What Is a Rose?

'What is a Rose?' is the first of a series of books aimed at supporting children in step families. Written by Kathryn Reay, who is both a step-daughter and a step-mother. This beautifully illustrated picture book is an uplifting tale about a young girl, Brooke, getting to know her stepmom, Rose. As well as being an enjoyable and easy to read story this book provides an opportunity for discussion about a child's own family life. It also introduces the child to some new vocabulary and helps to strengthen their imagination. Brooke is a young girl when she first meets her future step-mum, Rose. Brooke uses her infectious imagination to try and establish Rose's role in her life leading to some fun misunderstandings along the way. This is a light-hearted story which will appeal to younger children whilst also addressing some of the issues in relation to the role of a step-parent which can often be confusing for all involved. Whilst this story doesn't claim to represent every step family, which of course are all unique, it does give a positive and heartening example of a relationship between a child and a step-parent and shows that the definition of family can be what you decide to make it.