Recommendations of a few of my FAVORITE family-themed children's books.

Happy Reading! ~~Catherine

Our Great Big Backyard

By: Laura Bush and Jenna Bush Hager

Illustrated By: Jacqueline Rogers

Loved this story of a young girl so looking forward to her summer at home with friends to suddenly find out her family has a different plan. They are going on a road trip--across the U.S. visiting national parks. She's not crazy about it but eventually can't resist the fun of the great outdoors.

(2016, Harper Collins Publishers)

All the Way to Havana

By Margarita Engle

Illustrated by Mike Curato

Let's go to CUBA! This wonderfully illustrated book takes you back in time to simple living with the family piling into their 1950's car, visiting cousins and grandma in the city, musicians playing, and feasting on special-occasion foods. If you like American cars from the 1950s, you'll especially love the illustrations by Mike Curato. (2017, Godwin Books/Henry Holt & Company)

Home In The Woods

By Eliza Wheeler

True story during the US depression of a family who recently lost their father along with his income and their home. Their move into a shack in the woods is hard for this family of nine. Uplifting and delightful, this book shows how resilience, resourcefulness, and happiness brings much joy. (2019, Penguin Random House)

Kamala and Maya's

Big Idea

by Meena Harris and

Ana Ramirez Gonzalez

Lovely story written be Kamala Harris' neice about her aunt and her mother as young girls. The story takes place in an urban setting where the girls show perseverance and resourcefulness for the good of their community. Young girls will find lots of role modeling in Kamala and her sister Maya. (2020, Harper Collins)

Grandpa Cacao - A Tale of Chocolate, from Farm to Family

by Elizabeth Zunon

Beautifully illustrated book where a young girl hears a story about her heritage and her family's cacao farm in Africa. Experience the special bond the girl discovers with her past. (2019, Bloomsbury Publishing)

Hey Grandude

by Paul McCartney

Illustrated by Kathryn Durst

Fun story by the beloved storyteller and songwriter, Paul McCartney. "See the compass needle spin, let the magic fun begin." A magical grandfather turns a boring day into a memorable one for his grandchildren. Who doesn't love Paul McCartney! (2019, Random House)

The Relatives Came

By Cynthia Rylant

Illustrated by Stephen Gammell

One of my favorite authors, Cynthia Rylant, tells this story about out-of-town relatives who come for a visit over the summer. Do you have relatives who travel from far away and stay at your house making for days of fun? Winner of several awards including a Caldecott Honor Book. (1985, Bradbury Press)

Abuela

by Arthur Dorros

Abuela -- that's me--a grandmother to two granddaughters. Maybe that's why I like this story so much!! Experience this colorful and magical family story that 'flies' over New York City interspersed with Spanish phrases. Winner of the Parents' Choice Award! (1997, Penguin Random House)

A Family is a Family is a Family

By Sara O'Leary

Illustrated by QinLeng

Clever story about school children telling their class about their families. Warmly told, many of the children worried their family was too different. But as they describe their family, they discover families come in all different shapes, sizes, and affections. They realize that all families are special in their own, unique way. (2016, Groundwood Books)

Of Thee I Sing -

A Letter to my Daughters

By Barack Obama

Illustrated by Loren Long

The former president poetically inspires readers (children and adults) to appreciate the gifts and talents of others while bringing hope for the future. The path ahead is an open book to discover one's self as those before us have done. Beautifully illustrated by Loren Long. (2016, Alfred A. Knopf)