Some Families Change

"“Harmony Day is about building compassion and acceptance for diversity. This lovely picture book explores this so well. Written by Jess Galatola and Jenni Barrand this book expresses how some families are different and that some change sometimes due to death or divorce. This would be great in ECEC as concepts are being explored and formed. Well done.” * Maggie Dent (on Instagram 137K followers) * “Every family goes through their own changes at some point, and this book offers a comforting exploration of changing family structures through gentle verse and inclusive illustrations. Covering scenarios including single-parent families, blended families, and the loss of a loved one, it serves as a reassuring guide for children experiencing such transitions. Candid and big-hearted, Some Families Change is a timely resource for navigating life’s inevitable changes”. * The Community Leader - Bayside * “It touches briefly on a child’s possible feelings of confusion, worry and hurt when ‘daddy or mummy move away because they no longer get along’. The conclusion emphasises that there is always love no matter what changes have occurred.”. * Story Links * “I adored this book for its ability to address complex emotions with empathy and understanding. Whether you’re a kid navigating family changes or an adult supporting them, this book is a beautiful reminder that love is what truly makes a family.” * Fiona Smith Writes (via Instagram) * “Covers the wide range of emotions that children can experience during alterations in the family structure. There is reassurance for the child/ren that whatever has occurred, it is not their fault, and encouragement to share their feelings with somebody to begin the healing process * Buzz Words * “The core Foundation Year unit of the Humanities and Social Sciences strand of the Australian Curriculum calls for children to know and understand “the people in their family, where they were born and raised, and how they are related to each other” and thus this book is an essential part of that understanding as they learn that not only are families different but also that theirs might change.” * The Bottom Shelf Edu blog and republished on OZTL the national Teacher Librarian Network * “Changes in the structure of a family can be joyful, turbulent, and especially confusing for little humans. Some Families Change is a gentle and reassuring way of showing children that all families go through changes - it’s completely natural, and they are not alone. We loved this one for its inclusiveness and also it’s brilliant and much needed message…” * Julie Ann Grasso Books (via Instagram) * “Rather than narrate a story, this book is a series of beautifully illustrated simple statements about the myriad compositions of families these days: some families get bigger or smaller for various reasons, some children may have two fathers, others may have two mothers, some live with a lot of relatives, some regularly move between two or more houses.” * Reading Time * “Some Families Change is a very helpful resource to help families guide their children through life’s many inevitable changes.”. * Blue Wolf Reviews * “It’s a really interesting little book. A reassuring way of showing that all families go through changes …and letting kids know, it’s not your fault. No matter what your family looks like, your family will continue to love you. Validates that it's OK to be upset or worried.”. * Your Kids Next Read podcast * “Lovely and heartfelt and a picture book that might be able to help kids process difficult experiences.”. * The Endless Shelf podcast * “Our kids need heart stories that celebrate diversity, empathy and understanding; stories that help them place themselves in this world. ” * Kids’ Book Review * “If you know a family who might be changing or going through a tough time, who needs a little love and assurance, or if you want your child to appreciate that family can look and feel different for everyone and to open up their understanding and empathy of all families, then this is the book to read.” * Picture Book Book Club (via Instagram) * “What I love the most about this gorgeous book is that it provides support for children who may grapple with these changes. This may result in difficult feelings and confusion. 'Some Families Change' validates these emotions in a reassuring way of showing children that they are not alone. As I always say, making connections to texts is an integral way for children to develop their understanding of themselves and the world around them” * Little Rainbow Reads (via Instagram) * “Highlights that although some families can be different, the one thing that always remains the same it that they love you. A great book. 10 out of 10 Tacos!” * Reading With A Chance of Tacos Podcast * “Some Families Change is a matter-of-fact, gently written book that shows little readers just how different families can be. It is a book that shows children that they are not alone in these experiences, it validates their feelings, and shows that sometimes it takes time to adjust to these changes.” * Kids Get Booked (via Instagram) * “Different family structures (extended, queer, solo, divorced) and the way they may change are depicted in affirming and reassuring rhyming verse. Children are reminded that change occurs but there’s one thing that lasts forever and that’s love. Many thanks to the wonderful @ekbooksforkids for continually publishing books to support children in developing empathy and providing representation for many.” * Love Four Reading (via Instagram) * “How powerful for young readers to see books depicting families that look like theirs, whilst validating other family structures that differ to their own. This book beautifully explores how family structures can change but the one constant that glues families together is love.” * Oh Creative Day * “From split families to the loss of a parent, this book offers a sensitive reassuring lens for children grappling with such changes, helping them understand and process their feelings” * Peninsula Kids * “As some family structures change it can be confusing and in this gentle story attempts to reassure young children through the happier and unsettling times. It explores life in single-parent families, families that become bigger or even smaller and through various situations.” * School Days Magazine * ""A powerful book that is emotionally gentle, reassuring, and also joyfully diverse – I loved seeing the different families throughout, reflecting the reality of families today.” * The Book Muse *"