Our Family Tree by Julia Washington Series: The Rooted & Radiant Series #2
on January 11, 2026
Pages: 40
Format: ARC
Source: BookSirens
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Families come in all shapes and sizes—and every one of them is filled with love.
Our Family Tree is a heartwarming children’s picture book that celebrates blended families, single moms, co-parenting, and nontraditional households. Told through the eyes of a curious and loving child, it shares the story of Mommy, her two kids, and their two different daddies—and how their love grows stronger across homes, names, and places.
With gentle storytelling, warm illustrations, and heartfelt activity pages, this beautifully written book helps children ages 4–8 understand that family isn’t about looking the same—it’s about belonging, love, and connection.
Perfect for:
- Kids in blended or divorced families
- Children with different last names or step-siblings
- Parents, teachers, and counselors encouraging diversity and inclusion
- Classrooms, libraries, and story time sessions exploring what makes a familyThrough simple yet powerful language, Our Family Tree reminds readers that love is always the root—and from it, we grow.
This post contains affiliate links you can use to purchase the book. If you buy the book using that link, I will receive a small commission from the sale.
MY THOUGHTS
Our Family Tree by Julia Washington had me curious. Once I began to read it, the first thing that caught my attention was the artwork. The illustrations are warm, colorful, expressive, and quite huggable—especially those two adorable little boys. I read an ebook provided through BookSirens, but this is one of those books I wish I could’ve held in my hands. I would love to see how the illustrations look and feel across the pages of a physical book.
I also loved the fact that the story is told from the little boy’s point of view. Although we aren’t told what prompted his question, it’s easy to imagine that something said by a friend, classmate, teacher, or another curious person caused him to look at his family a little differently.
His question feels natural, and his mother answers it in a gentle and reassuring way. Rather than burdening him with grown-up explanations, she keeps the conversation focused on what he needs to know: He is loved, his brother is loved, and they both belong.
That is where Our Family Tree is strongest.
However, the book’s message occasionally becomes broader than the story can support. It suggests that every family is full of love and that love is always at the root. I understand the comforting message the author is trying to convey, but not every child experiences a loving family. Every family should be rooted in love, and every child deserves to be loved, but sadly, that isn’t always the reality.
That distinction gave me mixed feelings. The reassurance offered to this little boy is warm, affirming, and appropriate for his situation. The universal suggestion that love is automatically present in every family feels more idealistic than true.
A Note for Parents
Some parents may want to read the book first so they’re prepared to add context to its broader statements about family and love. Christian parents may also find it useful as a starting point for an age-appropriate conversation about God’s design for family, the different circumstances families may experience, and the truth that children aren’t responsible for the choices or relationships of the adults around them.
Recommendation
I recommend Our Family Tree for families seeking a gentle, child-centered story about belonging, sibling love, and the many questions children may have about their families. Its tender relationship between the brothers, interactive activity pages, and highly huggable illustrations make it a helpful conversation starter, although parents may want to add some nuance to its broader message about love being present in every family.
About Julia Washington
Julia Washington is a creative visionary, author, and founder of Kismet Wonders, where soulful storytelling meets bold design. Through her Glow-Up Collection—including The Glow-Up Journal, Glow Into Gratitude, and The Glow-Up Planner: For the Woman Becoming—she empowers women to heal, evolve, and reclaim their magic.
She is also the author of Underneath All This Skin, a poetic and emotionally raw collection exploring love, longing, and self-discovery. Her upcoming release, Becoming Me. Again, is a deeply personal transformation journal for the woman returning to herself.
Julia shares poetic reflections on love, spirituality, and womanhood through her Substack newsletter and continues to create from a place of bold authenticity and intentionality.
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