Children’s literature often portrays animals in traditional family units, featuring a mother, father, and their offspring. Popular stories like Fantastic Mr. Fox, 101 Dalmatians, and more recent titles such as Peppa Pig and Bluey reinforce this image. Yet, a closer examination of the animal kingdom reveals a rich tapestry of family structures that diverge significantly from the nuclear family model.
November 7, 2025, marks a discussion led by researcher Louise Gentle in an article published by The Conversation. This exploration highlights how the portrayal of animal families in children’s books may alienate those from non-traditional backgrounds.
Diversity in Animal Parenting
In the animal world, biparental care—where both male and female raise their young—is primarily observed in bird species, such as mute swans. In these cases, both parents share responsibilities like incubating eggs and nurturing cygnets. However, this is not the predominant model. Single-parenting emerges as the most common family structure among animals, with around 90% of mammals being raised by single mothers. This pattern is exemplified in stories like The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter, where the mother takes on the sole responsibility of raising her young.
In many mammal species, males compete for mating opportunities, leading to a scenario where the female invests significantly in reproduction. For instance, leopards are known for their solitary parenting, with females raising their cubs entirely on their own. This behavior contrasts with children’s narratives, which rarely depict such single-parent scenarios, despite being a norm in nature.
Unconventional Family Structures
Interestingly, male parenting is more common in aquatic and amphibian species. The male midwife toad, for example, carries fertilized eggs on his legs until they are ready to hatch. Alternatively, Darwin’s frog has a unique method where the male carries tadpoles in his vocal sac for several weeks. These parenting strategies often allow females to focus on producing additional eggs.
The concept of same-sex parenting is also present in the animal kingdom. Observations show same-sex couplings in over 500 species, including dolphins and giraffes. One notable example is the relationship between two chinstrap penguins, Roy and Silo, at Central Park Zoo. Their bond was so strong that they were given an egg to raise together, a story later adapted into the children’s book And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson.
In addition to same-sex partnerships, communal parenting is exemplified in elephant herds, typically led by an older matriarch. Female relatives assist in the upbringing of calves, showcasing a model where multiple caregivers contribute to the upbringing of young.
Other animals, such as meerkats, engage in cooperative breeding. Here, older siblings often stay behind to help care for younger ones, rather than reproducing themselves. In some cases, animals may even adopt offspring from different species. An instance of this occurred in 2004 when a wild capuchin monkey was observed caring for a common marmoset.
The discussion of parenting styles in the animal kingdom also includes instances of no parental involvement. Species like many fish and reptiles produce large numbers of offspring, ensuring that some survive despite a lack of care. This method is typical of solitary wasps, which may leave their young with a food supply but no direct parental guidance.
As the exploration of diverse family structures in the animal kingdom unfolds, it becomes clear that traditional family units are far from universal. The myriad of parenting strategies highlights the adaptability of species in ensuring the survival of their young. This understanding could encourage a broader perspective on family dynamics, both in nature and in human society.
In conclusion, the portrayal of animals in children’s literature often simplifies complex family structures. Recognizing the variety of parenting styles in the animal kingdom can foster a greater understanding of family diversity, moving beyond conventional norms.
