International Day of Families with ALL families! 15th May 2026

All families matter however they are formed.

Celebrate International Day of Families 15th May 2026 with ALL families!

‘This year’s observance will spotlight gaps in income, education, healthcare, digital access and essential services that shape children’s life chances. It will emphasize the need for integrated social protection systems — including child benefits, parental leave, affordable childcare and early education — to strengthen family resilience, reduce poverty and promote equal opportunities.’ United Nations Day of Families.

A new children’s book, Guess How I Was Born, is offering early childhood educators and families a resource to support age-appropriate conversations about the diversity of families in Australia. Written by child development specialist and children’s author Susanne Gervay, the picture book celebrates the many different ways children may come into the world to create family. Susanne’s granddaughter Violet Rose is a multi-generational, all female family with a grandmother, daughter and toddler.

‘From adoption and IVF to surrogacy, single parenting, same-sex couples, blended families, and everything in between, Guess How I Was Born? embraces the beautiful complexity of today’s families. Written with warmth and honesty, the book reassures children that no matter how they came into the world, they are deeply loved and cherished.’ Indian Sun

Books embracing families are many and varied and include wonderful picture books like, and Tango makes three by Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson and illustrated by Henry Cole. It was based on the true story of Roy and Silo, two male chinstrap penguins who formed a pair bond in New York’s Central Park Zoo, and were given an egg by zookeepers which they help hatch. The female chick, that completes their family, is consequently named Tango.

Nudie Rudie by author-illustrator Emma Quay welcomes the joy of siblings and family life in their nuclear family. Before We Met is also about the parent-child bond. It is a wish that will be familiar to most parents, made in anticipation of a new child, a simple wish for the life and love they will build together. Sophie Beer illustrates bright, joyful and inclusive illustrations. All of the families on these pages are different, as are the ways in which they will welcome their child, including through IVF and adoption. The common denominator is the gratitude and happiness when their wish comes true. 

Bathe the Cat by Alice B. McGinty, illustrated by David Roberts

This laugh-out-loud read aloud is possibly the picture book my daughter has read more than any other. A mixed-race family of two dads is expecting Grandma Marge at any moment. This book is a delight to read to children.

Early educators and librarians have already noted the value of picture books as a classroom and home resource. In practice, it can be used to:

• Promote inclusive discussions about family diversity during group times or story sessions.
• Support social and emotional learning, by helping children build empathy and respect for different lived experiences.
• Affirm children’s own identities, ensuring they see their family structures reflected positively in learning environments.

Such resources also support services in aligning with the National Quality Standard (NQS), particularly Quality Area 1 (Educational program and practice) and Quality Area 5 (Relationships with children).