Maggie Hutchings lists 7 Picture Books About Loving Families

As a counsellor and mediator, I’m always thrilled to come across picture books that champion diversity in family life. And as a grandmother, I’m always delighted when my grandkids just love a book so much, they ask for it over and over again. All of the books below have glorious illustrations with stories that keep kids engaged. They all feature diverse characters full of warmth and positivity and will be loved by kids of all ages. Enjoy reading them all!

Fred Stays with Me! by Nancy Coffelt & Tricia Tusa

First published in 2007 this award-winning, villain-free book about a split family, still feels relevant today. Without shying away from the difficulty of separation, Nancy cleverly shines a light on the things that remain constant for the protagonist … Fred the dog and the love between a child and her parents.

Ages 4+

Julian is a Mermaid by Jessica Love

When Julian dreams of being a mermaid, Abuela shows unconditional love. This book deftly navigates a child’s exploration of self, and an Abuela’s acceptance and wisdom. I love the way this story shows the importance of grandparents as primary caregivers and sources of love and support. This is a story every grandparent needs to share with their own little mer-people.

Ages 4+

Love Makes a Family by Sophie Beer

This board book is fabulous for little hands and takes us right inside the loving world of families of all sorts. Sophie’s bright happy illustration style is perfect for keeping babies and toddlers engaged and the simple joyous text makes this a perfect bedtime read.

Ages 1+

Who’s Your Real Mum? by Bernadette Green & Anna Zobel

I was so excited to see this book out in the world. At last, a funny heartfelt book about a child with two mums. It’s beautifully illustrated and written with a lot of humor. All families regardless of who they are will relate to the ending…Because it’s who tucks you in at night that matters!

Ages 3+

Welcome, Baby, to This World! by Jess Racklyeft

I adore this series of books! It was hard to pick just one to talk about. If you are looking for a very special gift for a newborn, however, this one is perfect. With an easy-to-read rhyming style and lovely illustrations, it’s a book any child will love to hear over and over again. Look out for all the other books in this series too!

Ages 3+

Baby Business by Jasmine Seymour

This is a really special book showing the way newborns are welcomed to country with a smoking ceremony. Jasmine’s illustrations are just fabulous and convey all the love and emotion families feel when a new baby arrives regardless of culture.

Ages 3+

Enough Love? by Maggie Hutchings & Evie Barrow

Enough Love? is my latest picture book. It’s beautifully illustrated by Evie Barrow, and fits right in with the other lovely books on this list. This is a story about a diverse loving family, and the way their love just keeps on growing despite the many changes they face together. I hope you enjoy it! 

Ages 3+

Maggie Hutchings is a counsellor, family-dispute mediator, writer and artist who spends her weekends covered in paint and scribbling lists that are never completed.

She is a famously mad aunt, nanna and mother who talks to herself out loud and falls over a lot in the garden.

Maggie writes stories with heart and soul for children and adults that encourage kindness, hope and resilience.