Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 21, 2013 8:43:55 GMT
I thought I'd start a thread for people to add any books with adoption themes to, because otherwise they get lost on the board pages and are hard to find.
It would be nice to group them in one place and others can add their finds to this thread. 
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 21, 2013 8:45:36 GMT
My New Family - (a first look at adoption) by Pat Thomas £7.50.
An excellent book about adoption - aimed at children of 3+, accessible, not too long, good quality pictures make it easy to adapt to your own situation when reading, good explanation of moving from foster carers to adoptive family without being too heavy.
(Only downside is showing BM sick in hospital - don't really see the sense in this) but the rest of the book is good to promote questions or get your child talking about adoption and understanding why they came to be with you.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 21, 2013 8:46:14 GMT
Nutmeg Gets Adopted - by Judith Foxon
One of the hardest things when talking to your adopted child is discussing why they could not stay with birth parents.
How do you tell a small child that their first mum simply did not feed them? Or left them alone? This book makes a brave attempt to look at this issue.
Too many books look at the romantic, rosy side of adoption and sadly, for most kids in the UK system, this is just not appropriate.
It it helpful when introducing this difficult subject to a child. It is not too specific and it is non judgemental and also is English as opposed to American which a lot of other adoption books are.
Helpful practice notes are also included.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 21, 2013 8:46:47 GMT
The Teazles' Baby Bunny - by Susan Bugnall
This is a beautiful rhyming story that tells how mummy & daddy rabbit didn't have a baby and McBadger found them a baby.
It tells of their joy and how they prepared their home ready to welcome their little one.
It is told beautifully and it tells the excitement of the parents waiting and preparing for their child.
Aimed at very young children to explain how they came to live with you.
This would also make a wonderful gift for a child going home with their new parents
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 21, 2013 8:47:45 GMT
We Belong Together - by Todd Parr as suggested by Donatella
Bright colours, few words but talks about how they came to be together. My son used to love it.
Our Twitchy is another one we've used.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 21, 2013 8:48:17 GMT
Finding a Family for Tommy - by Rebecca Daniel
A 16 page spiral bound book, useful for Foster Carers to explain to their foslings about how SS are looking for a forever family for them.
Good preparation for moving on to forever family.
A BAAF publication.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 21, 2013 8:49:16 GMT
Tom and the tree house - by Joan Lingard as suggested by Peartree
Great for slightly older child who is adopted and the family has a birth child.
Tom is adopted. But he's always known about it, and always considered himself special. His parents have chosen him above anyone else. But with the arrival of a new baby on the scene, Tom isn't so sure he's all that special any more. He retreats from his parents and his next-door neighbour into his hideaway tree house. Now his parents have to show him how much they want and love him, and he has to learn to accept the arrival of a new baby sister. A touching story with plenty of humour - beautifully written and illustrated.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 21, 2013 8:50:12 GMT
Jessica Strange - by Malorie Blackman
I like this book as it has a simple story about a cat who doesn't look like any of it's brothers or sisters.
She goes round the farmyard asking questions and trying to see who she looks like to try and fit in.
It's not about adoption per say, but can be adapted to suit the readers needs and the lesson learned is that your family love you anyway even if you look a bit different to them.
My DD's loved this story when they were little.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 21, 2013 8:51:09 GMT
Tell Me Again about the Night I was Born - by Jamie Lee Curtis
Yes, the actress, who is an adopter herself. It is an American hard back book and features the traditional sort of American adoption of a relinquished baby, but that has never stopped it being a favourite adoption book. It is a beautiful book with great illustrations and really works as a compelling story. And it finishes off with the little girl asking the reader about their story, so it gives you a chance to discuss how your child's story is different.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 21, 2013 8:52:09 GMT
Picnic in the Park - by Joe Griffiths & Tony Pilgrim as suggested by Shortbread
The book is about a child having a birthday party in the park, and then speaks about individual families who are attending, it identifies adopted children, fostered children, same sex couples, individuals with disability. I found this very helpful at "normalising" adoption and promoting diversity.
"Picnic in the Park" is a fully illustrated book for children which tells the story of Jason's birthday picnic and his guests. In so doing, it introduces children to a range of family structures, including two- and one-parent families; adoptive and foster families; gay and lesbian families; and step-families.
It also shows a diverse range of adults and children. Using the device of a birthday picnic in the park, each page shows a new set of guests coming to the party; children can draw their own and friends' families on the pages at the back.
