A Family Like Ours

by Frank Murphy, Kayla Harren (Illustrator), Alice Lee

Everyone's family is unique--and good! From sprawling extended families and close-knit units to adopted and chosen families, A Family Like Ours celebrates all those important connections we build over the years. Regardless of what yours looks like, family is a place for support, safety, growth, and inspiration. What is special, surprising, or sensational about your family?

Genres: Picture Books, Family, Childrens, Storytime, Fiction, Adoption, Love

32 pages, Hardcover

Published August 15, 2023

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

See also: Frank Murphy and Frank Murphy, among others.

Reviews

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully illustrated story that describes family. And how family comes in all different colors, types and numbers and ways and descriptions. And that there is no one way to describe how a family should be.

Sometimes we are born into a family, sometimes we become part of a family.

This book allows us to reflect on family. Especially the one in which we belong.

Which makes this a beautiful, open-minded reading experience for young children. To see and appreciate differences. And celebrate the connections we build with people through family.

Reading Level: Ages 5-8 years – Kindergarten – Grade 3rd

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a perfect world, you live next door to your favorite family members. You hang out whenever you want. You support each other and respect each other. Everyone loves each other and has a great time being together.

In this real world, most of my family lives far away and we don't see them often. Life is complicated. Family is often what you make and the people you choose to be your people. I read this with Mister before bedtime, and it gave us a great chance to talk about what makes a family. I appreciated the repeating themes:

"Because we are braver together."

"Because we are better together."

"Because we are made to be together."

"Because we are safe together."

"Because we are stronger together."

"Brave. Strong. Safe. Together."

[Catrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this beautiful book.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another one for Rainbow Book List that need a public review - this picture book is great for talking about different kinds of families. The illustrations are absolutely stunning, and so many different kinds of families are represented. The text also includes sections that talk about how our families are beautiful and wonderful, but also sometimes hard, and I appreciate that.
Recommend for anyone building a home library for their kids, but especially if your family looks "different" in any way. This book is a keeper for helping little ones feel more secure.

[Heather Stigall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frank Murphy has partnered with Alice Lee and Kayla Harren to create another companion to his series, this time about families. I love how this book highlights how families can look and feel different. Whether families are big or small, are found or ones you are born into, are temporary or life-long, they are all important. "We all need family.” This picture book is a must for everyone!

[Kelly]

Pretty good. Explains families in lots of ways. I like the Because statements at the end of each grouping of pages.

[Aneesa]

Lovely illustrations. Artists must love doing books like these, which require you to draw every kind of person.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely book. Was a bonus read on Hoopla.

[Maileen Hamto · Rating 4 out of 5]

"A Family Like Ours" is an affirming and winsome book for young readers to explore diversity and reflect on the family to which they belong. Authors Frank Murphy and Alice Lee teamed up with artist Kayla Harren to deliver a book that conveys the joys of being part of a nurturing and loving family. Both in words and illustrations, the book depicts a variety of racial, ethnic, gender, age, and other diverse identities, ensuring that readers of all backgrounds can see themselves in the beautifully and warmly rendered pages. As the authors expand the traditional representation of a family, they also challenge adults in children’s lives to enhance their understanding of multiculturalism.

In a book about acceptance and awareness of different kinds of families, I appreciated the focus on adoptive families, LGBTQIA+ parents, immigrants, and blended families. Harren’s inviting artwork serves to make children aware of differences and recognize them as a source of strength. The authors offer downloadable activity sheets for young readers to ask a family member to share their thoughts about what makes their family interesting and reflect on cherished memories with loved ones.

[Kathy Temean · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love every book in this series, but I really love this book. It is such a celebration of families. Children will see that just like everyone is different, so are families. I love how A Family Like Ours shows so many different families. Some are big, some are small. Some families look the same, some are a rainbow of colors. Some families adopt and child and sometimes child adopts a family to call their own.

Inside this book children will find images of themselves and it will make them think about what makes a family and realize how we are all better together. Everyone needs a family. Somewhere to learn and build traditions. A place to live. A place to grow. A place to share their hopes and dreams. A place to create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

Kayla's gorgeous illustrations will definitely keep parents and children wanting to spend time looking at all the details on every page making it a perfect book to start a discussion about families with their children.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my goals for the new year is to be more intentional with my time. Specifically my family time: my children and husband, my parents, sister and extended family, and my friends.
Author Frank Murphy and Illustrator Kayla Harren have worked their magic again while also teaming up with debut author Alice Lee.

