BOOK MARKED
Family is
All Around Us
16 Books Exploring Our Connection to
Families of All Kinds
BY MIRANDA SCHOPPERT, HEAD OF CHILDREN’S SERVICES AT THE GERMANTOWN
BRANCH OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARIES
Families come in all shapes and sizes. They go through ups and downs—periods of immense joy and
moments of deep heartache. What one considers to be “a family” often evolves or changes through-
out one’s lifetime. Whether you are celebrating Father’s Day, welcoming a new member to the family
or just celebrating the love of those around you, may the books below show you the power of being
and reading together.

PICTURE BOOKS
“Adventures with My Daddies”
by Gareth Peter, illustrated by Garry
Parsons Sneaking past dinosaurs, exploring the moon and
fighting dragons are just some of the adventures
one little boy gets up to with his two daddies.

This LGBTQ adoption story centers around love,
adventure and imagination. A perfect read for
families of all shapes and sizes.

“Brand-New Bubbe”
by Sarah Aronson, illustrated by Ariel
Landy When her mother remarries, Jillian isn’t sure she
wants a new grandmother, but her stomach is all
for it. Jillian throws a “super soup celebration”
to show Noni, Gram and her “brand-new Bubbe”
that there is room for everyone in her heart...

and stomach. With recipes included, this picture
book celebrates the joy of blended families and
how food brings us all together.

“Families Grow”
by Dan Saks, illustrated by Brooke Smart
A family may start with a wish, but it grows
with love. This rhyming board book is a celebra-
tion of expectant families. Lightly touching on
pregnancy, adoption and surrogacy, this book
allows even the youngest family members to cel-
ebrate the pending growth of their own family.

At the end of the book, there is a glossary with
simple explanations that can be used to spark
conversation. 32 Washington FAMILY JUNE 2023
“I Love You Because I Love You”
by Mượn Thị Văn, illustrated by Jessica
Love Love can be big. Love can be small. Love is
complex and constantly evolving. Through call-
and-response prose, with stunning illustrations
by Jessica Love, Mượn Thị Văn creates a pic-
ture book that will leave readers with a sense of
peace while they reflect on the love that is all
around them.

“Nell Plants a Tree”
by Anne Wynter, illustrated by Daniel
Miyares Before tree-climbing or pie-making, before run-
ning or laughing—Nell plants a seed. This is the
story of a little girl whose planting of a pecan
tree becomes the heart of an intergenerational
Black family and the love they share. With lyrical
text and beautiful artwork, this book highlights
family past, present and future.

“Our Table”
written and illustrated by Peter H. Reyn-
olds Recently, Violet’s family has gotten very busy
with their TV watching, cell phone talking and
tablet game playing. She remembers a time when
everyone would laugh and tell stories around
the dinner table. Determined to recapture those
fond memories, Violet hatches a plan. Bestsell-
ing author Peter H. Reynolds creates a picture
book about family, tradition and getting back to
the table.