Families Can

by Dan Saks, Brooke Smart (Illustrations)

A rhyming, light-hearted celebration of the wonderful differences that make each family unique.

A family can be
Any kind of number
Maybe there's one parent
Strong like thunder

This charmingly heartfelt board book is for families who cook together and families who sing together, families with lots of members and families with a special few, families who live together and families who live separately--for all families. Celebrate the differences that make each family unique and the similarities and love that connect us all together.

Genres: Picture Books, Family, LGBT, Childrens, Storytime, Fiction, Love

26 pages, Board book

Published April 6, 2021

Reviews

[Michele Knott · Rating 4 out of 5]

This board books makes a perfect addition to your collection about families.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rhyming text and scenes of familial love celebrate the wonder and diversity of families. Not only do families enjoy spending time together in different ways, but families come in different shapes, sizes, and configurations. There is mention of families with pets and two fathers, two mothers, one parent or even extended families with an active grandparent or two. This board book is the product of the creative team behind Families Belong, and it will certainly open the eyes and raise the awareness of some young readers while providing comfort and reassurance to others as they see families just like theirs in the pages of this book.

[Marissa Charleston]

This book introduces the idea of families and all of the different characteristics of families. It embraces the many different ways families may be made up, what traditions they may have, and what activities they may like to do together. It shows many different family dynamics, living situations, routines, and traditions and reinforces that each family is beautiful and different. I would use this book when discussing the topic of families with my students and could accompany a read aloud of this book with an activity where students get to share about their own families and what makes them who they are.

[Sue H · Rating 3 out of 5]

Board books are often underestimated and considered basic or boring. However, this rhyming book is not the same. It depicts a variety of families and family structures all enjoying different activities. The takeaway from the book is that all families are unique and beautiful. For younger children it can be a wonderful conversation starter about who is in their family and the things that they like to do together. A great addition for home, a classroom, or library.

[Andrés · Rating 4 out of 5]

Saks delivers the message of family diversity well. This book features families that are multi-racial, immigrant, single-parent, divorced, LGBTQIA, multi-generational, and it notes that families have different hobbies and different compositions of kids, ranging from one to many, sisters or brothers. I'm not a huge fan of the style of Smart's illustrations, but they do feel modern, for whatever that's worth, and the content matches the text.

[A Allen · Rating 2 out of 5]

A book that touches on how families are unique and includes charming illustrations. However, I don't like when books make absolute statements, such as the "all homes are better with books under covers" page in this book. It would be nearly impossible to make a statement that actually applies universally regardless of the topic, but especially when talking about something as unique as family.

[Elizabeth Tirado]

As an early childhood educator, I appreciate how this book helps children see that families can look many different ways big or small, with one parent or two, with grandparents, or with adopted and blended families. The rhythmic, rhyming text and bright, cheerful illustrations immediately capture young readers’ attention and invite them to engage with the story.

[Harriet Lynn Jacobson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simplifies race by associating it with hot and cold places, but the illustrations represent many different skin colors and cultures. The point of the book is to share a diversity of family structures, and it does a lovely job with that.

[Reagan Kapasi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book about the different make up families and having different interests. Includes multiracial families, 2SLGBTQ+, divorced, and immigrant families. Rhyming text and beautiful painted pictures.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is our second in this series (also families grow), and features families that look different (activities, number/gender of kids, number/gender of parents, etc.). Stella will read these over and over and over for weeks.

[Joel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Might have to buy this one! There are a lot of books out there emphasizing how families can look different (which is awesome), but this may be the best one. Wonderful choices of families, great writing, great artwork!

[Hannah Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think it’s so important for kids to see that families can look different!! I think there’s a silent shame kids can feel if they only see stereotypical families in media, and their family looks different at home. Love the inclusivity of all the different families in this book :)

[Sara Alegría · Rating 5 out of 5]

So cute and a perfect way to introduce the way families are unique. I love it! Perfect for anyone trying to raise their kids right

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love how this book celebrate all kinds of families.

[Pinky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Families vary what matters is the love they have for each other.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a valuable and perfect book for the times.

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Families can look very different, but they are all about love. I wish there was some families with varying disabilities too.

[Mia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute little board book that depicts how different families can be while reminding us that any grouping of people can be a family.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful board book about families and all the different and unique ways they can be.

[Bree Ann Swaner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This collection of books about families is seriously amazing and I definitely want them for my shelf. They speak to so many different family situations and they do it in such a beautiful way.

[Christie Angleton · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's fine. I do like all of the different family structures, but the rhymes feel forced much of the time. I like it as a board book that littles can page through and focus on the illustrated text.

[Alicia Hill]

Note: States "A family can have two mommies or two daddies"

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely my favorite of this cute board book series. Embracing all kinds of families and all the different things they like to do. Sweet and celebratory.

[Rosie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful rhyming book that celebrates the differences that make each family special. Rosie loved having this read to her.

[Alexa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best board book I've read in a while. So beautiful.

[Rachel Leigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the message, but several of the rhymes were a stretch. Would have been better if it didn’t rhyme.

[Annamaniac · Rating 5 out of 5]

We love a kids book that teaches about diversity and represents all the different ways a family can look. No one is left out. Simple and perfect.

[Kimberly Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the sweetest and best books for young kids that I've read. I wish I'd had it for my daughter when she was younger.