What Makes a Family?

About this book

Do all families have two parents or carers? Do families always have the same number of children? Who exactly is part of a family? Join Murphy the dog as all his questions about families are answered. He discovers that every family is unique, but they all care about each other.  

This is a comprehensive guide to the many different types of families. Covering terms such as ‘siblings’ and ‘blended family’, as well as IVF, adoption and fostering, this is an inclusive look at modern families. The illustrations are friendly and bright, and include depictions of same-sex couples, disabled family members, and many characters of different ethnicities. Kinship care, or family members looking after children, is mentioned, and there’s a section on what happens when parents or carers split up.  

At the back there are lots of suggestions of ways to celebrate your family, which include spending time together and being creative together, as well as some conversation starter questions. 

This is part of the friendly and practical Let’s Talk series, which are useful for talking to young children about various topics, such as feelings and families. Other books are What Makes You Do That? and It’s OK to Cry.