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The Family Book by Todd Parr

Reviewed by: Ryan LaLonde

About the author:

Todd Parr lives near San Francisco but grew up in Wyoming. He likes to paint, but failed art class. Now he creates books for kids and has a TV show called ToddWorld. His books talk about love, kindness and are sometimes silly. He loves the fog, the sea lions, dolphins and macaroni and cheese. He also loves his dog Bully.

About the book:

There are so many different types of families, and THE FAMILY BOOK celebrates them all in a funny, silly, and reassuring way. Parr includes adopted families, step-families, one-parent families, and families with two parents of the same sex, as well as the traditional nuclear family. His quirky humor and bright, childlike illustrations will make children feel good about their families. Parents and teachers can use this book to encourage children to talk about their families and the different kinds of families that exist.

My take on the book:

As we gather for the Thanksgiving Holiday, there is usually only one reason that we look forward to the holiday – Family. Whether they are the family that were we born or adopted into ever since we can remember or the family we have created for ourselves, it is ‘family” that makes the holiday.

What better book to read for the holiday than Todd Parr’s “The Family Book”. His simple book celebrates every possible combination of family with colorful joy and playful depictions.

This book is a favorite for our family. There are only a handful of books that happily show families like ours. Two dads (one white and one black) with a son of both races – and this book offers it for us. It shows single dads, large families, fishy families and families full of hugs.

Not only does Parr show many different families but what makes them so special whether they are near or far from you. Parr points out that some families look like their pets, while others are quiet and respectively noisy (my family would be in the noisy category).

Parr has a history of all-inclusive diversity in his artfully drawn books. I like to describe his illustration as a cross between Keith Haring and an exceptional 7-year old artist. His poignant depictions also showcase families dealing with a loss, blended families, adopted children and even families that share their home with other families.

“The Family Book” is an homage to families everywhere. Parr’s closing page sums it up best….“There are lots of different ways to be a family. Your family is special no matter what kind it is.” There is no better book to celebrate Thanksgiving. Our family is thankful for Todd Parr.