Story about family for kindergarten: 20 Must-Read Children’s Books About Family

20 Must-Read Children’s Books About Family

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Families can look like many things. When I was a child, children’s books either depicted homogenous, white families with two to three children doing family things, or a family of animals with two to three children doing family things. Rarely were children’s books published that showed the wide variety and realities of family life. That’s changed, thankfully. Now, numerous children’s books show and celebrate families of many kinds doing their normal family things, which can also vary greatly! I love it, and I love reading all of them to my daughter.

Here are 20 such children’s books that depict the diversity of family life, and also show what really makes a family—love and care.

Board Books About Family

Love Makes A Family By Sophie Beer

Every kind and type of family can be found in this board book. It’s a joyful and bright celebration of the many ways families take care of and love one another, from waking up bright and early in the morning to the sound of drumming, to splashing in the biggest puddles. It’s such a sweet message. The vibrant art and colors pop, and there are many things toddlers can point to and name.

Homemade Love By bell hooks, Illustrated By Shane W. Evans

A mother and father call their little girl all kinds of silly names to show her how much they love her in this poetic board book. It’s endearing and a joy to read.

My Two Moms And Me And My Two Dads And Me By Michael Joosten, Illustrated By Izak Zenou

These two board books celebrate diverse LGBTQ+ families. It shows moms and dads and their little ones going about their daily routines until it’s time for bed. These are super sweet.

Better Together: A Book Of Family By Barbara Joosse And Anneke Lisberg, Illustrated By Jared Andrew Schorr

This lift-the-flap board book was one of my daughter’s favorites for a few months. Each page shows a single member of an animal family alone with a possible threat. But lift the page and voila, their family appears to help them out. It also provides the names for groups of animal families—a dazzle of zebras, a cloud of bats, a town of prairie dogs. Neat!

Picture Books About Family

Between Us And Abuela By Mitali Perkins, Illustrated By Sara Palacios

For La Posada Sin Fronteras, María and her family drive to the border to see their abuela through the border wall. It’s been five long years since María has seen her abuela, but she still remembers the sound of her voice calling her angelita, and misses her warm hug. Both she and her little brother Juan have made her presents, but while María’s scarf fits easily through the fence, Juan’s family portrait does not. But with a little ingenuity, María finds a way to give Abuela both their presents. This story is so sweet and touching, about how a family is still a family no matter what side of the border they’re on. I tear up every time I read this because I just want Abuela to give her two grandchildren and her child that good warm hug that she used to.

Jazz Baby By Lisa Wheeler, Illustrated By R. Gregory Christie

This is one of my favorite read-alouds: “Auntie toe-taps. Uncle soft-shoes. Fancy dancin’ baby Baby sings, “DOO-WOP-DOO!” Every page has that sing-song rhythm, depicting a very jazzy family celebrating jazz with the youngest member of their family.

Love And The Rocking Chair By Leo And Diane Dillon

A rocking chair is passed down through the generations, each new family rocking their little one in it until that baby is a child pretending the chair is a boat sailing in the ocean, and then later a parent themselves, rocking their first little one to sleep. It’s an endearing read, and also depicts an interracial family. Leo and Diane Dillon have coauthored/illustrated many picture books together. This one seems like it might be autobiographical.

When Aidan Became A Brother By Kyle Lukoff, Illustrated By Kaylani Juanita

When Aidan was born, his parents thought he was a girl when actually he was a different type of boy. Aidan’s Mommy is pregnant again, and he’s really excited about being a big brother. But he doesn’t want his sibling to feel the same way he did when he was really young. He wants them to know that they can be whoever they want to be. This book is an important discussion of family in many ways. First, it shows how assumptions from those we love can hurt us, but also how families can correct their behaviors to embrace and respect differences. I admire how Aidan’s parents respect and honor him in this book, and learn from their experience to create a better childhood for their next baby. I also see Aidan’s struggle and anxiety with becoming a big brother an important topic of conversation with expectant families. It’s an empathetic portrayal of a family with a transgender child that’s trying to do things better. And the illustrations are lovely. My toddler loves just physically flipping through the book in addition to reading it.

Thanking The Moon By Grace Lin

Grace Lin is one of my absolute favorite children’s book authors. Thanking the Moon tells the story of a family preparing for and celebrating the Chinese Mid-Autumn Moon Festival. From setting out the food to preparing the moon-honoring table, each family member has their own task to complete before the ceremony begins. And then everyone sends a secret wish to the moon. It’s a lovely book about family and about this Chinese festival.

