The Family Book

A joyous picture book about the importance of family and all of the strength it can give you. The message is subtle, but it's a crucial one: every family is special and the only thing that matters is love. Not only that, but if you feel like your family stands out, then don't – there are so many different sorts of families out there that the "normal" family doesn't really exist.

This reassuring idea is played out in a fun, vivid way that gives you plenty to giggle about. The pop-art illustrations show both human and animal family life. There are adoptive families, step families, families with two mums or two dads, noisy dog families and a single bird parent looking after its nest. Parr even shows you families without children, which is a sweet and modern touch. There are 'families [who] look like their pets' (cue two adults who look just like their pet poodle) and 'families [who] like to be quiet' (see the woman curled up on the sofa with her cat). It's a book to make you all laugh, as well as aid emotional development and allay any fears. 

By the end, you'll be hugging each other and feeling very lucky indeed. 

Note: American English used throughout.