The best children’s books about family and relationships

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Some fantastic children’s books help start important conversations with kids about families and relationships.

Kids need to understand that there are many different types of relationships – family, friends, acquaintances, strangers and more. And that families come in all shapes and sizes!

So you’ll find books on this list that celebrate family diversity. Books to help start meaningful conversations about how all families are different in some way. If you want books that include LGBTQI+ families, then you find that in a separate list of books for LGBTQI+ families.

If you’re looking for a book on a different topic, look at my main list of sex education books for children. It includes over 40+ topics!

You’ll also find more information about sex education on my Sex Education 101 page.

Not sure what to teach about sex ed at this age?

This printable checklist shows you the priority topics for this age, simple scripts to try, reassurance for common worries, and the next step to take.

Children’s books about different family types

You’ll find an age-specific list of children’s books about families. All of the books on this topic are currently showing.

All of the ages are visible, regardless of whether they’re relevant (or not). If no books appear for your chosen age, then it means there aren’t any relevant books.

To find relevant books for your child’s age, click on their age, and the appropriate books will appear.

NOTE: Before passing any book to your child or reading it with them, you should read it yourself first. I might think it is a great book for a certain age child or that the information is valuable, but you may disagree. Try to choose books that reflect your values and the messages you want your child to receive.

  • cover of Love is Love by Michael Genhart

    Love is Love by Michael Genhart

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  • cover of Just The Way We Are by Jessica Shirvington

    Just The Way We Are by Jessica Shirvington

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  • cover of the family book by todd parr

    The Family Book by Todd Parr

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  • cover of Who? A Celebration of Babies by Robie H. Harris

    Who? A Celebration of Babies by Robie H. Harris

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  • cover of We Are Family by Patricia Hegarty

    We Are Family by Patricia Hegarty

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  • cover of All About Families by Felicity Brooks

    All About Families by Felicity Brooks

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  • cover of And that's their family by Kailee Coleman

    And That’s Their Family by Kailee Coleman

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  • cover of What Makes a Family by Molly Potter

    What Makes a Family by Molly Potter

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  • cover of Living With Mum & Living With Dad (My Two Homes) by Melanie Walsh

    Living With Mum & Living With Dad (My Two Homes) by Melanie Walsh

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  • cover of The Not-So-Friendly Friend How To Set Boundaries for Healthy Friendships by Christina Furnival

    The Not-So-Friendly Friend by Christina Furnival

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  • cover of Talking About Relationships by Louise Spilbury

    Talking About Relationships by Louise Spilbury

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  • cover of Nonnie Talks About Relationships by Mary Jo Podgurski

    Nonnie Talks About Relationships by Mary Jo Podgurski

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Find practical tools to educate kids about sex education in the Sex Ed Shop

These are some of the many books for children about family and relationships. As I find more, I will add them to this list. They are all really good books that you will find useful for starting conversations about diversity in families.

Oh, and please do let me know if you know of a book to be added to this list!

Happy reading!
❤️ Cath

Not sure what to teach about sex ed at this age?

This printable checklist shows you the priority topics for this age, simple scripts to try, reassurance for common worries, and the next step to take.