Q & A with Dale and Raquel
July 2007

It’s time to fill up that beach bag with books for summer reading!  Here are some of our recommendations for children’s books about adoption:

It’s O.K. to be Different by Todd Parr, ages 6 and up
Using bright colors and a simple, repetitive text, Todd Parr shows us that differences are “okay.”  “It’s okay to come from a different place.”  “It’s okay to be adopted.”  “It’s okay to ask for help.”

Tell Me Again About the Night I was Born by Jamie Lee Curtis, ages 2 – 8
The girl in this book asks to hear her birth story, over and over again.  She hears about the excitement of the phone call, the plane trip, her parents’ reactions upon seeing her for the first time, etc.  This book captures the joy parents feel about meeting their child.  Young children will enjoy the warmth of the text as well as Laura Cornell’s fanciful drawings.

A Mother for Choco by Keiko Kasza, ages 2-8
Choco, a little bird, is trying to find a mother.  While on this journey, he discovers that families do not need to look alike to love each other. 

We’re Different, We’re the Same by Bobbi Janes Kates, ages 2-6
The characters from Sesame Street compare how they all look.  They find that although they look different, they are actually quite alike.

Over the Moon:  An Adoption Tale by Karen Katz, ages 2 – 6
This story describes the anticipation and joy of a family dreaming of their soon to be born child.  The parents then fly “over the moon and through the night” to meet their child. 

Horace by Holly Keller, ages 2 – 8
Horace is spotted; his family is striped.  Join him as he goes off to find a family that looks like him and learns that families do not have to look alike to be a family.

The Color of Us by Karen Katz, ages 4 -8
While walking though her neighborhood, Lena discovers a range of skin tones: cinnamon, chocolate, honey, coffee, toffee, and butterscotch.  This book is a celebration of the multiracial family.

The Day We Met You by Phoebe Koehler, ages 3 and up
A great story for the youngest listeners to describe a family’s joy upon hearing their baby has been born and how they feel going to meet the baby for the first time.

How it Feels to be Adopted by Jill Krementz, ages 8 and up
19 boys and girls (age 8 – 16) from varied social backgrounds share their feelings about having been adopted. 

I Love You Like Crazy Cakes by Rose Lewis, ages 4-8
Based on Rose Lewis’ own experience, this book is the story of a woman’s journey to adopt a child from China.  The beautiful illustrations from Jane Dyer complement this heartwarming story.

Happy Adoption Day! by John McCutcheon, ages 2-6
Folksinger John McCutcheon wrote a song celebrating the adoption of a child.  Complete with musical notations and colorful illustrations, this book captures the joy of his song.

Did My First Mother Love Me? by Kathryn Ann Miller, ages 4 – 8
In answer to Morgan’s question from the title, her mother reads a letter from her birth mother that assures her the answer is yes.  The appendix also provides helpful hints for parents on explaining adoption to young children.

Families are Different by Nina Pellegrini, ages 4-8
Nico is from Korea and doesn’t look like her Caucasian parents.  Her mother reassures her that all families are different.

The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn, ages 4-10
A raccoon named Chester is afraid to start school.  His mother kisses his hand and tells him to put his hand to his face any time he gets lonely and he will feel her kiss.  Chester returns the favor so that his mother won’t be lonely while he’s gone.

All Kinds of Families by Norma Simon, ages 2 – 8
This book describes many different kinds of families including adoptive, single parent, divorced, grandparents, and more

Through Moon and Stars and Night Skies by Ann Turner, ages 2 – 8
A little boy comes from a country far away.  He remembers how far he had to fly to arrive at his new home and the family that loves him.

The Best Single Mom in the World by Mary Zisk, ages 3 – 8
A little girl tells the story of how her mother traveled across the sea to come and adopt her and they became a family.  Although the girl wishes she had a father, she appreciates the other males that are in her life. A book that reflects the reality of many families in the adoption community.

These books can be obtained through Tapestry Books (877-266-5406 or www.tapestrybooks.com) or through Barnes and Noble (www.barnesandnoble.com).
Enjoy!