Stella Brings the Family

My 6-year-old and I both love this book! The story is fabulous, the dialogue is believable, and the characters are realistic. The illustrations are cheerful and fun, they enhance the story, and they depict a diverse group of children and adults. We started reading it when my kiddo was 4, and it's always been one of her favorites. When Mrs. Abbott announces that they are going to have a special Mother's Day celebration in their class, and each child can invite a special guest, Stella is worried. She has two dads, but no special guest to bring to the Mother's Day celebration. Everyone else has a mother. Howie has two! One by one, the other kids ask Stella who does the things that their moms do - who tucks you in at night, who makes your lunch, etc. When it comes to "who kisses you when you get hurt", Stella responds, "Well, that's a long answer." She then lists all the people who give her hugs and kisses, and the other child says, "why not invite them all?" Stella's dads think that's a great idea, but Stella is still worried. Is it too many people? Will it be ok? She works harder than anyone on her invitation, because there are so many people to include. When the big day arrives, Stella is relieved to find that everything goes wonderfully. At the end of the celebration, Mrs. Abbott is worn out, and Stella reassures her that for Father's Day, she won't bring nearly as many people - just 2! Meanwhile, Howie is walking home with his moms and wondering who he will bring to the Father's Day celebration. :)

Fun story that centers on Stella, a little girl in elementary school. Her teacher says "We're going to have a celebration for Mother's Day, and each of you can invite a special guest." But Stella has two dads and no mother, so she worries about who to invite. Her classmates can all invite their mothers and Howie even has two. But her friend Jonathan suggests that she invite all the people in the family who give her kisses when she is hurt. So Stella's invitation is for Papa, Daddy, Nonna, Aunt Gloria, Uncle Bruno, and Cousin Lucy who go with her to school on the big day. Illustrations are very appealing for their colors, their child-like faces, and diverse children. A gentle story about problem-solving, where some of the characters just happen to be same-sex.

This sweet story, focusing on Stella's anxieties over Mother's Day and how she overcomes them, is absolutely delightful. The story is simple yet powerful, and the illustrations are lively and full of fun details. A great way to start a conversation with kids about all sorts of family structures. Highly recommended for all kids and parents.

This is a beautiful story of families of all types with clear and simple language so all kids can understand. A great way to start conversations about how families come in all shapes and sizes. I love the illustrations as well!

This is the best book for teaching our children about all of the different kinds of families there are. I am a surrogate and it’s important for my child to know that we love everyone no matter how their family looks. This book explains it in a child like way that makes it easy to understand, while also having a great storyline as well.

My daughter (age 7) and I loved this book. I don't often read books to her anymore - she can read on her own. But, in the event that this one prompted any questions (though we're already very open about same-sex relationships in our house), I wanted to read this one to her. When we were done, she wanted to read it again to herself at bedtime. I'd say that's a ringing endorsement! I have to say, every time my daughter does a school or camp project for mother's/father's day, I wonder about the kids who don't have the parent celebrated by the holiday. Schiffer's book reminds us (teachers, are you paying attention?) that families come in all shapes, sizes, and genders.

I loved the illustrations the most. They are colorful and unique. However, many new LGBT-themed literature are starting to become predictable and starting to read a lot like other LGBT books out there. Seemed a lot like "Antonio's Card."

Well done story line about a child with no mother for the Mother's Day party at school. Helped my friend's 5-year old start to have a conversation around this topic.