Best Books about Family for Babies and Toddlers

This is a celebration of the many different kinds of families that exist, including adoptive families, families with same-sex parents, single-parent families and families with different skin colors. Photographs of real-life families help readers remember the book’s important message: that families come in many different combinations, and all families like to show love.

This story follows just one kind of family—with two adults, two kids, the same eye color and different skin colors—as they go to the zoo and discover that all families look different! While this book has a lot of words to read (and so might be better for older toddlers and preschoolers), it provides to perfect opportunity to talk with your little one about who’s in your family.

Through the power of sheer imagination, a young child transforms into a variety of creatures, each of them more strange than the last. But the child soon learns that no matter what form they embody, their parents will always love them.

Filled with gorgeous, emotive illustrations, this book celebrates the natural wonders of babies and the joy they bring to families. These pages pay tribute to the littlest little ones, presenting them as not only adorable, but splendidly varied, born on each and every day all over the world.

It’s never too young to learn that love is love, and this heartwarming celebration of LBGTQ families depicts positive representations of same-sex parents through scenes inspired by the alphabet. Each scene is recognizable, true to life and relatable, representing the joys and frustrations of family life, which often go hand in hand.

There’s all different kinds of mommies out there: Some mommies drive minivans, some mommies ride motorcycles. Some mommies work at home, some mommies work in big buildings. But all mommies love their children! There’s all different kinds of daddies, too—check out The Daddy Book (also by Todd Parr)!

First published in 1986, this classic book by Robert Munsch is a gentle affirmation of the love a parent feels for their child—forever. The soft and colorful pastel illustrations perfectly complement the sentiment of the book, and it’s sure to be one item on your bookshelf that will be read repeatedly for years.

This beautifully illustrated book depicts the many ways parents love and care for their children. No matter what species we are, we love our little ones. This vintage illustration-influenced picture book, in baby-friendly board book format, renders that love and tenderness beautifully. With warm, spare language that lulls and soothes, and a soft color palette, this is a great choice for a calming bedtime read.

Sunday dinners at Grannie’s house are full! Full of food, full of family, full of love through the pages as this big family gathers for a cherished weekly tradition.

Some families are expecting new babies! If you’ve got a little one already and another on the way, this sweet little book makes a fun and simple way to introduce the idea of a new addition to the family. The toddler in this story is full of endless questions (many of which might sound familiar to you!) about the baby and preparing for their arrival.

Two is enough for smiles, for laughs, for comfort, for love. Two is enough for everything—including a family. Follow along with these single-parent (and single-grandparent) and single-child families as they live and play as pairs.

This adorable book about adoption shows just how important adoptive family members are to each other. The simple language and bright, friendly illustrations emphasize the cherished togetherness of adoptive families, because now “we can all grow together,” “we can discover new places together” and “we all have someone to kiss goodnight.”

Choco is looking for a mother, and he’s sure that she should look just like him. But he soon learns that it’s not physical similarities that make a family, but the capacity to love and care for one another.

Follow this happy family as they go about their day. From combing their hair to packing snacks to going for a walk, their daily activities are full of love. The simple, rhythmic words make this enjoyable and understandable for even the youngest ears, and the story is a cheerful celebration of the joy of having two moms.

Stella has two dads, so who should she bring to her school’s Mother’s Day celebration? When she thinks about who does all the typical “mom stuff” in her family, she realizes that everyone pitches in—so Stella brings the whole family. This adorable story shows how it takes a village to raise a child, and every family member should be celebrated.

Over 4.5 million children in the US are raised by their grandparents. This playful story of one little girl being raised by her Nonnie and Poppy helps answer questions and comfort anxieties for children in skip-generation families.

Aunties are the best! Snuggles, giggles and playtime abound in this adorable depiction of a very special bond between and Auntie and her little bunny.

Sometimes kids have two homes, and that’s okay! What’s most important is that children have their own special space in their homes, and those spaces are filled with love. Through gentle and affirming language, this book focuses on what is gained when parents separate, rather than what is lost.