Story Explorers: Diversity of family life

  • 0 to 9 years

Highlighting the many permutations of family life in our society, these stories celebrate the beautiful diversity of what it means to be a family

Families come in all shapes and sizes, and for all children, it’s important to see their own experiences reflected in the stories they read.

Books can offer comfort, validation, and a sense of belonging by showing that there is no one​‘right’ way to be a family.

We’ve selected these books to highlight the many permutations of family life in our society. From traditional nuclear families to foster, adoptive, and kinship families, these stories celebrate the beautiful diversity of what it means to be a family.

As you explore these books, we hope children will see their own family set-up – and the families of their friends – reflected in these pages, leading to a sense of pride and understanding. Discover our book recommendations reflecting the diversity of family life.

  • Loves Makes a Family

    2021 2 to 6 years 

    • Board books
    • Funny

    With simple text, and bursting with bright, vibrant illustrations, this simple, inclusive, board book speaks volumes about all aspects of the love inspired by children in the adults who care for them. 

  • Changing Tides

    by Júlia Moscardó 

    2024 6 to 9 years 

    • Picture books

    Lula and her dad travel to the seaside with her new brother and step mum. A beautiful, expressive story about forming a new family.  

  • Is that your mama?

    by Patrice Lawrence and Diane Ewen 

    2023 4 to 6 years 

    • Picture books

    Josie doesn’t look like her mum, and worries that she should. But her family show her that all families are different, and all are special. A beautiful book full of empathy and heart. 

  • The Great Big Book of Families

    by Mary Hoffman, illustrated by Ros Asquith 

    2010 4 to 9 years 

    • Picture books

    The Great Big Book of Families is about the diversity of families. The simple message is that every family is unique and special and that there is no such thing as normal’ or abnormal’. Books simply don’t get much more inclusive than this.

  • My Family Your Family

    by Laura Henry-Allain, illustrated by Giovana Medeiros 

    2023 6 to 9 years 

    • Picture books

    An accessible, useful non-fiction guide to all types of families.