We wanted to share some favorite books that adoptive families have recommended. Here is a list of books for little ones about adoption that we love! Hope you love some of them too! If you have one to share please let us know we would love to add it to our list.
If you click on the title of each book it will show you where the book can be purchased!
A BLESSING FROM ABOVE
In this touching story, a kangaroo prays for a baby to love and hold. One day, as she rests under a tree, a baby bird falls out of its crowded nest—plop!—right into her pouch! What we love so much about this story is that that the momma bird sees her nest is too crowded too. Momma-Roo and Little One thank God for all their blessings … but especially for each other.
A MOTHER FOR CHOCO
A Mother for Choco is a story about a lonely, little bird who goes in search of a mother. He asked all kinds of animals about his mother, searching for a mother who looks like him, but instead the little bird is blessed with a mother and siblings who look nothing like him.
WE BELONG TOGETHER
This sweet story is all about sharing your home and sharing your heart to make a family that belongs together. “We Belong Together” is a good and simple one for a squirmy toddler. (Meaning that it’s not too long and actually holds their interest!)
GOD FOUND US YOU
This one is very similar to I Wished for You but with foxes instead of bears. What is so great about this book is that it is not specifically geared toward international or an infant adoption or a child adopted through foster care but is just about adoption in general!
I WISHED FOR YOU
The story is a sweet conversation between a mama and her baby, and covers the details of about adoption from waiting, birth moms, looking different to the joy that comes when your child is finally in your arms.
OVER THE MOON
An affirming story about international adoption, based on the author’s own experience with her daughter. Over the Moon by Karen Katz is a magical, reassuring story of one adoptive family’s beginnings, told in words and pictures that are just right for the youngest child.
THERE’S NO ONE LIKE YOU
The story talks about a birthmother that loved their little cub so much and did what was best… “There’s No One Like You” conveys love, acceptance, and a sense of individuality to children who were adopted. However, this book might be better for children who are a tad bit older…. 5 to 10 years old might be best.
MOTHERBRIDGE OF LOVE
What I love most about this touching story is that it tributes both the birth and adoptive mothers. It illustrates how the love of two women for one child come together to make the child who she is…the result of both of their love.
The Story of My Open Adoption: A Storybook for Children Adopted at Birth
Two families, open to love―exploring and explaining adoption at birth
Leap into a warm-hearted tale about a little squirrel who was adopted at birth! Join Sammy as Mom and Dad Rabbit bring him to meet his first family. With its whimsical illustrations and appealing rhymes, this storybook is perfect to read aloud to children age 3-5.
Open adoption can be complex as well as joyful. Sammy’s story opens the door for kids to talk honestly about their experiences and feelings. Parents can also find a list of books and online resources offering research and helpful perspectives around adoption.
May this provide yourself and your family with a guide to start conversations around the complexities of adoption.
Being Adopted is a book for younger adoptees of any background. It simply outlines universal adoption experiences that are relatable to adoptees as they process and reflect on their unique circumstances and emotions. This book offers an opportunity for adoptees to feel validated and normalize their thoughts and feelings. Not only does Being Adopted serve as a support for younger adoptees but it also comes with a guide for caregivers to adopted children. Being Adopted serves as a tool for the adoptive family. Share your experiences and pictures by tagging
I’ve Loved You Since Forever is a celebratory and poetic testament to the timeless love felt between parent and child. This beautiful picture book is inspired by Today show co-anchor Hoda Kotb’s heartwarming adoption of her baby girl, Haley Joy.
“Yes, adoption makes me special, it means that I am loved…” This brightly colored children’s book illustrates how adoption is brought about by love. Written from a child’s point of view, the rhyming verse takes you through an adoption journey from start to finish. It is perfect for anyone, young or old, whose life has been blessed by adoption.
What is a Mama? A mama is someone who is always there for you. She makes you your favorite food, takes you to the park, and kisses your boo-boos better. Some mamas didn’t hold you in their belly, but they will forever hold you in their hearts. Mamas come in all different shapes, colors, and ages, but they all have one thing in common. They love you! Enjoy the multiple characters in this children’s story which explores the loving tasks of what makes a mama. Recommended ages 1-7
A beautiful adoption story, Tell Me Again About the Night I Was Born also speaks to the universal childhood desire to know more about the excitement, awe, love, and sleeplessness that a new baby brings to a family.
Tell me again about the night I was born.
Tell me again how you would adopt me and be my parents.
Tell me again about the first time you held me in your arms.
“Some babies are adopted! They are special boys and girls.” Some Babies Are Adopted is a beautifully written and illustrated children’s book that will guide you through the story of a birth mother who prayerfully chooses adoption for her child and searches for a loving adoptive couple. This is the perfect book for those who want to teach their child, whether adopted or not, that adoption is a choice based on love.
