The Family Tree: A Heartwarming Tale Celebrating Kindness, Friendship and the Beauty of Differences

by Yasmine Anane, Mark Beech (Illustrator)

When Mole sets off in search of his family tree, he dreams of finding others just like him. But as he journeys through the enchanted wood, he learns something even more true family isn’t about looking the same - it’s about the bonds we build and the love we share with those around us.

“We’re not all the same - but that’s the best part, It’s not what you look like, but what’s in your heart.”

A heartwarming tale celebrating kindness, friendship and, above all, the beauty of differences.

32 pages, Hardcover

Published August 28, 2025

Reviews

[Natalie all_books_great_and_small · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a gifted copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review as part of the book tour hosted by Tiny Tree Books.

The Family Tree is a beautiful and heartwarming rhyming story for children about family and friendship.
We follow Mole as he sets off to find his family tree in the hopes of finding lots of other moles who look and are just like him. Along the way, he is joined by three new friends who all feel lonely, too. By the end of their journey, Mole is sad because he's not found another mole like him. However, as the friends comfort him, he realises that just because you look different from friends or loved ones doesn't mean you can't be family.
This book is honestly so beautiful from the delightful and animated illustrations (which remind me of Quentin Blake) to the heartfelt message the story delivers.
This book also encourages counting and rhyming and is a great one to discuss with little ones at the end. An absolute bundle of joy for all!

[Nicola Malloch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness this book is adorable, as an adult one of my favourite tropes/themes is found family and this book encapsulates that so brilliantly I just simply loved it. We follow mole on his journey to find his family tree and the friends he meets along the way. The illustrations are stunning, bright and engaging throughout, my daughter enjoyed reading it aloud and exploring the pages for more detail in the illustrations that add to the story. Overall we simply adored it.

[Siobhain · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel like I should preface this review with three statements or facts; firstly I don’t actually have a child but I can say I adored this book, secondly I love any book with animals or about animals and thirdly I love a good found family trope. The Family Tree is cutest story about finding family through kindness, friendship and differences. I adored all of the characters and how despite their differences they come together and find what they were looking for along the way. The illustrations are completely charming and colourful to keep younger ones engaged too. I mostly love the message this book gives out, that family and friends don’t always have to look the same to fit together. An easy 5.
As always thank you to Little Tree Books for the copy to review. My review is always honest, truthful and freely given.

[Nikki Oldenbeuving · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Family Tree by Yasmine Anane has completely captured our hearts. It’s not just a bedtime story, it’s become part of our nightly rhythm. My 3-year-old knows it by heart and still chooses it every night, which says everything.

The writing is gentle and lyrical, with a quiet emotional depth that feels both comforting and profound. The illustrations are soft and evocative, perfectly matching the story’s themes of connection, belonging, and the roots that hold us. It’s a book that invites cuddles, questions, and quiet reflection.

As a parent, I’m so grateful for stories like this, ones that feel good to read aloud, spark meaningful conversations, and leave a lasting impression. The Family Tree is a treasure, and I’ll be recommending it to every family I know.

[Tami Wylie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Family Tree is an adorable book about finding your family, whoever it may be. Mole is feeling lonely so he sets off through the woods to find his family tree. He hopes that his family tree will be full of other moles just like him. On his journey, he meets other animals who join him on his search as they to want to find their family trees. What they find at the end is the true meaning of a family. This lovely story is told in rhyming phrases, some repetition and is perfect for young readers. The illustrations by Mark Beach gave me some Roald Dahl vibes and are perfect for the book

[Tracy Lander · Rating 4 out of 5]

As Winter draws in Mole wants to find his family tree. Those that are teh same as him, that he can live with and be with. First he meets Owl who likes teh idea of a family tree and joins Mole to look for his, then Squirrel joins and so it continues. But do they find their family trees or do they find their family?

Heart-warming book about differences in families and how they really don't matter. Beautiful illustrations too.

Thanks to Anthony at Tiny Tree books for the copy.

[Andrea W · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet rhyming journey of discovery perfect for bedtime as Mole finds that the true bonds of friendship can fill up any tree with family. Beech’s nostalgic sketches, reminiscent of Quentin Blake & Axel Scheffler , are vibrant and lively and throughly delightful.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

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