Florence and Her Fantastic Family Tree

(Hardback)

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Description

Everyone has a family tree, no matter how big or small. But what happens when mine has more than just the roots, trunk, and branchesIve got six parents (yes, sixyou can count with me and see) and enough siblings to take up almos

Reviews

"There is no normal when it comes to families, and most collections would benefit from having this on hand."
School Library Journal

"Author Judy Gilliam has tapped into the blended family that many youngsters can relate to and may feel shy or uncomfortable talking about. This book will help them realize most people have messy families and will help them become more comfortable with their own situations. Laura Addaris sweet illustrations in gentle colors with lots of fun details complete the story. This book belongs in classrooms and homes everywhere."
-Seattle Book Review

"A simple, yet complex story about a blended family,Florence and Her Fantastic Family Treehighlights a very real dilemma faced by many of our young people. The author's use of humor and descriptive language takes you into the heart of Florence, whose worry is how she will fit in. Ultimately embracing the uniqueness of her family, Florence realizes how lucky she is!Florence and Her Fantastic Family Treeelicits a beautiful message of acceptance and will be a wonderful addition to any library."
Robin Lattazori, assistantsuperintendent, Cobb County Schools

"One of the most critical responsibilities we have as adults is to show our children how to embrace and love their families by instilling confidence in who they are and the dynamics of their families. No longer should children believe that families have only one dynamic of a single mother and father.Florence and Her Fantastic Family Treeprovides a perfect entre to engage children about the complexities of their families and their families history. The narratives and pictures bring home the importance of all families in a way that is safe and understandable. A must-read for every family!"
Philip D. Lanoue, PhD, educational advocate and the 2015 AASA National Superintendent of the Year

"A brilliantly written story from the perspective of a child struggling with a classroom assignment of drawing her very complicated blended family tree. With wonderful humor, this book portrays the sensitivity of a childs being different and the ramifications which emerge in that childs mind. Psychologically, this is a book that promotes acceptance of family as well as feeling different. A must-read for children and families dealing with these issues."
Mary Evelyn Brown, PhD, clinicalpsychologist

"A delightful childrens book that beautifully describes with humor the complexities of todays families without any biases or criticisms. This book will help all children and their families learn that there is no one perfect kind of family and that people come and go, but they are still part of us. I so hope this book will be the beginning of a series of childrens books!"
Vicki Denmark, PhD, chiefarchitect, Innovation Lab at Cognia and former assistant superintendent, Fulton County Schools

Author Bio

Judy Gilliam is an educator who has served as a teacher, principal, superintendent and college professor. Her greatest points of pride are her children and grandchildren, who inspired her debut book Florence and Her Fantastic Family Tree.