Williams, Abbey. An ABC of Families Book. Illus. by Paulina Morgan. 2021. 52p. Quarto/Frances Lincoln Children’s Books, $15.99 (9780711256538). PreS-Grade 1.
This board book uses the alphabet to explore a multitude of concepts around family and family structures. With accessible and clear language, it serves as a rudimentary primer to open conversations about different types of families. Each letter is presented in a double-page spread, one with the letter and concept, the other explaining the concept, and features families who are racially diverse (and several female characters wear hijab) and include same-sex, single, adoptive parents, and surrogates. Every letter except the letter E, for extended family, is presented as a home. Families engage in everyday activities and traditions and each family is affirmed as good.
Bright cartoonish illustrations complement the words and match beautifully with diversity depicted in the text. Each letter provides an opportunity for extension into discussion or projects in families or with students. My favorite letter was X for XOXO. The book explains that hugs and kisses are a way to show affection for family members, but also expresses that it is okay to say no to physical contact, which creates an inclusive environment for children with sensory issues or different boundaries. It also teaches the concept of consent. The clear intent of this book is for children from all backgrounds to be able to explore the book repeatedly, relating the text and illustrations to their own families and the community around them, creating awareness and acceptance at an early age. Conceptually some terms like lineage may be too developmentally abstract for very young children, and it may be best used with children 4+.
Curiously, for a book with so much inclusion that recognizes the make-up of a multitude of families, there are some illustrations that are concerning. Firstly, all East Asian characters, though differing in hair color and skin tone are depicted with slanted eyes, a common and orientalist and racist trope. Secondly, on the L spread for lineage, two characters appear in headbands, braids, and fringed clothing, likely Native American or First Nation, though unspecified as to nation or tribe. And finally, though several characters, adults and children, are depicted in wheelchairs, this seems to be the only visual representation of disability. 
Other readers’ reviews mention disappointment about language choice in the spread for adoption that uses the word “given” as a concept that should not be used for adoption, as well as siblings being binary – brothers or sisters, as opposed being unspecified to include non-binary people. Hopefully these pitfalls will be addressed and corrected in the final publication or a future edition, as it inculcates acceptance for all types of families at an early age.
This is a review of the digital e-galley. Expected publication date for this book is February 23, 2021. I would like to thank Quarto/Frances Lincoln Children’s Books and Netgalley for giving me digital access to this book.
