Families Week recognises the important role families and carers play in our lives and communities.
At Aruma, we know there’s no one way to be a family. Families are connected by love, culture, care, friendship and shared experiences. For many families, caring for a loved one is part of everyday life.
Picture books are a great way to help children explore what family means, creating conversations about belonging, relationships, and the many ways families are connected.
Here are five must-read picture books that celebrate families and belonging.
1. Come Over to My House by Eliza Hull and Sally Rippin
A celebration of how families live, play and experience the world differently, this Australian picture book explores the home lives of children and parents who are Deaf or disabled.
Importantly, it reflects disability and accessibility in everyday family life, helping to normalise inclusion from an early age.
2. Love Makes a Family by Sophie Beer
“Whether you have two mums, two dads, one parent, or one of each, there’s one thing that makes a family a family… and that’s love!”
An uplifting Australian picture book celebrating the everyday moments of love, care and connection that bring families together.
3. Me and My Sister by Rose Robbins
A story about two siblings, including one who has a disability, sharing everyday life together. It captures the ups and downs of sibling relationships and the strong bond, care and understanding between them.
4. Looking After Grandma by Teena Raffa-Mulligan
A story about a young girl and her grandmother as their relationship changes over time. As Grandma experiences memory loss, they find new ways to stay connected.
5. My Two Blankets by Irena Kobald
A moving story about migration, change and belonging. It shows how relationships and connection can help children feel safe and supported in new environments.
Why stories about families matter
These stories can help children:
- Understand that all families look different and that’s something to celebrate
- Build inclusion and acceptance from an early age
- Recognise the ways families show care and connection
They also help normalise conversations about disability, caring and belonging in everyday life.
Supporting carers and families
Families Week is also a time to recognise and support the people who care for others.
At Aruma, 28% of our staff identify as carers, supporting loved ones living with disability, chronic illness, mental health conditions, and other needs.
Our Carers Focus Group is part of our commitment to ensuring carers feel heard, supported and empowered. We share resources, advocacy, and practical support to strengthen how we support carers across our organisation and community.
Because when carers are supported, families are stronger, and so is our community.
More recommended reads
Here are some more books that reflect family, diversity and belonging:
- A Family is a Family is a Family by Sara O’Leary
- Where Are You, Eddie? by Michael Rosen
- Chloe and the Fireflies by Chris Clarkson
- The Invisible String by Patrice Karst
- Families Can by Dan Saks
Celebrate Families Week
This Families Week, take a moment to read a story, share a memory or connect with the people who matter most.
