Families Booklist

“Children who are read to learn two things: First, that reading is worthwhile, and second, that they are worthwhile.” Laura Bush

Reading books about families is a beautiful way to celebrate and share the diversity of family experiences and relationships. Children need to see their family structure, race, and culture represented in the children's books at home and in the classroom.  When building a library, whether in a basket or on a shelf, choose books that reflect the families of children in that space.   

The Featured Favorites include suggested questions to consider as children respond to the book. Remember that often, the best questions come from the children's curiosity as they listen.  Consider making a book for the classroom where each child creates a page about their family, including drawings, photos, and favorite things. At home, make a gallery by displaying images or, even better, drawings created by family members.

Featured Favorites

Alma and How She Got Her Name, by Juana Martinex-Neal (2018).

Alma and How She Got Her Name, by Juana Martinex-Neal (2018).

A young girl named Alma Sofia Esperanza Jose' Pura Candela shares with her daddy that her name is too long and never fits.  Her father lovingly shares the stories of all the family members she is named after.  Alma realizes how special it is to be part of a family and, in the end, loves her name!  The exquisite illustrations contribute to the story's sweetness and the connections between Alma and her family in this Caldecott Honor Book. (English and Spanish)

Ages 4 and up

After the Story

How did Alma feel after she heard more about how she got her name?

Ask children to share the story of their names.

Invite families to share a short story, photo, or drawing of a special relative.  Create a display of stories where they are visible in your program. Stories may or may not relate to a child's name.

Families by Shelley Rotner and Sheila M. Kelly (2016).

Families by Shelley Rotner and Sheila M. Kelly (2016).

Bright, beautiful photographs of families playing, celebrating, loving, and caring for each other make this book more like a family album.  The photos by National Geographic photographer Shelley Rotner and writing by Sheila M. Kelley create a celebration of uniquely diverse families in their everyday lives. This book is a perfect addition to children's book collections at home or school. 

Ages 3 to 6 years

After the Story

What are the fun things your family does together?

What are some ways members of your family help each other?

After reading the book, invite families, bring photos to share, and create a special place in the classroom to display pictures. 

Last Stop on Market Street by Matt De La Peña, Illustrated by Christian Robinson (2015).

Last Stop on Market Street by Matt De La Peña, Illustrated by Christian Robinson (2015).

This award-winning, best-selling book should be on every children's booklist as a story of family, goodness, gratitude, and joy.

CJ and his Nana ride the bus across town every Sunday after church. CJ sees all the things others have that he doesn't. His Nana responds by pointing out the interesting people and the beauty all around them. CJ sees raindrops on a flower, trees, and a rainbow.  He listened to music and the people talking on the bus.   As they get off the bus and arrive at the soup kitchen, CJ notices goodness around him. The illustrations depict the people's beautiful diversity and the city's colors.

Ages 3 to 5 years

After the Story

Have you ever been to a big city?  How is a big city different from where you live? 

Look out the window or go outside. What are some things you notice that are beautiful? Could you draw or paint a picture of what you see?

Do you know what a soup kitchen is or why people might go there to eat?

Saturday by Oge Mora (2020).

Saturday by Oge Mora (2020).

In this heartfelt and universal story, a mother and daughter look forward to their special Saturday routine together. But on this Saturday, one thing after another goes wrong--ruining storytime, salon time, a picnic, and the puppet show they'd been looking forward to going to all week. Mom is nearing a meltdown until her loving daughter reminds her that being together is the most important thing. Ages 4 to 8 years

After the Story

Have you ever planned an activity with someone special, and your plans changed? What did you do instead?

What did Ava love most about Saturdays?

What are some of your favorite things to do when you spend time with your family? 

Could you plan an activity and make an invitation to give to someone special?

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More Favorites About Families

  • Daddy, Papa, and Me by Lesléa Newman, Illustrated by Carol Thompson (2009).

    Ages baby to 3 years

  • Fred Stays With Me by Nancy Coffelt, illustrated by Tricia Tusa (2011)

    Ages 4-8

  • Fry Bread: A Native Family Story by Kevin Noble Mallard illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal

    Ages 2-6

  • Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney illustrated by Anita Jeram (1994)

    Ages 1-3 years. 

  • Heather Has Two Mommies by Lesléa Newman and Laura Cornell (2016)

    Ages 3 to 5 years.

  • One Special Day, by Lola Schaefer, illustrated by Jessica Meserve (2012). 

    Ages baby and up

  • Our Class is a Family by Shannon Olsen, Illustrated by Sandie Sonke (2020)

    Ages 5-7 years

  • Saturdays and Teacakes by Lester Laminack Paintings by Chris Soentpiet

    (2004) Ages 4 and up

  • Tell Me Again About the Night I Was Born, by Jamie Lee Curtis, Illustrated by Laura Cornell (2000).

    Ages 4 to 8 years

  • The Family Book by Todd Parr (2010).

    Ages 3 to 5 years

  • "When Grandpa Gives You a Toolbox" by Jamie L. B. Dennihan, illustrated by Lorraine Rocha (2020).

    Ages 4-8 years

  • Also, check out the book When Grandma Gives You a Lemon Tree by Jamie L. B. Dennihan, Illustrated by Lorraine Rocha (2019).

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Ideas for Sharing Books with Children

Reading Resources to Share with Families

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Library Connections

Check Out the local library in your Wyoming community.  Librarians are an excellent resource and can help you find the perfect books for your classroom, program, or home.  If you can’t get to your local library, try the Libby App!

Use your local library card and access the Libby App for children’s books on your phone, tablet, or computer. 

https://library.wyo.gov/find-thousands-of-e-books-and-audiobooks-in-gowyld-with-libby