The Family Tree: A Magical Story Celebrating Blended Families
illustrations by
on Goodreads (10)
What’s inside...
The Family Tree is a captivating story that follows the journey of fairy siblings Ash and Willow, who live in a magical forest with their dad. Their lives take a turn when their dad introduces a new fairy, Hazel, into their family. As they navigate the challenges of adjusting to their blended family, they also strive to win the Busy Beetle Bake-Off. Through enchanting adventures and the magic of baking, this heartwarming tale, written by TV star and influencer Kate Ferdinand, celebrates the complexities and joys of blended families, helping children feel seen, heard, and appreciated.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-5
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the characters felt when they were learning about each other’s families?
What makes a family special according to the story? Do you think it's the same in real life?
Can you think of ways how all the family members supported each other in the book?
Why is it important to respect and celebrate each other's differences in a family?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own family experiences and how they relate to the book. Be open about the diversity and uniqueness in your family structure, reflecting on similar or different aspects in the book. Encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts as they relate to the story, ensuring to listen actively and validate these emotions. Use the illustrations in the book to point out moments of cooperation and love between the characters to visually emphasize the message.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Acceptance of diverse family structures
Explanation: The story illustrates how a young girl embraces her step-siblings and adjusted family structure, portraying it as a normal and enriching experience.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and embrace different kinds of family setups among their peers, promoting inclusivity and understanding.
Example Lesson: Importance of love and support in a family
Explanation: The narrative showcases how family members support one another emotionally, regardless of being biologically related or not.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of emotional support, encouraging them to be empathetic and supportive towards their own family members and friends.
Example Lesson: Adaptability to change
Explanation: The protagonist's journey through changes in her family life teaches children that adaptability is key in handling new situations.
Real-World Application: Children can utilize this lesson to become more resilient and adaptable when experiencing changes in their own lives, such as moving to a new school or city.
Example Lesson: Building strong relationships
Explanation: Through collaboration and shared experiences, the characters in the book build strong, blended family bonds.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to work on their relationship-building skills with others, fostering a sense of teamwork and community.