Roots of Love

Tia has had a great day – she had fun at school, and there was even apple crumble at lunch! But then her parents sit her down and tell her that they’re separating. Tia is very upset. Why do things have to change?

The next day, everyone in Butterfly Class has to present a project about their family. Tia doesn’t want to talk about hers. But then she hears how different all her classmates’ families are, and she realises that there’s no one way to be a family. 

This is a sensitively told book that could be a useful way of discussing different family situations with young children. Among Tia’s classmates are families who’ve been bereaved, adopted families, and separated families. But they are all full of love.

Tia’s metaphor of her parents as branches of a tree, with herself as the trunk, in the centre of them, is beautiful. They share the roots of love together, as families do.  

The lovely illustrations depict a diverse classroom and a variety of family set-ups. Overall, this is warm and inclusive, and a good reflection of our contemporary society.