Book details
My Family Tree and Me
Description
This one-of-a-kind picture book provides a beautifully simple introduction to the concept of family ancestry. It uses two stories in one to explore a small boy's family tree: the boy tells the family story of his father's side starting from the front of the book, and that of his mother's side starting from the back of the book. Four previous generations are introduced for each, from his great-great-grandparents to his parents. The grand finale in the center of the book reveals the boy's entire extended family, shown in one drawing with all the members from both sides identified by their relationship to him. Of particular interest is the cultural diversity of the boy's family, which includes European and Asian ancestors, and readers can visually interpret the family members' physical characteristics as they get passed on through the generations. Award-winning illustrator DuÔyan Petricic's classic artwork contains thoughtfully selected details with a touch of play and humor. And, since most of the story is told in the art, this is a wonderful tool for enhancing children's visual literacy as they spend time making connections and looking for clues. This book makes a great springboard for lessons on describing and sharing family histories and naming family relationships. Applicable in-class activities could include having children build their own family trees or imagine and draw portraits of their ancestors featuring period and cultural details. This title also lends itself to discussions on multiculturalism in families and in the larger community.
Age
3-7
Text complexity
intermediate
Length
24 pages
Book in series
#2
Why to read
- Educational Value: 'My Family Tree and Me' by Dušan Petričić provides a creative way to introduce children to the concept of genealogy and family history, helping them understand their own heritage and the connections between generations.
- Illustrative Charm: The book is renowned for its engaging and colorful illustrations, which not only captivate young readers but also effectively convey the family relationships and time periods covered in the family tree.
- Storytelling: Through a simple yet powerful narrative, the book tells the story of a child's ancestry from both the maternal and paternal sides, offering a unique storytelling approach that can foster a child's curiosity about their own family stories.
- Cultural Diversity: 'My Family Tree and Me' celebrates cultural diversity by showcasing the varied backgrounds and histories that can make up a family tree, encouraging children to appreciate and embrace their own unique family heritage.