(4) K-3 Illustrated by Sarah S. Brannen. This fortieth-anniversary edition features new illustrations and an updated text as "the concept [of family] has broadened..." since 1976. Along with the amiable watercolor illustrations, the wordy text covers all the bases with a wide variety of families represented. Simon discusses not only who makes up a family but what a family does: e.g., "People in a family...try to take care of each other."

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Teresa Flavin. This book, illustrated with bright, cheerful watercolors, highlights the diversity of the modern American family. The kids in an elementary school classroom describe their family situations--single parent, nuclear, extended family, gay parents, adoptive families, and more. Although the book is didactic, teachers and parents will find it useful as a discussion-starter.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt