DAD AND DADDY'S BIG BIG FAMILY

A child attends a family reunion.

Harper, who has brown skin and long dark brown hair, is off to a family reunion for the first time with their two fathers (one is brown-skinned; the other is lighter-skinned). When they arrive, Harper is surprised to see that there are so many people in their extended family. They quickly meet blond-haired, light-skinned, bespectacled Noah (their second cousin). The two are a bit confused, though, because they “thought family are the people you live with.” Noah and Harper participate in games like the potato sack race while also taking stock of all the people in attendance. Making a list of everyone, the two try to figure out where they’ll eventually live. Both Noah’s and Harper’s houses are too small! Thankfully Dad and Daddy correct Harper’s misconception, and Harper learns that while families come in all sizes, they’re all connected by love. The story is sweet and soothing with warm, cartoon art, though some children may be perplexed by terms like first cousin once removed and first cousin twice removed, which go undefined. (Adults explaining these phrases to little ones may wish for a helpful glossary or infographic.) Harper’s extended family is diverse in terms of race and ability. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Heartwarming, though potentially a bit confusing.