This is the 40th Anniversary Edition of this title- All Kinds of Families. It is in picture book format, but can and perhaps should be used for all age levels. “Children need grown-ups who take care of them.” Almost every kind of family imaginable is in this book in one place or another: big , little, new, old, multi-generational, grandparents, two mothers, two fathers, aunts and uncles, adoptees, step sisters and brothers, people with different last names, multi-racial, and on and on. The important thing is that people “living together, sharing good times and bad times… growing together.” Families are ever growing and expanding with marriages, births, and deaths. When families get together for holidays, birthdays, weddings, and sad times stories are told and retold.  “Their family feelings keep people close, like a strong, invisible circle.”

This book is a wonderful jumping off point for discussions on what family is for you and others. Illustrator Sarah S. Brannen has done her part to positive provide families from different ethnic and culture groups, as well as, different age groups. Very well done!