Grandparents and Special Friends Day is this Friday! It’s tons of fun to welcome so many meaningful guests to our campus. We’re all feeling excited about spending time with our families… and maybe a little anxious about what makes them different. So I’m thankful for books like A Family is a Family is a Family, which normalizes and celebrates ALL kinds of families. This picture book, written by Sara O’Leary and illustrated by QinLeng, makes sure that everyone is included and given the chance to share and celebrate what makes their family special. Step-families, only children, foster parents, caregivers and guardians, same-sex parents, adopted siblings… every family is beautiful in their own way.

Minimal text means there’s an opportunity for conversation on every page – my kiddos had lots of “That’s just like my family!!” moments and big, genuine questions. I try my best to give space to each question, stick with clear, simple, kid-friendly responses, and let students guide the conversation. We also end each read aloud with the same question… “What makes a family, a family?” and I love hearing their unique and funny answers.