Family is Family

Starred review from January 15, 2024
A baby chick wonders why he's the only animal with two moms. Before leaving for his first day of school, Chick receives a note from his teacher (mysteriously bypassing his parents) suggesting that he ask his mom, his dad, or an older brother or sister to walk him to school. But Chick has two moms (though no siblings), and he doesn't want to choose between them, so he decides to walk to school alone. Along the way, he encounters a variety of families: some headed by single parents, others with multiple siblings, and even one with an older sister as a guardian (but none with grandparents or unrelated adults as guardians, who would presumably be in an even bigger pickle than Chick). Seeing these relatively diverse families may be reassuring for readers but does not soothe Chick's anxiety, and when another classmate asks Chick why he came alone, he responds, "The note said 'mom or dad, big brother or sister.' What could I do?" The premise quickly falls apart, as it isn't clear why Chick believes he couldn't invite one or both of his mothers. When he finally asks his parents why he has two moms, he's given a loving non-answer: "Every family is different." With a strained plot and nothing new to say, there's little to recommend this title instead of another picture book about gay parents. Still, the art is appealing, full of both bright and subtle color, and the baby animals are adorable. Cute but forgettable. (Picture book. 3-6)

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May 24, 2024

PreS-Gr 3-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. Chick makes an awkward exit from the coop, declaring with bravado that he'll walk himself to the first day of school. A note from his teacher asking a parent or sibling to come along leaves him unsure how not to offend his two moms by only asking one to walk with him. 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 uncertainty 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. VERDICT 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.-Jessica A. Bushore

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