Librarian’s picks: Check out these books that explain adoption well

Talking about adoption can be a tricky subject for parents and for children. But experts advise that open communication, and a focus on truth and love, is the best approach. They also caution that conversations should be age appropriate and shared in language that can be grasped and understood.

Allowing children to ask questions and to see the process as a loving and positive experience will go a long way toward easing into this delicate topic. These picture books about adoption are the perfect way to start the conversation early.

A Mother for Choco, by Keiko Kasza

G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers, 1992

For age 2 and older

Choco is a bright yellow baby bird who lives all alone and longs for a mother. So, he sets off to find one. Although he finds animals with similarities to him — the yellow giraffe, the winged penguin — none of them is a fit and none of them looks just like him.

Eventually, he starts to cry and, in a heartbreaking moment, calls out for a mommy. Mrs. Bear comes running to comfort him, but he knows she can’t be his mother since they look nothing alike. Nonetheless, Mrs. Bear shows him that hugs and cheering up can be given by anyone, no matter what they look like. Eventually, she asks Choco if she can be his mother, and he agrees. Together, they go to meet the rest of the family — a baby hippo, an alligator and a piglet.

This adorable and sweet story shows that families — and family members — come in all shapes and sizes and that outward appearance has nothing to do with belonging together.

I Love You Like Crazy Cakes, by Rose Lewis

Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2000

For age 2 and older

Based on the author’s own experiences, this book tells the story of a woman adopting a baby from China. The baby starts out sleeping in a room filled with other babies and ends up sleeping in a crib in her own room at home, surrounded by love and new family.

As the story unfolds, we also see her adoptive mother filling out paperwork, making the long flight to China and meeting her new baby for the very first time.

Backed by delicate watercolor illustrations by Jane Dyer, this is a beautifully told story that is both charming and triumphant.

Over the Moon: An Adoption Tale, by Karen Katz

Henry Holt and Co., 1997

For age 2 and older

Parents eagerly await a phone call that will let them know their daughter has been born, then they rush to bring her home. The book describes their instant love as well as their gratitude to the birth mother — “You grew like a flower in another lady’s tummy until you were born. The lady couldn’t take care of you so Mommy and Daddy came to adopt you and bring you home.” They know their new family will be together forever.

As both the author and illustrator, Katz tells the story using a gentle, lyrical approach and gorgeous folk art-style illustrations. Having adopted a daughter of her own from Central America, she celebrates that personal event with this joyful tale about the magic of adoption.

Sweet Moon Baby: an Adoption Tale, by Karen Henry Clark

Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2012

For age 2 and older

A baby is set adrift by her birth parents, who hope her voyage will lead her to a better life. Along the way, she is helped by a turtle, a peacock, a monkey, a panda and some fish. Meanwhile, across the world, a couple prepares for the child they know will come. They plant a garden, they build a treehouse and they buy books. Finally, after undertaking a long journey, they find her — their sweet baby girl, just waiting for them.

The poetic text feels similar to a bedtime lullaby, and Patrice Barton’s gorgeous watercolor descriptions lend a dreamy feel. This is a perfect story to share when tucking little ones into bed so they can sleep as soundly as the baby in the book.

Tell Me Again About the Night I Was Born, by Jamie Lee Curtis

HarperCollins, 1996

For age 2 and older

In a moment that clearly has been repeated hundreds of times, a little girl asks her mother and father to tell her again about the night she was born. They narrate a well-worn tale about the phone ringing in the middle of the night (Mom screamed), catching a flight (there were peanuts) and another woman who was too young to take care of her baby. They talk about their first glimpse of the new baby through the nursery window and about the first time they held her.

Most of all, the little girl wants to hear about their first night together as a family. And that is the best part about this book — its emphasis on a family being created on the night she was born.

We Belong Together, by Todd Parr

Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2007

For age 2 and older

Told in the author’s signature style and illustrations, this book details a short list of simple reasons why a parent and an adoptive child belong together — you needed a home and we had one to share, you wanted to learn and we had lots to teach you, you needed someone to say I love you and we had love to give.

Parr says there are lots of ways to make a family and to share love. He shows families doing a wide variety of activities together and having new experiences. Although the pictures are in a cartoon-style, they reflect a diverse cast shown in every possible family combination. Other than in the title and subtitle, the word adoption is never used; instead, the book focuses on love, family and the joy of sharing your heart.

This story was originally published August 25, 2015 at 12:19 PM.