Familias

   Available for the first time in Spanish, tis charming book is a winning introduction to the rich variety of families. Realities such as divorce, stepfamilies, adoption, single parenting, and gay and lesbian parenting are explored through the curious, affectionate, and non-judgemental eyes of six-year-old Angie as she introduces readers to her multicultural group of friends, who are loved and cared for within many different types of families.   Meredith Tax's funny, engaging text reveals what families have in common while encouraging an acceptance of difference. Marilyn Hafner's appealing illustratiopns convey the warmth and individuality of the characters. In the end, the book's message is a simple and heartfelt one: As Angie says, "Las familias son los que viven contigo y a quienes tu quieres." ("Families are who you live with and who you love.")   As one of the earliest books on "nontraditional" families, the English-language original has been revered by a generation of parents, teachers, and children, and also attached by censors. It remains a simple testament to the importance of acceptance, respect, and love.