When You Joined Our Family
What’s inside...
The book 'When You Joined Our Family' by Harriet Evans is a heartwarming tale that explores the dynamics of family life, the bonds that form when new members are introduced, and the love that ties a family together. It is a story that resonates with anyone who has experienced the joys and challenges of a growing family. The book is a celebration of all kinds of adoption and all kinds of families, steeped in love. From first meetings to settling in together and creating new traditions, this book gently explores the adoption experience and shows that it is love that binds a family together most of all.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What was your favorite part of the story and why?
How did you feel when the new family member was introduced?
What do you think makes a family special?
How can we make new family members feel welcome?
If you could add a character to the story, who would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Allow your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story before prompting them with the questions. This can lead to more organic and expansive discussions.
Relate the story's themes to real-life family experiences, making connections that the child can understand and relate to.
Encourage your child to draw a picture of their ideal family or a new family member, using this as a springboard for discussion about the book.
Listen actively to your child’s responses, affirming their feelings and thoughts to foster a supportive environment for open conversation.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Diversity
Explanation: The story showcases a variety of family forms and backgrounds, illustrating the beauty of diverse family structures.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect different family dynamics among their peers, promoting inclusivity and empathy.
Example Lesson: Unconditional Love
Explanation: The narrative emphasizes that family love is constant, regardless of biology or adoption status.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of loving and supporting family members in all circumstances, strengthening familial bonds.
Example Lesson: Importance of Acceptance
Explanation: The book highlights how accepting and welcoming a new family member can enrich family life.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding by being open and accepting to new students or neighbors, fostering a welcoming community environment.
Example Lesson: Individual Identity
Explanation: Characters in the book express their unique traits and are celebrated for their individuality.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to express themselves and appreciate their own uniqueness, boosting self-esteem and encouraging self-expression.