Animal Families Challenge Norms in Children’s Literature

Children’s literature often portrays animals in traditional family structures, typically featuring a mother, father, and children. This depiction is evident in popular stories such as Fantastic Mr. Fox, 101 Dalmatians, and modern favorites like Peppa Pig and Bluey. These narratives, while charming, can alienate readers who do not fit into conventional family units. In contrast, the animal kingdom displays a remarkable diversity of family structures, revealing that the nuclear family model is far from the norm.

In the natural world, various forms of parental care exist, with biparental care—where both a male and female raise their offspring—most commonly observed in birds. For instance, mute swans exhibit shared responsibilities for incubating eggs and nurturing cygnets. However, single-parent families are prevalent among many animal species. In fact, around 90% of mammals experience single-parenting, predominantly by females. This is notable in species like leopards, where mothers exclusively raise their young.

Children’s books do reflect some of this reality, with classics like The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter showcasing maternal figures. Yet, these stories rarely depict the strategic advantages of single-parenting in the animal world. For example, when a single parent forages, the absence of scent trails can offer better protection to the young from predators.

While male parenting is less common in literature, it does exist. In aquatic environments, certain species exhibit unique parenting roles. The male midwife toad carries fertilized eggs on his legs, while Darwin’s frog transports tadpoles in his vocal sac until they are ready to thrive. These behaviors allow females to concentrate on producing additional eggs, illustrating a different dynamic than typically seen in children’s narratives, where male caregiving is seldom highlighted, except in works like The Gruffalo’s Child by Julia Donaldson.

The presence of homosexual relationships in the animal kingdom further complicates the traditional family narrative. Researchers have documented same-sex pairings in over 500 species, such as dolphins, giraffes, and bonobos. In a notable case, two male chinstrap penguins at the Central Park Zoo formed a bond so strong that their caretaker provided them with an egg to raise, which inspired the children’s book And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson.

Elephants exemplify communal parenting, typically living in family units led by a matriarch. These groups often feature related females who assist one another in raising calves through practices like allomothering, where siblings and extended family help care for the young. This communal approach is also seen in species like honey bees, where worker bees contribute to the nurturing of new members in their hive, a concept explored in the adult novel The Bees by Laline Paull.

Fostering and adoption are also prevalent among animals. The common cuckoo, for instance, is known for its brood parasitism, laying eggs in the nests of other species. Instances of cross-species adoption have been recorded, such as a wild capuchin monkey caring for a common marmoset. Children’s literature often reflects these themes, such as in The Odd Egg by Emily Gravett, where a mallard adopts an unusual egg that hatches into an alligator.

Animals also form strong social bonds outside traditional family structures. For instance, red deer often establish bachelor herds during their adolescence, fostering camaraderie and learning among peers. Similarly, young swifts unite to form “screaming parties,” enhancing their safety while seeking breeding grounds.

Finally, some species exhibit minimal parental investment, producing numerous offspring intended to survive independently. Fish and reptiles commonly follow this model, with certain wasps abandoning their young after provisioning them with food, resulting in survival strategies that starkly contrast human parenting norms.

The diversity of family structures in the animal kingdom highlights that nuclear families are not the predominant model in nature. Many species have evolved unique parenting strategies to ensure the survival of their young. As children’s literature continues to evolve, incorporating these varied family dynamics may provide a more inclusive view that resonates with all readers, regardless of their family background.

This exploration into the realities of animal family life serves as a reminder that the concept of family is far broader than what is often depicted in children’s stories.