MY BIG FANTASTIC FAMILY

Lily-May’s parents have separated, which brings complex emotions.

Lily-May lives with Mom but still sees Dad regularly. Mom has a new partner named Peter, who has two boys of his own. These big changes make for a lot of feelings, including sadness, longing for the way things used to be, fear, excitement, and joy. Lily-May ultimately realizes that these changes are rewarding: They mean new playmates and grandparents, extra quality time with Mom and Dad, and a brand-new pet cat. This story is really about what comes after parents separate. Writing in first person, the Guillains make it clear that Lily-May isn’t at fault for the separation and show both parents at big events. In the end, Lily-May comes away with an important lesson: Home is “anywhere I’m with my big fantastic family.” Lily-May has dark bobbed hair and tan skin and is almost always accompanied by a beloved stuffed toy, Blue Bear. Mom has darker brown skin and straight dark hair; Dad has pale skin and curly dark hair, while Peter and his children are pale-skinned and red-haired. A sweet layout of snapshot photos shows Lily-May with various configurations of family members, a nice visual representation of this beautiful, blended family.

An honest, encouraging story of a loving, evolving family.