Georgia’s Terrific, Colorific Experiment By Zoe Persico

Georgia is a scientist in a family of artists; what a tragedy! She wants to study famous scientists and conduct her own experiments. Her family tries to help her with their artistic ideas, but she doesn’t want their help! So she goes off alone to do some brilliant scientific experiments. Except, she’s stuck. What can she study that hasn’t already been studied before? Then she has an idea, an idea that involves her family. Turns out their art can help after all! Family fights, pouting, and creative differences are essential parts to every family. This book is a colorful and fun way to explore those ideas.

Stella Brings The Family By Miriam B. Schiffer, Illustrated By Holly Clifton-Brown

For Mother’s Day, Stella’s teacher is throwing a party and all the moms are invited. The problem is, Stella doesn’t have a mom. She has two dads. What’s she going to do? With the urging of her friend, Stella decides to invite her entire family. She worries about the party all the way up to the day of, but then she and her family have so much fun meeting everyone else’s family. It turns out there was nothing to worry about, which, as a side note, would’ve been really nice if Stella’s teacher had addressed when she told the class about the party! This is a great book to introduce children of binary families to same-sex families and to reassure children with same-sex parents that they’re not alone and that their family matters.

First Laugh: Welcome Baby! By Rose Ann Tahe And Nancy Bo Flood, Illustrated By Jonathan Nelson

In Navajo tradition, a baby becomes a member of their community after their first laugh, and then a celebration is held to welcome them in. This picture book tells the story of a modern Navajo family trying to get their newest member of the family to laugh. Which family member will make the little one chuckle first? It’s an amazing book and makes me so happy to read.

Jingle Dancer By Cynthia Leitich Smith

Jenna wants to dance at the next powwow with her grandmother, but she needs more jingles for her jingle dress. By helping family and friends, she’s able to acquire enough jingles for the powwow. This picture book also depicts a contemporary Native American family, honoring their traditions. It’s a must.

Mango, Abuela, And Me By Meg Medina, Illustrated By Angela Dominguez

Mia’s abuela comes to live with her and her parents, but she doesn’t speak English and Mia doesn’t speak Spanish. With the help of a parrot, a little perseverance, and a lot of love, the two begin to teach each their language, and strengthen their relationship. This story is as sweet as it sounds.

Around The Table That Grandad Built By Melanie Heuiser Hill, Illustrated By Jaime Kim

“This is the table that grandad built. These are the sunflowers picked by my cousins / Set on the table that Grandad built.” Each page adds onto the list of table preparations for the table that grandad built, until the entire family gathers around it, ready to enjoy what looks like a very tasty meal. Or as my daughter says, “Mmmmm, yummies. MMMMMmmmmm.” The book’s rhythm makes it an excellent read-aloud, and I’m happy to see the diversity of family members and food gathered around the table that grandad built. Often, food and family gatherings go together, and this book celebrates both.

Middle Grade Books About Family

The Vanderbeekers Of 141st Street By Book Riot Contributing Editor Karina Yan Glaser

This is such a charming and delightful novel about a large, biracial family trying to live their best life in a brownstone in Harlem. It’s light while still dealing with real-world stuff. There are three books in the series so far, and if you’ve already read them, then take this quiz to see which Vanderbeeker you are! I’m Laney.

The Lotterys Plus One By Emma Donoghue, Illustrated By Caroline Hadilaksono

Emma Donoghue is best known for her adult novels, including her bestseller Room. She’s published two in her middle grade Lotterys series so far, and they’re cute and funny and very diverse. The Lotterys are made up of four parents, too many children to count—some of whom are adopted—and many many pets. In book 1, when Grumps is diagnosed with dementia, he comes to live in the Lotterys’ house and takes over Sumac’s room. Sumac tries to be okay with this, but Grumps earned his name and ridicules Sumac and his family’s life.

Kinda Like Brothers By Coe Booth

Kevon is Jarrett’s foster brother, but he doesn’t trust him, and he certainly doesn’t think of him as a brother. Kevon and his baby sister’s coming into Jarrett’s household coincide with a lot of other big happenings in his life: he’s failing 5th grade, his mother has a new boyfriend, and he’s starting to learn what it means to be a black boy in the United States. Despite all these weighty topics, the book is often fun.