Vividly illustrated, this book will provide family placement workers with an invaluable tool for introducing children to contemporary family structures in their preparation work with children prior to placement. Indeed, given the scope of the contents, this book could be used with any child in any setting to introduce them to modern-day family structures.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 21, 2013 8:53:01 GMT
Adoption Life Story Books - as suggested by Trishrebel Online story book creator, help your young adopted child understand their start in life.
Adoptive Mum to 2 young children.North West England. Just been published November 2012 by an adopter! @hugglebooks on Twitter www.adoptionlifestorybooks.comjmk says:- Love this and think we should support an Adoptive Mum if possible!!
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 21, 2013 8:54:10 GMT
From You to Me books - by Helen Stephens, as suggested by Dusty
This is NOT a baby record book ... but can be adapted easily for an adopted child.
This book is split down in to sections for each year of your child's life asking the same questions each year so you can build up a picture of their childhood until finally you give them the completed book for their 18th birthday (... there are versions for both sons and daughters).
There's a tiny space for the following questions : A few of your favourite things A few of my favourite things Where we live Who we live with Ailments this year
Half a page for the following : What you are like Things you have done and said Things that have happened in the world this year Adventures we have had this year Adventures I would love to have with you in the coming year My hopes and dreams for the next 12 months My predictions of what you will be like when you grow up
A full page for: How I feel about our year together A full blank page (I've used this to write extra bits and also printed out mini photos to stick in)
Plus space for a small photo
This is a lovely idea and it would make a wonderful gift to an adoptive mum with a new child placed. Even when time is tight,you could jot notes on a post it for each section and complete the book at a later date when time isn't such an issue.
All in all my DD is going to have quite a bit of bedtime reading ready for her when she grows up.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 21, 2013 8:54:43 GMT
The Great Big Book Of Families - by Mary Hoffman
A really good book for LO's aged 2+ to understand that there are different kinds of non traditional families and how you can have a family of just two people.
Lovely illustrations and it's very multi cultural too showing a white couple with a black/mixed baby.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 21, 2013 8:55:21 GMT
Motherbridge of love by - Xianran Xue
Cherish the special bond between parent and child with this beautiful, anonymously written poem.
Through the exchanges between a little Chinese girl and her white adoptive parents, this poignant selection celebrates love and family.
Text royalties from this book are donated to Mother Bridge of Love, a charity that reaches out to Chinese children all over the world in order to develop a connection between China and the West, and between adoptive culture and birth culture. Xinran, the acclaimed Chinese author, broadcaster and journalist, is the founder of Mother Bridge of Love.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 21, 2013 8:55:57 GMT
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 21, 2013 8:56:33 GMT
I Love You Like Crazy Cakes - by Rosie Lewis
Author single adopter Rose Lewis brings to life her true story of adopting a baby from China. What begins as a letter to Chinese officials ends with bringing home a baby girl, to the delight of new mum and extended family.
Jane Dyer's illustrations are soft and dreamy, and perfectly compliment the story of Rose and her daughter, Alexandra Mae-Ming Lewis.
From that first time of holding her new daughter, to the first night alone back in America, the feelings of love and devotion are evident on every page.
Although this is a book sure to appeal to parents who have adopted children from other countries, specifically China, it's a great story for any child, adopted or not.
It is a great first introduction as to what adoption truly means and is good for single adoptive parents.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 21, 2013 8:57:34 GMT
A long way home - by Michael Morpurgo as suggested by Dusty
Michael Morpurgo is a master storyteller, former Children's Laureate and multi-award winner.
This is another summer, another foster family. George has already made up his mind to run away, back to the children's home. None of the previous families have wanted him. Why should the Dyers be any different?
But George begins to feel at ease with Tom Dyer and his sister Storme, even happy, and changes his mind. He could even feel at home with them - couldn't he?
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 21, 2013 8:58:30 GMT
A Sister For Matthew - by Pamela Kennedy
This story is suitable for birth children, ages 3-5. Matthew is getting a baby sister - from China.
This story is about a timely topic, and author Kennedy has written an encouraging story for adoptive parents and for big sisters and brothers too.
In this comforting story, Matthew learns that his parents will always love him very much. And he also learns that a child need not look like her family to be a part of the family.
