Family is Family

Melissa Marr (melissamarrbooks.com) Melissa Marr is also the author of the bestselling picture book Bunny Roo, I Love You, its companion, Bunny Roo and Duckling Too, and Wild Horses, as well as the middle grade novels The Hidden Knife and The Hidden Dragon. She writes fiction for adults, teens, and children, and her books have been translated into twenty-eight languages and been bestsellers in the United States and internationally. She lives in Arizona with her spouse, children, and many dogs.Marcos Almada Rivero (marcosalmadailustrador.blogspot.com) Marcos Almada Rivero illustrated How Many Squirrels Are in the World? and Señorita Mariposa (both by Ben Gundersheimer), and has written and illustrated several Spanish picture books. He also works on animation projects as a writer, illustrator, and art director. He lives in Mexico City with his wife and two amazing chicks.

"Marr provides a charming, individualistic addition to the 'every family is different' category of LGBTQIA+ picture books, avoiding bland generalization by also celebrating Chick’s strong feelings about both being himself and being an only child of two moms. The device of the kindhearted teacher’s note also draws attention to how gendered and heteronormative expectations often get unintentionally foisted from well-meaning spaces. Rivero’s digitally rendered pastels depict gem-toned animalia with wit and unique character, giving the cast an emotional authenticity and retro-postcard playfulness. . . . Unpacks the linguistic frictions and joyful belonging of queer families." --The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books “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. . . . 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 uncertainly 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. For a hands-on manual or just a story-hour treat, here’s a tale where a child learns about diversity in an essential asset for all libraries: public, school, and home.” —School Library Journal