The Other Half Of Happy By Rebecca Balcárcel

Quijana is half Anglo, half Guatemalan, and definitely prefers her Anglo side. But then her Guatemalan family shows up and convinces her parents to go on a trip to Guatemala. Quijana doesn’t speak Spanish and she has a new crush, so she certainly doesn’t want to go on this trip. But she does wish she could communicate with her grandmother, and something is up with her little brother. Balcárcel is a poet, so it’s no surprise that the prose in this novel sings.

The Science of Breakable Things By Tae Keller

Natalie’s mother is depressed and, more than anything, she wants to fix her—to make her happy again, to smile and laugh with her. But that’s not how depression works. I had a parent diagnosed with depression at the same age as Natalie, and I wish I’d had this book in my life. I’m glad it exists now! I also enjoy the friendships Natalie develops at school.

I wanted to include families of every time and culture in this list, but it was just impossible! Thankfully, Book Riot has many lists with children’s books about family, from siblings to grandparents to adoption. Check these out for more:

• 10 Sibling Books to Help Children Welcome a New Baby
• 20 Children’s Books About Divorce
• 25 Children’s Books About Grandparents
• 30 Children’s Books About Non-traditional Families
• 25 Children’s Books About Adoption

14 Children’s Books About Families of All Kinds!

Do your children see their family reflected in the pages of a favorite picture book? I hope they do, but if not, maybe one of these children’s books about families will help!

The titles below depict a wide variety of diverse families in all shapes and sizes, from multiracial, to divorced, single parent, foster families and more. Some of the books show a range of families, others focus on just one. Let me know what kind of family is missing from this list and leave your suggestions in the comments below! And be sure to visit the index of all our book lists.

(Note: book covers and titles are affiliate links.)

This Is How We Do It by Matt Lamothe. The book follows seven children from different countries: Italy, Japan, Uganda, Russia, India, Peru and Iran. Each contemporary child describes their home, school, family, food and  daily life. This is a great starting point for conversations about the differences and similarities between life in different countries, but also how children in the same country don’t all live the same way. At the end, photographs reveal the actual families depicted in in the book. I love the large size of the book, and how the illustrations invite a lengthly perusal.

My Friends and Me by Stephanie Stansbie. This is a very cute book. Jamie describes the diversity of all her friends’ families. The families have a variety of parents: two dads, one mom, a foster mom, divorced parents. The families live in diverse domiciles, from large houses to houseboats. Jamie also describes a fun attribute of each of the families. Some juggle, others surf, some are really not so good at dancing. Colorful illustrations give the reader a lot to look at.

Two is Enough by Janna Matthies. A mom and her daughter experience a variety of enjoyable activities. This tale shows that a family of two can be just as full of love and smiles as a large family. A nice addition for your library shelves with a positive representation of families with single parents.

Fred Stays with Me by Nancy Coffelt. Initially, I picked up this book because I love Tricia Tusa’s illustrations. A girl describes her routine of moving back and forth between her two parents’ homes. Her dog, Fred, goes wherever she goes, providing a sense of stability and the companionship she needs during the transitions. Both parents get a little frustrated with Fred, but the girl stands her ground and insists that Fred stays with her. I enjoyed this book because it didn’t make a fuss over the girl’s living situation, neither was the resolution overly sentimental. Highly recommended.

Emily’s Blue Period by Catherine Daly. This is another thoughtful book depicting a divorced family. Emily loves art, especially Picasso. Her family situation saddens her and she announces her artistic “blue period.” Her art allows her to process the range of emotions she feels about her parent’s divorce, allowing the story to come through with out a lot of long, explanatory test. This picture book will speak to older kids quite nicely.

In Every House on Every Street by Jess Hitchman. This families book is a little different than the others on this list in that the majority of the book is one child describing how her family lives. A young, white red-headed girl in a multi-racial family (the mother is white, her father and brother have brown skin) details the fun the family has in their home and on each page spread a different room in the house is shown. At the end of the book, the girl asks if the reader’s house is similar to hers and a die cut two page fold out opens up to reveal all kinds of families in their homes.

A Family is a Family is a Family by Sara O’Leary. In a classroom full of diverse students, a teacher asks the children to describe their families. They are all different. Some have a mom and dad, another lives with their grandparent, another has divorced parents, another step-siblings. There are LGBTQ families, disabled parents, foster families and more. The narrator is a child listening to all of the descriptions and realizes that all families are special because they are made up of people who love each other.