Each family is different. Each family’s unique!
Readers will fall in love with this lyrical, whimsical ode to families and the common thread that creates them all. From blended families to foster families and all the families in-between, this colorful, inclusive picture book teaches children and grown-ups alike that no matter how a family is created, what truly makes a family is CHOOSING to LOVE.
The Adoption Tree is a story that uses the example of a little seedling being uprooted from where it was originally growing and planted into a new place perfectly chosen for it. This story is the perfect way to help young children understand the meaning of adoption, and see that like this little tree, they too are planted in the perfect spot!
Anya and her parents do not match on the outside and her friends are beginning to notice. While she understands the story of her adoption, it is challenging for her to answer her friends’ questions. With her parents’ help, Anya learns to use creative strategies to navigate questions like, “That’s your MOM?”, “Who are your REAL parents?”, “Why don’t your parents look like you?” and “What is adoption?”. Written by a teacher and adoptive parent along with her daughter, this heartfelt story is accompanied by realistic, comedic and colorful images to keep young listeners engaged. The “Discussion Guide” is an excellent resource for teachers as they introduce the concept of diversity in family systems. It is also a useful tool for adoptive parents as they support their children in developing a healthy personal narrative and teach their children how and when to share their personal stories. The “Advice for Adoptive Parents” section, provides additional guidance on how to support adopted children in a sensitive and developmentally appropriate way.
At first, Grace feels as if she doesn’t belong because she is the only sheep at White Cottage Farm. But as she experiences the love of the other animals and of the kind man and woman and their baby, she begins to feel safe in her new home and recognizes that God provided her with a loving family.
Mommy Loves Me, Can’t You See? explores the genuine love between an adoptive mother and her baby girl. The story masterfully dives into all of the beautiful ways they are alike and also creatively explores the ups and downs they experience as they explore their differences. In the end, the one thing that binds them together is love.
Two Mama Hens and Their Son Named Finn: A Children’s Story of LGBTQ+ Adoption and
“So, remember my little duck,” the Mama Hens begin to cluck, “Every day when the sun rises there are all types of families in different colors, shapes, and sizes. Even though you were not an egg we could lay, you are our duckling, and we will always be here to stay.”
Join two Mama Hens as they explain to their curious baby duck Finn why he does not look quite like them, and how he came to their family. As the Mama Hens recount their story of rescuing and protecting the lost egg, Finn learns that regardless of how his family of three came to be, the two Mama Hens love him all the same. The children’s book, Two Mama Hens and Their Son Named Finn, familiarizes children with the topic of adoptive families, inclusiveness, and the importance of love no matter where you are from, what you look like, or who you call family.
This book is also pending two other version to depict different types of parent dynamics. This includes, “Two Papa Roosters and Their Daughter Named Bree” and “A Papa Rooster, Mama Hen and Their Daughter Named Wren.”
A Tale of Two Mommies is a beach conversation among three children. One boy asks another boy about having two mommies. A young girl listening in asks some questions too. True to a child’s curiosity, practical questions follow. “Which mom is there when you want to go fishing/ Which mom helps out when Kitty goes missing?” To which he answers: “Mommy helps when I want to go fishing. / Both Mommies help when Kitty goes missing.”
A heartwarming board books about gay parents! A great purchase for new parents and new babies alike, and the perfect gift to show your love for mommy, mama and more!
Rhythmic text and illustrations with universal appeal show a toddler spending the day with its mommies. From hide-and-seek to dress-up, then bath time and a kiss goodnight, there’s no limit to what a loving family can do together.
Share the loving bond between same-sex parents and their children in this heartwarming story of family.
Share the loving bond between same-sex parents and their children in this heartwarming story of family.
Two Dads: A book about adoption
Having Two Dads is double the fun! Many families are different, this family has Two Dads. A beautifully illustrated, affirming story of life with Two Dads, written from the perspective of their adopted child. Featured as a recommended book to buy in Gay Times Magazine, Huffington Post, Diva Magazine, New Family Social, Adoption UK Magazine. “uses heartwarming illustrations and delightful rhymes to celebrate the beauty found in all kinds of families — particularly those on the LGBT spectrum.” Adoptive Families Magazine Average 4.41 out of 5 on Goodreads.com
This fun, inclusive board book celebrates the one thing that makes every family a family . . . and that’s LOVE. Love is baking a special cake. Love is lending a helping hand. Love is reading one more book. In this exuberant board book, many different families are shown in happy activity, from an early-morning wake-up to a kiss before bed. Whether a child has two moms, two dads, one parent, or one of each, this simple preschool read-aloud demonstrates that what’s most important in each family’s life is the love the family members share.
