There are SO MANY fantastic stories about families! Seriously I have a hard time choosing what to include! No matter what I decide, I always make sure different family types are represented. I know the bond between a child and a mom or a child and a dad is really special, but not all kids have both. Maybe they’re growing up with a single parent, a grandparent, a foster family, or have two moms or two dads! Whatever it might be, I never want any child to feel as though their family is not valid. So I stay away from doing any storytimes on the theme of “mom” or “dad.”
Introduction: We start by singing our hello song, but after that, with this storytime, I jump straight into one of the books to introduce all kinds of families
Book: The Family Book by Todd Parr
Todd Parr is a prolific children’s author for a reason. This book shows all kinds of families with no judgement or cynicism and really just lets the reader take it all in. He handles the subject, which can be really emotional for many kids, in such a bright, hopeful and loving way.
Sign of the Day: After our intro book, we talked about what family is or means to the kids, with the preface that it isn’t just one thing and there are no wrong answers. Then we learn the sign for family. It’s done by forming the letter F with both hands. Touch the circle part of the F’s together, then rotate both hands until your pinky fingers are touching.
Song: Skinnamarink. I remember this song fondly from my childhood and it’s still a big hit with families in storytimes! I talk about what makes a family — Love — then teach them this song they can sing with their loved ones. To make it a little extra fun, we sing it a few times, going faster and faster.
Book: Friday Night Wrestle Fest by J.F. Fox
Before we read this book, I ask the kids if there are activities they like to do as a family, all together. The responses vary widely, but I’ve never had anyone say “wrestle.” This book is such a great story of how a dad tries to get his children ready for bed and is definitely a comical crowd pleaser!
Rhyme: This Little Cow. I tell the kids that I like to imagine all the cows we’re talking about are a family. Then we point or bend each finger as we talk about them.
This little cow eats grass.
This little cow eats hay.
This little cow drinks water.
This little cow runs away.
This little cow does nothing,
But just lies down all day.
We’ll chase her, we’ll chase her,
We’ll chase her away!
Book: Plenty of Hugs by Fran Manushkin
A sweet little slice of life book that follows a family as they spend the day together. The family rides their bikes all over town — going to the zoo, farmer’s market, and then a bedtime bath.
Felt: What? Cried Granny: An Almost Bedtime Story by Kate Lum
This story is an absolute treat! Kids, and their grownups, will be roaring with laughter as Granny does things the hard way to make Patrick comfy in his first sleepover at his grandparent’s house. The felt pieces we have are super simple and the story is mostly told, with just a few pieces to add a little to it.
Closing: We review our ASL sign of the day and then sing our goodbye song!
More Books to Check Out:
Librarian Ginny 