Stella Brings the Family by Miriam B. Schiffer. Stella doesn’t feel different than the other kids, but she realizes her parents are different from a lot of the other families she knows. Her school class is planning a Mother’s Day celebration, so Stella comes up with a way to include her two dads. The lovely way the book communicates that schools can accept families of all kinds sends a positive message that families may look different, but the love is the same.

Monday is One Day by Arthur A. Levine. I love this sweet picture book. Diverse families spend each week day engaging in ordinary activities. But each day is somehow punctuated with something special for families to connect with each other. When the weekend rolls around, children, parents and other loved ones come together to celebrate. The illustrations depict all kinds of families!

I Love Saturdays y domingos by Alma Flor Ada. is a wonderfully uplifting story about a girl who spends Saturdays with her English-speaking grandparents and Sundays with her Spanish-speaking abuelos. She describes the joys of each visit and the reader instantly sees the parallels and how much the family loves one another. In the end, everyone comes together for the little girl’s birthday. There are a lot of Spanish words and phrases but no glossary (at least not in my library copy), but English-only readers will have no problem understanding the story.

My Two Grannies and My Two Grandads by Floella Benjamin. Both books have similar themes: one grandparent is from the Carribbean, the other from England. Each has a very different personality from the other. However, with the help of their grandchild, they learn to appreciate each other’s difference and make a little music in the meantime.

In Our Mothers’ House by Patricia Polacco. I’ve mentioned before that you can always count on finding a book to suit your needs if you turn to Polacco’s enormous oeuvre. In this story, young black girl narrates her happy familial existence. She has two moms and a multicultural, adopted family. They have loving traditions and a warm, affectionate home life. Unfortunately a neighbor directly confronts the family to tell them she doesn’t approve of their family! Use this book to talk to your kids about how others are afraid of what they do not understand (a wise lesson that one of the mothers in the book teaches her child) and challenge your kids to think about how we can overcome prejudice and open people’s hearts.

More books about adoptive families: Children’s Books about Adoption

The Case for Loving: The Fight for Interracial Marriage by Selina Alko, illustrated by Selina Alko and Sean Qualls. This book tells the real life story of how one couple fought for and won their right to be legally married in the state of Virginia. The reason that Virginia wouldn’t recognize their marriage? She was black and he was white.

More children’s books about families:

Picture books with multiracial families

Children’s books about grandparents

Early chapter books about friends and families

Middle grade books featuring diverse and loving families

Children’s compositions on the theme “My family”

Children’s compositions on the theme “My family”

