Children’s literature often presents a narrow view of family life, showcasing primarily traditional nuclear families. This portrayal can leave children from different family structures feeling isolated. A recent examination by researcher Louise Gentle highlights the vast diversity of family dynamics in the animal kingdom, contrasting sharply with the tidy family units depicted in popular children’s stories like Fantastic Mr. Fox, 101 Dalmatians, Peppa Pig, and Bluey.
November 7, 2025, marked a significant inquiry into these narratives, revealing that the reality of parenting among animals is far more complex. While many children’s stories illustrate families consisting of a mother, father, and their offspring, animals exhibit a wide range of parenting styles and structures that challenge these traditional norms.
Parental Care in the Animal Kingdom
In the animal kingdom, biparental care—where both male and female raise their young—is more common among birds. Species like mute swans exemplify this, as they share responsibilities such as incubating eggs and teaching their young to be independent. In contrast, single-parenting is prevalent, with around 90% of mammals being raised by single mothers. Female leopards, for instance, often raise their cubs alone, a reality not commonly reflected in children’s literature, though stories like The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter hint at such dynamics.
Interestingly, male parenting, while less typical, does exist. In certain fish and amphibian species, males take on nurturing roles. The male midwife toad carries fertilized eggs on his back until they hatch, while Darwin’s frog transports tadpoles in his vocal sac. These behaviors allow females to focus on reproduction, showcasing a more diverse approach to parenting that is seldom captured in children’s narratives.
Same-Sex Relationships and Communal Parenting
The animal kingdom also exhibits same-sex relationships, observed in over 500 species, including dolphins and giraffes. One notable example is the bond between Roy and Silo, two chinstrap penguins at Central Park Zoo, whose relationship inspired the children’s book, And Tango Makes Three. Such stories highlight the potential for varied family structures, including same-sex parenting, which is often overlooked in mainstream literature.
Communal parenting is another prevalent form of animal care, particularly among elephants. These family units typically consist of multiple related females and their calves, guided by a matriarch. This cooperative breeding allows younger females to assist in raising siblings, reinforcing the idea that familial bonds can extend beyond traditional definitions.
Fostering and adoption are also part of animal family dynamics. The common cuckoo, for instance, is known for laying its eggs in the nests of other species, leaving the unsuspecting foster parents to raise its young. Adoption between species, though rarer, has been documented, showcasing the adaptability of parenting styles across the animal kingdom.
Animals often form strong social bonds among peers, similar to human friendships. Young deer, for instance, may remain in bachelor groups until reaching maturity, emulating the familial support structure seen in humans. This behavior is crucial for learning and developing social skills.
The diversity of parenting in the animal kingdom starkly contrasts with the portrayal of families in children’s literature. While traditional nuclear families dominate narratives, the reality is that many species employ a range of strategies to ensure their offspring’s survival.
Ultimately, the varied forms of family dynamics in the animal kingdom present an opportunity for children’s literature to evolve. By reflecting the true spectrum of family structures, stories can foster inclusivity and understanding among children from diverse backgrounds. As Louise Gentle‘s research highlights, embracing this variety can help children recognize that there are many ways to be a family, enriching their understanding of relationships both in nature and their own lives.
