Not All Families Are The Same // Buddy Boodles

Most kids grow up thinking that families are supposed to be a certain way. Usually that includes a mom and a dad in a nice big house. But the reality is, that is not always the case. Families come in all shapes and sizes. 

I was given the opportunity to read with and review 3 books from Buddy Boodles in regards to families. Before I start the actual review I want to give a few introductions, Boodles is a monkey in each of the books that helps your child get through the different stories and situations. He calls your kids Biggies, which means big kid. And now, onto the fun... 

The first book, We are having a baby, is a great read for any family adding a new baby. I remember when I was pregnant with each of my younger kids and having the kids try to understand what a big sibling was going to be for them. 

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Boodles helps answer some of the questions that may come along with being a big sibling. Boodles teaches your Biggie all about the importance of them taking care of their own things, helping out around the house, playing quietly so mommy can get a few minutes of rest, and explain about the frequent doctor visits. Boodles takes you on the adventure of shopping for a new baby. Things like picking out a good carseat, diapers, and toys. Throughout the book your child will learn the different stages through visiting their new sibling in the hospital and how fragile the new baby is. 
The illustrations in We are having a baby are soft but clear. The colors are bright but not overwhelming and this book can easily be for big sisters and big brothers. The words are fairly easy to read, my son is 7 and was able to read the book to me. Very informative but simple. 

Talking Points:

1. A positive and loving approach to telling a child a sibling is on its way.
2. Discussion – Becoming a big kid and little helper.
3. Involvement – By preparing for Baby together the unknown becomes familiar and exciting.

The second, Being adopted is super-duper special!, is not something I personally have dealt with but one of my older cousins adopted twin girls 15 years ago. So I remember from her experiences the trials and tribulations of that.  

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"Adoption is admirable. Sometimes the journey can be very hard. For all the forever-families who chose love every day..." 
In this book, Boodles takes your Biggie on the adventures of adoption. Explaining that some babies do not stay with their mommies but with forever mommies and daddies welcome them into their homes and lives. Boodles explains that there is no lack of love but an abundance of love that allows the real mommies to give their babies to other forever families. The book goes through all the important steps like choosing a family, their family being told they are getting a new child, how they will be able to create their own adoption journey story to keep with them. Being adopted is super-duper special also goes into not looking or sounding like your adopted family and that is ok. "Having a forever family means you are safe and forever loved."
Again, with this book the illustrations are soft and clear. The book does an awesome job of explaining adoption to children in a way, and words, they understand. It allows the adopted child to see what their forever families go through before they ever meet. I love that it shows all the steps, and building up to the excitement of learning they are getting a new child. 

Talking Points:

1. Defines birth-mommy and forever-family.
2. Creates a forum to discuss how, when and why a child was adopted.
3. A story built on a foundation of unconditional love and acceptance.

The third, and final book, I got to review is What does a family look like. This book was personally my favorite to review because when I first got married and had my older 3 kids I always had in my head the idea of what was going to happen. When I got divorced I realized that was not always how things were. While it is great to have a sense of family, they are not all the same. Now I have remarried and my ex husband has (more than once) and we now have a huge extended family. My kids have siblings and step siblings and half siblings that are all close and have the opportunity to grow up together. 

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"Every family has a unique and individual story." These are very true words. Boodles explains that not all families are just a mom and a dad. Some of his friends live with their grandparents, some adopted, and some with two mommies. He also goes into some children that have a mom and a dad but they live with on different days. Throughout the book you learn that the important thing with families is teamwork and support. Families in any form keep you safe, even when you are upset with each other.
As with the others, the illustrations are very soft and clear. The pictures are accurate and unique to each of the story lines. I love that each book has different children and characters. It makes it easier to relate to. 

Talking Points:

1. Diversity is normal.
2. Teaching children to be open-minded, kind and accepting.
3. A guide to understanding and appreciating each family's uniqueness.

All of the books I reviewed were unique to different situations. They were all very kid friendly and easy to follow along with. For the 3 books and other family products, check out Noodle and Boo. 

You can order all the books above on Amazon. 
We Are Having a Baby, here. 
Being Adopted is Super-Duper Special, here. 
What Does a Family Look Like, here.


I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for my honest review.  The opinions listed below are my own and reflect my personal feelings about the book.