The Family Book by Todd Parr

Reviewed by Lori
The Family Book
Title: The Family Book

Author: Todd Parr

Perma-Bound Catalogue #: 3891

Description:  Represents a variety of families, some big and some small, some with only one parent and some with two moms or dads, some quiet and some noisy, but all alike in some ways and special no matter what.

Guided Reading Level: H


Curriculum Links: 

  • Art: Colours
  • Character Education: Respect
  • Kindergarten
  • Reading: Connecting
  • Social Studies: Families
  • Writing: Explanation
  • Equity and Diversity

Notes: 

Design: The cover is very bright and attractive and the inside cover looks like a photo from a family album.  It makes it seem like everyone in the book is all part of the same family.  (The human race perhaps!)  It looks like everyone is hanging out in the family tree!  The dedication is also lovely.

Content and Illustrations: The pages and illustrations in this book are boldly coloured with thick lines.  The pages aren't overly illustrated representing one type of family on each page or two page spread.  The images are very simple and can be easily copied by children making their own family portraits.  I liked that the families are represented by a variety of people and animals -- even aliens!  My favourite part of this book is that it highlights how families can be different - "Some families have one parent instead of two" and the same "All families like to celebrate special days together."  The text that shows how families are different is written in black type and the text for how families are the same is multicoloured.  My only criticism is that sometimes the black writing is on a dark blue or purple background and it can be difficult to see.  (Particularly if you have a child who is colour blind).  The last page is signed Love, Todd.  This makes the book feel that it has been penned especially for the reader.  

Recommended Audience: Kindergarten - Grade 2 
  • Excellent title to discuss equity and diversity
  • Great title to link to the primary social studies curriculum
  • A good title to use for modelling family portraits

Inquiries and Activities: 
  • Create your own family portrait.  Use animals to represent your family or bold colours and simple lines.
  • Talk about some of the different types of families that are in the book and different types of families of the students in your class.  Give each student the opportunity to talk about their family if they want to.
  • Who are the different people who make up a family?
  • Create a family tree.  
  • Make a T-Chart that shows how families are different and how they are the same.   
  • What is your favourite thing to do with your family?

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