A FAMILY LIKE OURS

The author-illustrator team behind A Boy Like You (2019) collaborates with new author Lee in this earnest celebration of families of all kinds.

“There are so many families in the world….Each one is different from the next,” the authors open, against a backdrop of a joyful picnic populated by people of myriad sizes, skin tones, abilities, and ages. A truly wide range is depicted lovingly through Harren’s soft illustrations and sometimes explicitly through the text, which references families separated by distance as well as chosen families at various stages in life. Hardships, while acknowledged, are glossed over in a way that may not bring much comfort to young readers in similar situations (“Some break apart and, / hopefully, / eventually, / mend and grow stronger in new ways. / Because we are made to be together”). Maxims of this type are repeated throughout the book, framed as conclusions even when their connection to the preceding text is not always clear (“Families give us a / place to live. / A place to grow. / A place with strong roots for reaching branches and colorful blooms. / Because we are braver together”). Still, overall, the artwork is effective, the tone is reassuring, and readers seeking diverse familial representations will find this offering helpful. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Sweet and inclusive.