School Library Journal

GILLIAM, Judy. Florence and Her Fantastic Family Tree. illus. by Laura Addari. 32p. Familius. Sept. 2020. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9781641702508.

K-Gr 2–A family tree sounds like a pretty simple school assignment, but nothing could be further from the truth for a little girl named Florence. Unlike the other students, Florence doesn’t have just a mother, father, and sibling or two; it is much more complicated than that. She has parents, siblings, stepparents, half-brothers, an adopted half-sister, and more. She is overwhelmed by the homework and how to approach it, and whether her tree will fit on the classroom wall. The more worried Florence gets, the larger the tree in her head becomes, even snaking its way into her bedroom windows. Eventually, she embraces the assignment with multiple sheets of paper and lots of colored pencils. She realizes that her family might not be simple or easy to describe, but she loves being in the middle of her “great, big, loud, colorful, fun, crazy family.” The next day, a much jollier Florence presents her tree at school. VERDICT There is no normal when it comes to families, and most collections would benefit from having this on hand.–Amy Nolan, St. Joseph P.L., MI

Check out this great review of Florence and Her Fantastic Family Tree:

When Florence’s teacher assigned the family project, what she wanted from the children was a family tree. Florence’s best friend, Sonji, had a pretty simple family tree with a mom, a dad, a brother, and Sonji. But Florence has a different kind of family tree, one with lots of branches and roots, stickers, and leaves. Florence has four… no, wait… six parents and step-parents and, while she only has one brother, she has a passel of half-brothers and half-sisters. It’s a lot to remember and a lot to get right, and she really has to wonder if she can fit it on the wall in the classroom. It’s a big, messy, complicated family, but it is Florence’s, and she wants to show her class.

Author Judy Gilliam has tapped into the blended family that many youngsters can relate to and may feel shy or uncomfortable talking about. This book will help them realize most people have messy families and will help them become more comfortable with their own situations. Laura Addari’s sweet illustrations in gentle colors with lots of fun details complete the story. This book belongs in classrooms and homes everywhere.

Reviewed By: Rosi Hollinbeck

A Net in Time
(8/29/20)

Florence and Her Fantastic Family Tree by Judy Gilliam, illustrated by Laura Addari:
A Net in Time reviewed Florence and Her Fantastic Family Tree on their blog, saying, "I thought Florence and her Fantastic Family Tree was a good read. Enjoyable, easy to read, the character develops, and good results. Regardless of what YOUR family looks like, it would be good to share with your children. Help them develop empathy for what other people’s families might look like".

“This book illustrates, in a delightful, creative, and humorous way, the ever-changing dynamics of today's family. It helps children understand that the make-up of families can be very different. Florence and Her Fantastic Family Tree is engaging and a must for the Family Book Collection.”

Phyllis Parker
Principal (retired), Department of Defense Schools, Fort Benning Schools, Ft. Benning, GA

“A wonderful interdisciplinary book that teaches young children about math, inclusion and acceptance - all at the same time! I highly recommend!”

James M. Mitchell, Ph.D.
Professor of Teacher Education, California State University

“This book is a powerful reminder for children and adults that families come in many different structures and forms. This story gives children an affirmation that whatever form their family takes, it is most important that it is filled with love and acceptance. This book will enrich both classrooms and home libraries in its quest to enrich the diversity of family experience.”

Merrianne Dyer
Teacher, Principal, Superintendent Emeritus Gainesville City Schools, GA

As someone who works with children, I can tell you this book will resonate with so many children in our world today.  It sounds just like a child telling the story about her family and to her it makes sense. But when she has to put it on paper, it may sound confusing to everyone else.  Florence is straight forward in describing her family.  She helps others to see not all families are alike but large or small, acceptance and love keep everyone connected.  I highly recommend this book for all families to read.

Debbie Burdette
Mama Jama the Storytelling Mama

“Florence and Her Fantastic Family Tree will resonate with every child who has stepparents, stepsiblings, half-siblings, or any other family structure that includes loved ones beyond the biological family. It sends the message that family trees differ and encourages children to embrace and celebrate their own unique family structure.”

Megan Swisher, Ph.D.
Licensed Psychologist

“A simple, yet complex story about a blended family, Florence and Her Fantastic Family Tree highlights a very real dilemma faced by many of our young people. The author's use of humor and descriptive language takes you into the heart of Florence, whose worry is how she will fit in. Ultimately embracing the uniqueness of her family, Florence realizes how lucky she is! Florence and Her Fantastic Family Tree elicits a beautiful message of acceptance and will be a wonderful addition to any library.”

Robin Lattazori
Assistant Superintendent, Cobb County Schools, Marietta, GA

“One of the most critical responsibilities we have as adults is to show our children how to embrace and love their families by instilling confidence in who they are and the dynamics of their families. No longer should children believe that families have only one dynamic of a single mother and father. Florence and Her Fantastic Family Tree provides a perfect entree to engage children about the complexities of their families and their families’ history. The narratives and pictures bring home the importance of all families in a way that is safe and understandable. A must-read for every family!”

Philip D. Lanoue, Ph.D.
Educational Advocate & 2015 AASA National Superintendent of the Year

“A brilliantly written story from the perspective of a child struggling with a classroom assignment of drawing her very complicated blended family tree. With wonderful humor, this book portrays the sensitivity of a child’s being different and the ramifications which emerge in that child’s mind. Psychologically, this is a book that promotes acceptance of family as well as feeling different. A must read for children and families dealing with these issues.”

Mary Evelyn Brown, Ph.D.
Clinical Psychologist, Jackson, MS

“This book, Florence and Her Fantastic Family Tree, is completely relateable to those children who have difficulty explaining their family members to others. Set inside a classroom project assignment, it helps children and their families understand that there are many different forms that families take; each unique and fantastic! If you get no other book for your home or classroom this year, let it be Florence and Her Fantastic Family Tree.”

Dr. Janet Wynn
Executive Director, Tomorrow's Promise Foundation

“…a delightful children’s book that beautifully describes with humor the complexities of today’s families without any biases or criticisms. This book will help all children and their families learn that there is no one perfect kind of family and that people come and go but they are still part of us. I so hope this book will be the beginning of a series of children’s books!

Vicki Denmark, Ph.D.
Chief Architect, Innovation Lab at Cognia™
Former Assistant Superintendent, Fulton County Schools, Atlanta, Ga