Meredith Tax's funny, engaging text reveals what families have in common while encouraging an acceptance of difference. Marilyn Hafner's appealing illustratiopns convey the warmth and individuality of the characters. In the end, the book's message is a simple and heartfelt one: As Angie says, "Las familias son los que viven contigo y a quienes tu quieres." ("Families are who you live with and who you love.")
As one of the earliest books on "nontraditional" families, the English-language original has been revered by a generation of parents, teachers, and children, and also attached by censors. It remains a simple testament to the importance of acceptance, respect, and love.