Books by Theme
Families
Families come in many shapes and sizes. Some families are small, others large; still others have two dads or no dads. In the pages of these books, you’ll meet some real families, a few imaginary families, and some in-between. But you’ll probably recognize some of your own family!
A Plan for Pops
A positive and realistic story about familiy, community, and dealing with a disability, that features an elderly, interracial gay male couple. Lou spends every Saturday with Grandad and Pops. They walk to the library hand in hand, like a chain of paper dolls. But everything changes one Saturday when Pops has a fall and learns that he will need to use a wheelchair, not just for now, but for always. Lou comes up with a loving plan to help Pops cope with his new life.
Be Glad Your Dad Is Not an Octopus!
Have you ever wondered what your dad would be like as an animal? Siblings who usually like their real dad (except when he’s “grouchy, bossy, or just totally gross…”) imagine with very funny results their dad as various animals.
Dad School
A preschool child imagines that his dad goes to school to learn all the things that dads do — from making awesome snacks to telling silly stories. But this dad and his child know that the most important job is “being my dad.”
Families
Some kids are adopted, others live with one parent, other children live with two moms or two dads; still others live with a mom and dad. Lots of different families are celebrated through a simple text and full-color photographs.
Families, Families, Families!
Imagine a house with many rooms, whose walls each have a different color or wallpaper, accenting a family portrait hanging there. Moms, dads, sisters, brothers — and even Great Aunt Sue — appear in dozens of combinations, demonstrating all kinds of nontraditional families! Silly animals are cleverly depicted in framed portraits, and offer a warm celebration of family love. Each portrait features a gently rhyming line: "Some children live with their father. / Some children have two mothers. /Some children are adopted. /Some have stepsisters and — brothers."
Gator Dad
Simple, everyday activities enjoyed by a father and his children become a vivacious romp as this is no ordinary family. They are, after all, alligators (though their antics are highly recognizable!) making the joy even more jubilant and the frolic more playful.
Henry Wants More!
Henry is a tireless toddler, generally outlasting each member of the family with his desire for more music, more stories, more attention! That is until at last, the baby is tuckered out and goes to sleep with “more!” kisses from his loving family.
More, More, More Said the Baby
In each of these three short, colorfully illustrated stories, the grandmother loves her Little Pumpkin as only a doting grandmother can. Chubby, multi-ethnic children are brightly portrayed in sparkling watercolors.
Ramona and Her Father
Seven-year old Ramona tries to take charge when her dad loses his job and her mother goes back to work out of the house full-time. Readers will see themselves in the Quimby household and are sure to chuckle at Ramona’s antics.
The Family Fletcher Takes Rock Island
The four Fletcher boys (each from a different background; each adopted) and their two fathers vacation in New England. Together the boys and their neighbors, the Galindo girls, help solve the mystery of the closed lighthouse in this fast-paced novel with recognizable events and personalities. The characters in this stand-alone book were first introduced in The Misadventures of the Family Fletcher.
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