It also includes a Note to Parents from an experienced child counsellor.
|
|
|
Post by kstar on Sept 24, 2013 16:00:53 GMT
I wished for you - by Marianne Richmond
A lovely picture book about a baby bear asking his mummy to tell him the story of how she wished for him and worked hard to bring him home.
Particularly good for single mums as the bear in the story is a single mum.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 29, 2013 11:52:43 GMT
Our Twitchy - by Kes Gray & Mary Mc Quillan
Twitchy and his family eat carrots and live in a burrow just like an ordinary rabbit family.
But one day Milfoil the cow and Sedge the horse decide to tell Twitchy they are not his real rabbit mum and dad.
Twitchy is so upset he is convinced that he must turn himself into a horse or a cow so Sedge and Milfoil will still love him.
So he pegs up his ears like a cow's and makes his tail long like a horse's; and he moos and he neighs just like his adoptive parents.
But Milfoil and Sedge don't want him to change.
They love him just as he is, as much as if they were his real mum and dad.
And they always will!
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 29, 2013 11:59:39 GMT
Oh Brother - by Claire Friday
Aimed at children aged between 7-11 years, this book tells the story of a single birth child whose parents decide to adopt another child.
Tom is ten years old. This is his story of what happens after his parents decide to adopt another child. Follow Tom and share his hopes, fears, and expectations during the approval and matching process, and see how his family’s life changes after the arrival of his new brother Billy.
Oh Brother! has been written to help birth children understand the realities of life with an adopted sibling.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 29, 2013 14:28:33 GMT
A Story of Adoption - by E.E Palser (an adoptive Mum)
I am adoptive parent who has just published a picture book on Amazon that I wrote and illustrated (with the help of my mum), in order to explain to my daughter what happened before she came to me. I found a life story book is all very well, but it doesn't answer questions like 'How could my birth mother love me, but not care for me?' 'what does it mean, she wasn't cared for herself as a child?' I made it for my daughter's adoption day, but then realised how helpful it could be to many adoptive parents. 'A Story of Adoption' uses the story of Violet, fostered age 6, pregnant at 18 and her own child adopted at 19 to make a unique (as far as I can see) book for adoptive parents to use to start conversations about the tough stuff. To make sure our children know the truth, not the stories they may tell themselves! Have a look it's on Amazon www.amazon.co.uk/A-Story-Adoption-E-Palser/dp/1489581685/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1371146279&sr=8-8&keywords=palserLet me know what you think! Thanks Sulamaye
|
|
|
Post by jmk on Jan 21, 2016 11:48:50 GMT
What to do when you worry too much - by Dawn Huebner
A book for children who have anxiety or worry too much
Review :-
I am 11 years old. Since the age of 9 I have been suffering from Generalized Anxiety Disorder. This has made me feel anxious most of the time and I've struggled to enjoy fun family activities. This feels horrible and I wish I could change the past. I can't, I just have to change the future. Me and my parents have really struggled to know how to handle my anxiety. The school nurse recommended another book which was too babyish for me. The top item was this book. We checked it out and read some of the reviews. We couldn't resist buying this book as we needed some help to deal with the anxiety at home.
Since we read this book, my life has changed. I am no longer constantly feeling anxious or filling my mind with negative thoughts. The book has taught me to lock away my worries until "Worry Time" where me and my mum/dad can speak about my worries and overcome them. I am not allowed to talk about my worries until this time or I am "Watering the Tomatoes" which means my worries are growing. Before this book, we used to talk about my worries and anxiety ALL of the time, trying to get rid of them by talking but we soon realised that we were completely wrong.
The book has really fun activities in it which helps me to interact during worry time. My family and I,strongly recommend this book for any child that suffers from really bad anxiety or worries constantly.
I hope this review has helped you.
|
|
|
Post by mudlark on Mar 23, 2016 13:16:45 GMT
Teeny Weeny in a Too Big World by Margot Sunderland - Book by the amazing Margot Sunderland to help children who feel over whelmed by feelings and find it hard to let others help them. (My avoidant 5 year old loves this book we must have read it 20 times)
A Nifflenoo called Nevermind - by Margot Sunderland. A story to help children who bottle up their feelings find ways to let them out safely. (Been a great help for my 5 year old little boy)
The Frog who Longed for the Moon by Margot Sunderland - A story about loss and longing for someone. Its been particularly useful for my 6 year old daughter to help her with feelings about her birth mother. All three books would be good for children between 5 and as old as 11.
|
|