This Children’s book follows the journey of two characters, Stieg and Forest—named after the author’s twin sons—as they set out to discover where all their friends come from and what their families look like. Along their journey, they learn that every family is special, regardless of its size or makeup. Through their curiosity and adventures, the book encourages children to ask questions about their own family origins while celebrating the diversity that makes each family unique.
About the Children’s Book Author
Stephanie Wijkstrom, LPC, is the Founder and CEO of the Counseling and Wellness Center of Pittsburgh, a well-established therapy practice with six locations throughout the Pittsburgh area.
Stephanie brings her years of experience as a licensed therapist into this meaningful narrative, providing families with a tool to initiate thoughtful conversations with their children about family diversity. Her expertise helps parents navigate these important discussions with sensitivity, promoting values like kindness and adaptability as children grow and encounter new perspectives.
A Resource for Diverse Families
Where Did You Come From? is not just a story for children, but a resource for families everywhere. As diverse families continue to evolve in today’s world, this book offers a gentle way to engage children in conversations about the many forms that families can take, whether through adoption, IVF, blended families, single-parent families, LGBTQ families, as well as families who have encountered the pain of grief and loss.
A Heartwarming Book About Different Families
This is a gorgeous book to teach a powerful lesson: family is love, no matter what your family looks like. I enjoyed the story and how the little boys learned about different family structures. It's a colorful way to ease the conversation about your children's own family origins and to teach them that all their friends' families aren't going to look the same, and that's ok. Sweet story and message! - Cori
This children's book offers a gentle and engaging way to introduce children to the complexities of diverse families. Through its heartwarming narrative, the book makes it easy for parents, educators, and caregivers to start age-appropriate conversations about topics like adoption, IVF, surrogacy, and blended families.
“This book was written in honor of all the dynamic families that exist today,” said Stephanie Wijkstrom. “As a therapist, I’ve seen how important it is for children to understand and appreciate both their own family structure and those of others. I wanted to create a story that helps children learn about themselves and the world around them through the lens of love, curiosity, and peace.”
This engaging children's book encourages children to embark on a journey of discovery about their own family origins. Through Stieg and Forest's adventures, kids learn to appreciate the rich tapestry of family structures and find their place in the broader story of family diversity.
Want Where Did You Come From?: A Story About Every Kind of Family on Your Bookshelf?
Children’s books that discuss and celebrate the uniqueness of families and create understanding about the eternal quest for understanding of origin, can both create resilience, prevent trauma, as well as foster empathy and understanding in the next generation.
As a therapeutic tool the book embraces family diversity while also engaging with themes that are common among families such as feelings of being different, navigating change, loss, and reshaping these themes into one’s own meaningful tale. The author’s expertise helps parents navigate these important discussions with sensitivity, promoting values like kindness and adaptability as children grow and encounter new perspectives.
An Age-Appropriate Tool to Explore Diverse Family Origins
Inspired by the author’s personal journey with IVF, Where Did You Come From?: A Story About Every Kind of Family offers a heartfelt invitation to children to explore their family origins and better understand the uniqueness of all family structures. The book gently guides young readers on a journey of discovery, helping them recognize that no two families are alike.
Through its thoughtful narrative, the story fosters inclusivity and encourages children to embrace the diversity found in different types of families. It’s a celebration of love, acceptance, and the beauty of all family dynamics, promoting deeper understanding and appreciation for the many ways families come together.
Searching For Books About Different Families?
If you are looking for books about different families, you’ve found it in Where Did You Come From?: A Story About Every Kind of Family. This touching and imaginative tale follows two curious characters, Stieg and Forest, on a journey to discover the diverse families that make up their world. Through their exploration, the book beautifully illustrates the richness of every family’s unique makeup and encourages children to appreciate and celebrate these differences.
Where Did You Come From? is more than just a story—it’s a tool for sparking meaningful conversations about love, inclusivity, and understanding. It helps children see the beauty in all family forms and fosters a sense of curiosity and empathy. Ideal for parents, educators, and community leaders, this book serves as a wonderful resource for discussing family diversity and embracing the varied ways that families come together.
Interested in a Personalized Children’s Book Reading With A Discussion About Diverse Families with the Author?
Stephanie has made dozens of appearances on TV interviews and podcasts, sharing her insights and expertise. If you’d like to invite her to discuss her new book, Where Did You Come From?: A Story About Every Kind of Family, and explore the important themes of family diversity and inclusivity, please reach out through the form below.
If you’d like to invite Stephanie Wijkstrom, author of Where Did You Come From?: A Story About Every Kind of Family, to visit your school, after-school program, or community group, we’d love to bring this meaningful experience to your students!
During her visit, Stephanie will read her heartwarming children’s book and lead an engaging discussion about the beauty of family diversity. This is a wonderful opportunity for children to learn about the many different types of families in a compassionate and inclusive way. To schedule a reading and discussion, please fill out the form below!
