mainly black, but on some pages rainbow colours are used on a bright background -sometimes I find this hurts my eyes as the letters seem to jiggle on the page. None of my little listeners have complained about this jumpy effect though- so maybe I need an eye test!

Learning & Discussion (PSHE/SPHE)

The Family Book helps children to learn about family units and understand that  not all families are the same. The  book  encourages children to reflect on their own idea of what constitutes a family as well as being introduced to new family types. At Circle Time we have considered some questions  like:

• What people are in your family?
• Where does your extended family live?
• Have you ever lost a family member you have loved?
• Are there pets in your home?
• What things does your family celebrate? 
• How is love expressed in your home? (maybe not all families are the huggy type!)
• What is your favourite family meal?
• Are there messy or quiet people in your family? Describe some other family characteristics
• Do you look like anyone in your family? 

Extension exercises could include:

• Family drawings
• Making family hand prints
• Family photo collages
• Making family trees

Happy Reading,
Missus B

Book available at these affiliate links:
                
The author has a great collection of books available here on Todd Parr's AMAZON.COM Page or  Todd Parr's AMAZON.CO.UK Page