In Our Mothers' House

This book I have read to my daughter so many times. It makes me cry every time. To be able to have representation of our family in such a beautiful book warms my heart. I also read Mrs. Katz and tush when I was a kid. I have read that many times to my daughter as well.

As an adoptive parent, an adoption coach and a writer on adoption issues, I found In Our Mother’s House by renowned author, illustrator Patricia Polacco exceptional. As is probably obvious from the title, the story focuses on a/n (adoptive) family with two mothers. Readers searching for stories that include LGBTQ families will appreciate this upbeat and poignant tale.Written as a flashback from a now-adult adoptee who recalls some treasured and delightful memories of her childhood, In Our Mother’s House focuses on the positives, on how families can look different but still be about the love and care that connect them. Lesbian parenting is not the focus of the book; it is the backdrop. The story concentrates on the warm, supportive and “regular” family that the children and their two mothers shared. Love, tolerance and joy thread throughout.While most of the neighborhood characters welcome and embrace this unique family, one does not. Polacco makes the point subtly—the children wonder why Mrs. Lockner grumps at them whenever they meet her. The mothers concentrate on reaching out to neighbors (all of them) to create community.The illustrations include a dazzling array of diversity. Many lend themselves to further exploration of cuisine, language and neighborliness, etc. Although the story is about a family formed through adoption, it doesn’t concentrate on adoption issues, makes no mention of the emotional struggles that adoptees often face nor does it mention birth parents, etc. In Our Mother’s House is a sweet, feel-good book about the wondrous blessing of a loving family. Great book!--Gayle H. Swift, "ABC, Adoption & Me, A Multicultural Picture Book"

I read this book in my Diverse Children's Literature class. This will teach children that families are different.

Patricia is my favorite children's author. This book is special for children of two mothers or two fathers. It is becoming more common in our culture and reading this book to a class would be helpful to the understanding of the situation. Children can be cruel to their classmates if they have heard their parents make hateful comments. Children have to be taught to hate, it does not come naturally.

Purchased to read to my Unitarian Universalist Sunday School (Zoom) class on Mothers Day.Arrived promptly and in very good condition!

This is an excellent story that focuses on the warmth and love of family. The art is fun and exuberant and the story is excellent. The family is composed of two moms, Meema and Marmee, and their three adopted children. One of the best things about this book is that it is a story about love and family not struggle and intolerance. The message to take away from this book is happy families come in all shapes and sizes and these two moms love their kids and their kids love them. The presence of books like these in children's libraries everywhere would help to increase acceptance and understanding and reduce intolerance and homophobia. Well done Patricia Polacco!

I'm not sure why such a heart felt book could cause so much controversy it's beautifulThis book is adorable! My partner n I bought this book for our 2month old to show family diversityNot only is it sweet but he loves the bright art work n smiles every time we read it to him!Everyone can relate to This story about three fun loving kids n their families adventuresWe had our 8 yr old nieces read this book n they loved it but couldn't understand why anyone could be mean to kids just be cuz they had 2 mothersI recommend it highlyA must have for every LGBTQ collection!!

I tear up when I read this to my kids. What I love about this book is that although it's about a gay/blended/adopted family, that's not the subject of the story. It's a sweet story with details of a family that just INCLUDE but don't focus on them being gay/blended/adopted. Those are just pieces of their happy normal that don't define them. I like that instead of talking about how their family is "different", it just has the feel of a regular family tale that doesn't make them seem odd at all.

This is a lovely book and I am pleased it exists - representation of same sex families is so important. That said, the family pictured is so perfect and middle class that it almost tips over into the saccharine. It is also very long. I would say a useful book to have in your library for representing diversity but not necessarily one to read aloud.

Really well written

Item in good condition. Thanks.