Family Is Family

PreS-Gr 3–When Chick faces the first day of school, he learns about different types of families and parents and how diversity should be embraced rather than a source of anxiety. Chick makes an awkward exit from the coop, declaring with bravado that he’ll walk himself to the first day of school. A note from his teacher asking a parent or sibling to come along leaves him unsure how not to offend his two moms by only asking one to walk with him. The journey shows Chick that every family is different in the makeup and number of its family members. At the end of the day when he asks his moms about their family, he learns that their structure is perfect for them and he is happy, calm, and loved. Marr (Bunny Roo, I Love You) captures the uncertainty of feeling different and seeking acceptance. Chick needs exposure to a variety of families to truly understand uniqueness is OK and to be celebrated. Rivero’s digital pastels show every image through a prismatic rainbow, reinforcing with a subtle touch the “pride” behind each family and the overall narrative. The exaggerated and cartoonish character expressions are reminiscent of an updated P.D. Eastman. The topic makes for a gentle introduction to LGBTQIA+ topics and fosters an opportunity for discussion.