A Child is a Child by Brigitte Weninger illustrated by Eve Tharlet

Tuesday Treasure

Two little frogs wait at the river for the return of their parents. Sadly the Mama and Daddy frog do not come back. The other animals gather and talk about how to help these babies. At first their suggestions seem hopeless. Little frogs cannot live in a bird nest or a hole. Luckily Mother Mouse is a practical and loving parent. To her "a child is a child. All children need a place to live and play, good food to eat and someone who loves them".

Mother Mouse sets about organising the other animals. She tells Hedgehog to collect some worms, Mole digs the babies a bedroom and Blackbird finds a bathtub. The baby mice are delighted to have two new friends to play with. 

"What did I tell you?' said Mama Mouse contently. 'We're all completely different, but ... A child is a child. It's just that simple."

Take a look at the cover of this book. The baby frog in Mama Mouse's arms is looking at her with such adoring eyes. Mama Mouse has a look of utter contentment on her face. The end papers are scrumptious too. A Child is a Child was first published in 2004 so it is sadly out of print but you may be lucky and find a copy in a school library. This book demonstrates the best features of a picture book - a warm story well told, beautiful illustrations, and excellent book design. Take a look at more art by French illustrator Eve Tharlet. Here are other books by Brigitte Weninger.

The message of love, acceptance, and community is simply communicated, making this a perfect title for adoptive or blended families. Kirkus

I would link the reading of this book with a discussion about The Rights of the Child. My friend from Kinderbookboard also suggests you could share this book with very young children as a way to talk about Refugee Day. Here is another book to share with A Child is a Child:

What is a Child?