This book sums up everything that I try to teach my children about family. It is diverse, it is special, and it is unique to every person. To celebrate the special moments we share and to be understanding that not every family is like ours: which is beautiful in and of itself!

Family is such a broad term and I love how it is described and used throughout. The close friends you make are like a family. Your class or sports team is your family. These examples and more are great ways to get your child to think about the relationships they have with those close to them. Let’s make this year one of deeper relationships and meaningful bonds!

[Jthe YSLibrarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful book about all types of families. Large families and small, families with one parent or two, found families and families related by blood, interracial couples, families with a mommy and daddy, two daddies, or two mommies. The illustrations are really great in their racial diversity and showcasing various body types. In one illustration there is someone with vitiligo, someone wearing a hijab, and a child who uses a wheelchair is in two different pictures.

As wonderfully diverse as this is, if it has one weakness, it is in the lack of disability representation. Besides the child who appears in a wheelchair twice, I do not see any other people who have disabilities represented. But, the actual varieties of bodies shown are greater than the majority of books with good disability representation... so I guess you win some and lose some.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Following in the tradition and pattern of the other "like You" books from this publisher, this picture book celebrates the uniqueness of families, noting the importance of families but also their different compositions and sizes--adopted, large, small, looking alike, looking different, living close by or far away--while also discussing the benefits of family. The artwork gives examples of all of these types of families while the text points out that some families are chosen by their members who are not related genetically. It's hard to resist trying to find a family composition that mirrors readers' own, something that's actually suggested in the note from the book's creators. Plus, youngsters might want to connect with an older relative and listen to their stories of growing up or favorite foods or holidays, anecdotes that can later become a family story written by that youngster.

[Rella B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

“A Family Like Ours" by Frank Murphy is a heartwarming tale that skillfully captures the essence of family bonds through relatable moments. The simple yet impactful storytelling creates an emotional connection for both children and parents. Vibrant illustrations enhance the overall experience, making it visually appealing and engaging. This book is a wonderful addition to any bookshelf, offering a charming story that celebrates the warmth and love within a family. Highly recommended for those seeking an uplifting and relatable read.

[Melki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here's a heartwarming look at all types of families - ones we are born into, and ones we create ourselves. I LOVED the illustrations by Kayla Harren.

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

A look at what makes up a family in today's society, and how everyone's family may be different, but the same in many ways. Families are diverse, just like people with different views, cultures, religions, nations, neighborhoods, experiences, and beliefs, and this book covers just a few of these concepts.

[Miss Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful book about how all families are different and the same. I just love the illustrations showing all the different people. Some families are big, some are small, some are the same color and others are like a rainbow. I also like that is tells us how some families are temporary like a team or friends at school.

[Terresa Wellborn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book highlighting families of all kinds. I appreciate the inclusive text and illustrations, proof that families are of all backgrounds, varieties, and love.

Themes: family, inclusivity
Ages: K-2nd grade
Pub year: 2023

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author Alice Lee slipped this signed copy of the book under our door at NCTE for fellow author illustrator Lauren Castillo. We attempted to get it to her—but we’re not able—so Dr. Lee gifted it to me.

My family theme collection needs further development—so I’m thrilled to add it to my shelves.

[Allison Maddox · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most beautiful books I’ve ever read. I am so excited about the diversity and representation of all kind of people and families that is happening in books these days. This is a lovely book with magnificent art featuring so many ways to experience family.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

For people who have traditional family ideals, this book may be uncomfy. But, it does a good job of broadening the concept of family. Great, realistic illustrations with pages FULL of emotion, action and people. I like the “together” theme repeated throughout the book.

[Tangie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very beautiful! I'm so happy to have found a book about families that includes found family and that has emphasis that families feel good and safe ❤️ I cannot wait to get to discuss this one with my niece when she gets older

[Jessica · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don't like books where there is no plot and the only point of it is "diversity, diversity, diversity." I enjoy books with really great plots. If you also naturally have some diversity in there, more power to you.

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars for thivary yet have many similarities and it's all good.s delightful book that shows that families

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

borrow

[Steph]

Turn/Level: 1/3

Family Diversity

A showcase of EDI families, though it doesn't specifically mention LGBTQIA it does include some pictures of them.

[Abby Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations and simple message make for a sweet book for all.

[Kennedy Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved how the book was about how everyone's family is unique and different people come from different cultural backgrounds.

[Mrs Heidrich · Rating 4 out of 5]

A picture book depicting all kinds of families.

[Shandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations of all sorts of families... lovely and inclusive, and very aspirational of what a strong support family can be.