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I did some homework and discovered several Christian-themed adoption books for children. I have not yet read these books; the information below summarizes various reviews I read.
A Blessing from Above by Patti Henderson (mother of two adopted sons)
Illustrated by Elizabeth Edge (adoptee)
Picture book for kindergarten – grade 2
This Little Golden Book tells the story of Momma-Roo, a kangaroo with an empty pouch who longs for a baby. She receives a “blessing from above” in the form of a baby bluebird who falls from an overcrowded nest and into her pouch. Mama bird gives Momma-Roo her blessing to adopt the chick and the two frolic through the forest, thanking God for all their blessings…especially for each other.
Critics of the book say its main weakness is that it has the wrong focus for its intended audience. Rather than focusing on the baby bird being adopted, the text focuses on the mothers – both Momma Roo and Mama bird. One reviewer thought that the book’s primary audience of adopted children would appreciate more of a focus on the children, rather than the mothers.
Reviewers praised the “delicate prettiness” of the watercolor and pen-and-ink cartoon illustrations. They mentioned that a general sense of faith suffuses the book, and that verses from the New Testament are quoted at the beginning and end of the story.
Several adoptive parents reviewed the book, and all of them recommended it, saying that it used appropriate adoption language. One person said that the book is a “non-threatening tool for us to talk about the happy and sad parts of adoption.”
Another concluded, “I believe that my children, biological and adopted, need to hear daily that they are a blessing from above.”
A is for Adopted by Eileen Tucker Cosby
Illustrated by Norma S. Strange
Ages 9-12
This alphabet book, written in rhyming verse, is most appropriate for children who were adopted as infants because of its references to a birth mother making an adoption plan.
Reviewers disagreed on the book’s religious tone – some felt there was an overabundance of Christian references and others said it had no specific references to religion. I guess it all depends on your perspective. I think some readers were surprised because the title didn’t indicate the Christian nature of the book.
As for the book being targeted to 9-to-12-year-olds, I beg to differ. If I read an alphabet book to my children who are that age, they’d freak! One reviewer said that she read it with her 3-year-old and he loved the cute graphics.
Several reviewers recommended this book for all children, whether adopted or not.
More children’s books will be featured in tomorrow’s post
Have you read a Christian-themed children’s book about adoption? If so, please alert me to the title(s) or submit your own review to christianadoptionblog@adoptionmail.com.
If you’re an author who’s written or will soon be publishing a Christian book about adoption and you’d like me to review your book on my blog, please contact me.