Azmanova Vika
My family consists of three people – mom, dad and me. Mom’s name is Lyudmila Ivanovna, and dad’s name is Alexander Vitalievich. We all love to travel together.
Last summer we went to Krasnoyarsk. Mom and I went to the zoo. There are many animals and birds there. We especially liked the monkey. She is cheerful and funny. My mother and I named her Anfisa. Often walking in the park, we went to the zoo. I approached Anfisa, smiled at her, waved my hand. Mom loved her too.
Once they came in, but Anfisa was not there. I felt very sad, and my mother comforted me. And I felt good with my mom. A day later we saw our Anfisa. It’s good that mom is always there! She knows everything and can help me.
I love my family very much – my mom and dad, because mom will always help me in difficult times, and dad protects our whole family.
Yulia Arkhishina
There are four people in our family, these are mother Marina, father Lyosha, brother Daniel and, of course, I am Yulia. Our family is very funny. Especially my brother. He always walks and plays with me. But I want to talk about my mother’s advice.
Once I had a fight with a friend and I was very sad. I came home and told my mom everything. She reassured me and said that you can’t quarrel and swear with your girlfriends. And the next day, my girlfriend and I reconciled.
Thanks to my mother’s advice, I have been friends with her for a very long time. And next time I will ask dad for advice, because we are a very friendly family.
Belousova Anna
My family consists of four people. My mother’s name is Olga Alekseevna, my father’s name is Vladimir Sergeevich, and my brother’s name is Zakhar.
Once we went to the village, and there it began to rain heavily, and thunder rumbled. It’s good that we managed to get to the grandmother, and everything ended well. It’s because we were all together. We drank tea and went to the pond. And there I jumped from the tower for the first time. I really enjoyed jumping.
And I also want to tell you about my mother. My mom is my friend. We play Sea Battle and other board games with her, drink tea, talk heart to heart. She often gives me advice. That’s what my mom is!
I love my family very much.
Bogdanov Kolya
There are four people in my family. My mother’s name is Vika, my father’s name is Vlad, and I also have an older sister, her name is Veronica. Our family has a common favorite – this is our dog, dachshund Lisa, she is three years old.
Mom always helps me. She recently helped solve the problem about apples. There you had to come up with your own task. And I almost made a mistake. And when mom doesn’t know, then I ask dad. With dad, I like to go mushroom picking in the summer. Once I saw a fly agaric, and dad said that you can’t touch it.
I love my family very much!
Borovik Vlad
My family consists of four people. My grandmother’s name is Valentina Nikolaevna, my father’s name is Roman Alexandrovich, and my mother’s name is Lidia Anatolyevna.
We have a friendly family. I always help my grandmother. On Saturday, my dad and I vacuum and my mom does the cleaning. Grandma is preparing a delicious dinner. On Sunday we go to the city for groceries and rest.
I love my family. I can’t live without them. They rarely help me learn my lessons, but in life they always help.
Dima Bukarev
My family consists of four people – my mother, father, me and my sister.
I would especially like to talk about my father. Once I was given a computer game. I immediately installed it and started playing. I play, I play – and once, I can not pass it! I do this and that – well, I just can’t get through! I told my dad about the problem, he sat down at the computer and passed the difficult level! My dad is my real friend!
Daniil Bushuev
We have a big and friendly family – me, mom, dad, brother. I also have wonderful grandparents.
One day my grandmother and I went to the Oka to swim. But I got water in my ear. Therefore, the next day we went not to the Oka, but to the hospital. But when I recovered, we again went to swim. My grandmother and I are great friends, I reveal my secrets to her.
Katya Buyanova
My family consists of six people: mother Ira, father Oleg, sisters Alena and Nastya and my hamster Misha.
I love my family and appreciate them for their affection, kindness and for raising me!
And my story begins… I’m watching a cartoon, and next to me Misha is nibbling on an apple that I gave him. Parents came and said that we would go to the Klyazma River with our whole friendly family, and our friends would go with us.
It was good on the river! Nastya Titova and I played ball. And then everyone – my mother, Nastya, my sisters Nastya and Alena went for a swim. And Misha squeaked at that time. He was hot! I put Misha in the shade and gave him an apple. When we went home, Misha felt better. And I calmed down, because he is a member of our family!
My family is very friendly and very caring!
Igor Zhdanov
My family is my mother, father, my brother and our pet cat Basya. Our family is friendly. We all love each other. We always try to help each other. When I am sick, my whole family helps me get better quickly.
Sunday – that’s luck!
Sundays are so needed!
Because on Sunday
Mom makes pancakes.
Dad washes cups for tea,
We wipe with him together,
And then the whole family
We drink tea with pancakes for a long time.
And a song is pouring through the window.
I’m ready to sing myself.
It’s good when we’re together,
Even if there are no pancakes!
Misha Kondrashov
I love my family very much. My family consists of five people – uncle, mom, Gio, dad, me and my dog. My dog ​​is very kind, she only barks at those who offend me.
My mother is now in Georgia with her brother George. I love her so much. My dad is also in Georgia. I still live with my uncle, and on weekends I go to Smolino to visit my grandmother.
Katya Markeeva
Our family consists of three people – mom, dad and me. We love to sit on the couch and watch TV in the evenings. When mom comes home, she cooks food. My mother’s name is Olga, and my father’s name is Yuri, and my name is Ekaterina. Our family is very cheerful and cheerful.
Once we went to the Komi Republic. It was very hot there. And a river flowed near the house, it is very cold and deep, six meters deep. I slipped and fell, and my dad saved me!
I love my family and can’t live without them!
Osipova Sophia
Our family is very large, it is father, mother, grandmother and one more grandmother, two grandfathers and two brothers – Matvey and Yegor. I will only talk about the main members of our family. I love my brothers very much, but we also have shortcomings: Yegorka cries at night, he is still small, and Matvey sometimes pulls me by the hair. But still our family is friendly!
One day we went to the forest, saw berries and started picking. We ate, gathered up … I walk along the path and sing a song. Suddenly everyone shouted: “Sofya, beware! There’s a snake!” I screamed and ran. And my whole family is behind me!
This is my family, and I love it very much!
Pak Denis
My family consists of five people. Mom and grandfather live and work in Moscow, they come here to visit. Grandpa will always understand me. Grandma makes me do extra work. And my uncle Vova is watching me. Vova and I are friends, we laugh together. And my mother and grandmother always support me. When I win prizes in karate, they are very happy for me!
Once Uncle Seryozha came to us with his wife. We all went to Zolinskoye Lake. We had barbecues and swam there. And they threw me into the water. And then Vova and I swam, I carried him in my arms. And when Uncle Seryozha threw me up, I fell on my head, but it didn’t hurt me, because I fell into the water.
We always feel good together! I love my family!
Polyansky Ilya
I have a small family – me and my mother. Mom has a strong character, but in her heart she is very kind.
Once we went to Dzerzhinsk. We walked there, and then went to the bus stop. We were waiting for the bus, but suddenly there was an accident. The gazelle crashed into the bus. I was very scared for my mother! I introduced my mother there. How would I live without her?
I love my mother very much because she takes care of me. And I also try to take care of her – very, very, very, very!
Stepanova Alina
My family consists of four people, this is my father, mother, I am Alina and my sister. And I also have a favorite pet – my hamster. Mom’s name is Lena, dad’s name is Vasya, sister’s name is Valya. Mom works as a baker, dad is a driver, my sister goes to kindergarten, and I go to school.
My family is very friendly and polite.
Serebryansky Dima
I want to tell you about my dad, his name is Sergey. My dad and I always have fun – we play computer and board games. And also, when I don’t understand something with homework, my dad always helps me. My dad is like a friend to me, I would go on reconnaissance with him.
My mother, her name is Natasha, is a housewife, she works around the house, and I help her – I take out the garbage and help with my brother.
I love my family very much!!!
Fedotova Sophia
My family consists of me, mom and dad. My mother is a hairdresser, my father is a military man.
I want to tell you about my dad. He is my friend. He helps me do my homework, plays board games and often talks to me.
Once we couldn’t solve an Olympiad problem. Whom we just did not ask for help! But my mother decided to help us and she decided everything in no time!
That’s what my mom and dad are like! I love them very much!

