Chicago Attorney Writes New Children’s Book for Diverse Blended Families

As a child growing up, you may imagine the “perfect” picture of what your future family will look like.

For most, that means having two parents by your side forever. But for Jessica K. Robinson, it didn't take long for her to realize that her reality looked a little different. She grew up in a loving blended family, and she also married into one as an adult. Her family dynamic was very unique. "This stepmom thing has been in my family for generations." Jessica said. When she connected with the love of her life, she had never envisioned the thought of being a stepmom—but that's exactly what God had in store for her! Her husband had a beautiful daughter from a prior relationship whom Jessica adored as her very own as their relationship blossomed. An overflow of love!

"It wasn’t my story until it became my story."- says Jessica K. Robinson

When Jessica's bonus daughter arrived at school, her teacher asked all the students to draw a picture of their families as a homework assignment. Her family was not the "traditional" image—mom, dad, kiddos, a picket fence, and a house like in the fairytales. So what happens when the traditional image of "family" doesn't match up to your own reality? She had two moms and two dads who lived in two different homes therefore she didn't know how to draw that picture! "Why didn’t my mom and dad stay together?" she asked Jessica.

Jessica found herself trying to explain her blended family to her bonus daughter, who was struggling to understand how she fits in.?

Although Jessica grew up in a similar environment, her family never discussed what it looked like or felt like to be in a blended family. She believes that it's due to the "shame and failure of not having the nuclear family that you thought you would have." Jessica felt it was time to change the narrative so she decided that a children's book would be the solution to her bonus daughter's questions. When she searched across the world wide web, she realized there were no books that looked like her beautiful African American daughter. Some books discussed blended families, but they were not relatable or even fun enough to hold her attention.

It was at that moment that Jessica realized she was destined to write her own children's book.

She had never written a book before but was spiritually empowered to write this one! Jessica hired a children’s book writing coach and learned how to write from a child's point of view. She wanted her daughter and other children to have a fun resource to help them better understand their unique family structures. That's how "The Big Picture" was born! A vibrant children's picture book about Violet, who has two moms & dads—just like Jessica's bonus daughter! In the story, she learns so much about her blended family, the beauty of it all, and how to truly embrace it!

The Big Picture is now available for purchase via BarnesandNoble.com! Written by Attorney & Author Jessica K. Robinson of Chicago, Illinois for girls and boys ages 3-9 nationwide. The book helps shift the perspective of children at an early age. The Big Picture is not only for children in blended families but was written for all children to have a well-rounded view of the different types of family structures that exist.