By Kaylie Seed
Constance O’Connor and Natalia Rojas together with illustrator Lucy Poley published the children’s book Every Family is Different in 2019. They have created a brilliantly educational and adorable children’s book teaching children that all families are unique and different. Every Family is Different is a lovely children’s book that uses animal families as a way to describe how families are unique and diverse.
O’Connor is a scientist who studies animals and their behaviour. She uses her knowledge of various animals to create, with Rojas, a narrative about different animal families. Rojas is an early childhood educator. With Rojas’ knowledge of children and O’Connor’s knowledge of animals, together they have created a way to show children that a family might be different than their own and that each family is wonderful just as they are.
Lucy Poley is the illustrator for Every Family is Different and she uses soft line work mixed with realistic animals to create an aesthetically appealing book. Poley is also a scientist who enjoys animals and the outdoors, so it is no wonder that Every Family is Different is both accurate and artistic.
Every Family is Different provides an opportunity for parents to teach their children about different families and to teach their children about various animals. The rhyming prose is both lovely and fun to read aloud. Parents who are looking for a creative way to teach their children about diverse families should pick up a copy of this beautiful children’s book. Every Family is Different will not only help teach children but the adorable animals will bring a smile to anyone’s face.