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This is My Family (First Look at) ISBN: 9780750269810
Harker, Lesley and Thomas, Pat
Published by Wayland, 2012
This lovely book about diversity in families shows in both picture and text that the important thing about families is the sharing of love and support. It begins by explaining that while some children live with a mum and dad, others live with two mums or two dads and explains the terms 'gay' and 'lesbian'. These are loving relationships between people who are to be found in every locality and who want to share the joys of a family - by adoption or by bringing children with them from other relationships. (The book doesn't go into concepts such as sperm or egg donation, quite rightly for a book for young children.) These parents are just like other parents, able to teach their children about values and seeing to it that they have all they need. They provide cuddles and treats and are good at helping when you are unhappy. Some people, however, can be unkind about families that are different, and if this happens you should talk to your teacher or your parents about it. This is a form of bullying, and the bully must be made to understand that being different is not wrong. The two families we meet, one gay and one lesbian, are seen in very loving relationships, and the pictures show us even more than the text can do about how they and their children interact. 'The world and all the people in it are like a wonderful rainbow...your family adds another beautiful colour to that rainbow for everyone to enjoy.' A page at the back of the book gives good information about how to use the material with children. There will be much substance for thoughtful discussion in this very useful book.
Age: 4+