If you’ve been following my blog, you’re probably aware that I was adopted at birth, transracially. I’ve shared my story in hopes of helping my readers get to know a little more about what makes me, me. I’m so grateful for all the books that talk about what it means to be adopted, and what it means to be family. Here are a few that might be of interest to you and your little ones who are adopted, and even those who are not.
1. I Wished For You: An Adoption Story by Marianne Richmond
“Tell me again how your wish came true.” I love this book in particular because a little bear named Barley’s favorite pastime is cuddling up to his Mama and asking her all about how they became a family. He’s curious about wishes, as he’s never wished for a “somebody” before. He asks her all sorts of questions that feel genuine to those a kid would ask, helping parents with difficult inquiries from their children on the topic.
1. A Mother for Choco by Keiko Kasza
This is a heart-warming tale about family sees Choco go on the hunt for a mother. He asks all kinds of animals, ever-hopeful that he will find a mother. He never even thinks to ask one in particular, assuming they were far too different for her to be his mother. The ending teaches Choco (and your little ones) that families come in all different colors, shapes, and sizes, and that love is what defines them.
3. God Found Us You by Lisa Tawn Bergren
Little Fox has a nightly ritual that involves asking his mother about how they came to be. He asks her about the day he came home, and she answers him with loving tones and honesty. He even asks things like, why he couldn’t stay with the mother who had him, and if Mama Fox was “lonely for [him]”. It’s endearing and beautiful, with illustrations that aren’t too shabby, either.
Explaining adoption to a little one can be a challenge. Books like these help explain and illustrate some of the more difficult questions in ways they may understand. Do you know of any other books that might help broach the subject with kids? I’d love to hear your suggestions in the comments.
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