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Essay on the topic “My family”

Essay about my family: option No. 1

Every child should live and be brought up in a family. Families are different: large and small, complete and incomplete, with one child and with many children. There are families where grandparents, parents and children live together. Therefore, the life of every person begins with a family. It plays an important role in the formation of a person and a citizen.

My family is not big. Mom – Ekaterina, Dad – Vladimir, older sister – Anna. My mother is a responsible person. She is a store clerk. Other people’s money and a lot of people make her job difficult. But no matter how tired she is, she will always listen and support, advise what to do or just hug me. Dad works as an electrician. He has a dangerous job. Dad is the owner of the house. And all men’s work is in his hands and under control. Dad doesn’t like to talk a lot. More often than not, he listens to me and helps me out. The elder sister is a student of the 11th grade. She is preparing for exams and therefore often helps me with my homework in Russian and mathematics.

Our family is very friendly. In the summer, we annually go to the sea to Primorsky Krai. We live there as savages. It’s so great: pitching a tent, looking for firewood, swimming in the warm water of the Sea of ​​Japan. On these trips, I learned to do a lot on my own. But most importantly, trust and support each other. In our family, as in many others, there are also quarrels and disputes, but we love each other and always find a way out of difficult situations. When I grow up, I would like my future family to be like the real one.

(The essay is recommended for grades 7-8).

Composition about my family: option №2

My family is not quite standard. My sister and I live with my mother, and my father lives separately after the divorce. Despite the fact that the parents are apart, my sister and I equally love both father and mother. Our father is a retired military man, and my mother is a teacher, she works in a kindergarten as a music worker.

I remember my early childhood when we all lived together – it was the perfect time. Father, by virtue of his character and the specifics of work, taught us to be disciplined and responsible. There were no lies, scandals, showdowns in our house. Mom, by her feminine nature, instilled in us a love for music, cooking and taught everything that every adult girl should be able to do in the future.

Our family never got bored, it was interesting for us to get together. We got up early on the weekends to be in time for fishing in the morning. In the autumn we went for mushrooms and just took a walk in the forest. My father selected films for family viewing, and even on long winter evenings the family was assembled.

Dad introduced the whole family to sports and early in the morning before school we were waiting for a run and hardening with cold water. But hardening did not become a tradition of the family, and soon only the morning run remained. We spent our summer holidays on the lakes near the city, went on vacation to the sea.

Another family member is a dog. A little fox terrier puppy named Lotta appeared in our house when I was seven years old. Our dad is a hunter and the dog helped him raise game from reeds and grass, take the trail of a fox and a hare.