Inspiring Young Readers

posted on 27 Jan 2026

Loved Just the Same by Aisling De Barra, illustrated by Rick Tyler 

I have always been on the lookout for picture books that depict a variety of family shapes and structures as there was very little out there when I started my teaching career in the 1980s. I am pleased to say that, more recently, there have been some notable improvements in showing a range of ethnicities, and some increase in the representation of disabilities as part of the ‘normal’ social landscape. But there is still lots of work to be done in how same sex parents are represented in the mix made available to young children. Despite the fact that there are plenty of same sex couples with children in most schools, picture books that focus on this kind of family are still relatively unusual. I was delighted to receive this self-published one to review which has a front cover that promised a positive, upbeat rhyming story.

When children start attending school, it might be the first time that they are stepping into a world where others have a male and female parent. A common early topic covered is ‘Ourselves’ – which encourages children to look more closely at their immediate family and home and should always be handled with some sensitivity. I liked the way in which the child, Milly is shown as being initially comfortable with thinking about her two moms. On the turn of the page, she reflects on how this experience is different to her friend Sarah, who is shown with a very friendly looking dad. The overwhelming message is that she needs to bask in the evident love of her two moms.

Despite firm reassurance, Milly still seems concerned that having a dad is desirable. Children often do need to be given the same message over and over in order to be confident. Her patient parents go on to explain that some children have step moms or dads who will be able to give them plenty of love too.  They go on to give the example of how some children live with siblings and only see their parents once a week. Family shape and size really doesn’t matter and so it is important to be relaxed about how other children live their lives:

‘It’s not about what we

Look like, it’s about the 

Love and care we’re

shown’

I recommend this vibrantly coloured little picture book with its strong and compelling message. I am sure that it would be a welcome addition to the book selection in any early year’s setting. It is available to order directly from https://amzn.eu/d/9ERBIgq

Karen Argent

January 2026