The Great Big Book of Families

The Great Big Book of Families cover
Good Books rating 3.17

Technical:
  • ID: 788
  • Added: 2025-09-20
  • Updated: 2025-09-21
  • ISBN: 9780803735163
  • Publisher: Penguin
  • Published: 2011-04-14
  • Formats: 34
  • Reviews: 3
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The Great Big Book of Families is a delightful and inclusive exploration of the many ways families live and love around the world. Through humorous illustrations and engaging text, this book showcases various aspects of family life, from the types of homes they live in to the holidays they celebrate, and even the pets they adore. It's a celebration of the diverse fabric of kith and kin that will resonate with every family./n/nThis book is not just a story but a visual and textual journey that invites kids to explore and appreciate the differences and similarities in families. With each page turn, children will discover something new and relatable, making it a great big treat for every family to share and enjoy together.

Reviews
BookTrust · 2025-09-20
heartwarming 4.00

The book celebrates the diversity of families, highlighting that they come in all shapes and sizes. It is praised for its inclusive and informative approach.

This review highlights how the book beautifully represents a wide range of family structures, from single-parent families to blended families and everything in between. The reviewer appreciates the book's ability to remind readers that families are unique and special in their own ways. They also mention that the book is a great tool for starting conversations about family diversity with children.


Quick quotes

    The Great Big Book of Families represents a lovely diverse mix of different types of families, reminding us that families come in all shapes and sizes.

    It's a great way to introduce children to the concept of family diversity.

    A wonderful resource for parents and educators alike.

Charlotte Riggle · Charlotte Riggle · 2018-10-16
inclusive 4.50

The book is praised for its inclusive and colorful illustrations. It is seen as a great way to introduce children to different family structures.

Charlotte Riggle highly recommends this book for its vibrant illustrations and inclusive content. She believes it's an excellent tool for parents to discuss various family dynamics with their children. The reviewer also appreciates the book's non-judgmental tone and the way it celebrates the diversity of families. They find it to be an invaluable resource for fostering understanding and acceptance among young readers.


Quick quotes

    The Great Big Book of Families by Mary Hoffman and Ros Asquith is an incredible book that lets you introduce your child to all sorts of families.

    The illustrations are fab, so colourful and with minute attention to detail.

    It's super politically correct, too, so in the family where one parent works and the other stays at home.

critical 1.00

The reviewer criticizes the book for including an illustration they find problematic. They do not recommend the book due to this issue.

This review takes a critical stance on the book, particularly focusing on an illustration that the reviewer finds offensive and inappropriate. They argue that this illustration undermines the book's overall message of inclusivity and diversity. The reviewer believes that such depictions can be harmful and perpetuate stereotypes, leading them to advise against using this book in educational settings.


Quick quotes

    The Great Big Book of Families is NOT RECOMMENDED because it includes an illustration of kids playing dress up; one is dressed as a Native.

    This illustration is harmful and perpetuates stereotypes.

    The book's overall message is undermined by this problematic depiction.