Todd Parr has found a way to approach this challenging matter with humour and sensitivity through his bold and colourful illustrations and unique reassuring messages.
We Belong Together by Todd Parr
Todd Parr has found a way to approach this challenging matter with humour and sensitivity through his bold and colourful illustrations and unique reassuring messages.
The Family Book by Todd Parr
The Family Book celebrates the love we feel for our families and all the different varieties they come in. Whether you have two mothers or two dads, a big family or a small family, a clean family or a messy one, Todd Parr assures readers that no matter what kind of family you have, every family is special in its own unique way.
The Teazles’ Baby Bunny by Susan Bagnall
This children’s book for adopters tells the story of the Teazle rabbits and their adoption of a baby bunny. The simple tale and clear, colourful pictures provide a gentle introduction to broaching the subject of adoption and will help any adopted child to recognise how special they are and how much they are wanted.
And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson, Peter Parnell and Henry Cole
In the zoo, there are all kinds of animal families. But Tango’s family is not like any of the others. This illustrated children’s book fictionalises the true story of two male penguins who became partners and raised a penguin chick in the Central Park Zoo.
The Most Precious Present in the World By Becky Edwards
Why isn’t Mia hair straight like her Mum’s? Why are her eyes dark, not blue like her Dad’s? Why does being adopted make Mia feel sad and confused? This simply written, yet engaging story touches upon the profound themes of loss, separation, belonging and difference.
The Blanket Bears by Samuel Langley-Swain
The Blanket Bears offers an honest yet gentle account of the complete adoption journey for children starting or trying to understand the process. It's also a great introduction to young children more widely about how the process of adoption works and how some families come to be together. This book is perfect for primary schools in early years and Key Stage 1 to help children empathise with their adopted peers.
Finding a Family for Tommy by Rebecca Daniel
Young children aged three and above. It can be used in a general way to teach children about different families, and also with those who are to be adopted or placed in foster care.
Picnic in the Park by Joe Griffiths & Tony Pilgrim
This charming picture book, designed for use with young children, introduces children to a range of different 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.
Eddy Finds a Family by Sarah McGeough
Flossy and Frank Flamingo are unable to have a chick of their own. Eddy Emu is in foster care and in need of a loving home. Eddy Finds a Family is a heart-warming story about adoption that follows their journey as they find each other and become a family. It takes a sensitive and emotional subject and makes it fun and engaging for children to enjoy.
Dennis the Duckling by Paul Sambrooks
Through Dennis' story, this colourful picture book explains what may be happening to young children and helps them to express some of the emotions they may be feeling about upsetting and confusing events.
The Lamb-a-roo by Diana Kimpton
A gentle introduction to the subject of adoption and learning that differences are what make us special.
The Family Fairies by Rosemary Lucas
It covers the how, not the why, and gently references key stages of the adoption process in a positive and child focused way.
Josh and Jaz Have Three Mums by Hedi Argent and Amanda Wood
This book for young children aged five to eight helps to explain the diversity and difference of family groups and encourages an understanding and appreciation of same-sex parents.
Chester and Daisy Move On by Angela Lidster
This popular and engaging picture book is for use with children who are moving on to adoption. It tells the story of two little bear cubs who have to leave their parents and live with a foster bear family. Soon they learn they are to be adopted. The story encourages children to compare their own stories with that of Chester and Daisy.
Why was I adopted? By Jane Jackson
Children’s questions can often be difficult, unexpected, confounding and even challenging. This short guide looks at some of the most common big adoption questions that adopted children ask and explores the feelings and worries that can lie behind a child’s questions, with useful suggested dialogue.
Talking about Adoption By Majorie Morrison
This popular and comprehensive guide outlines the whys, whens and hows of telling the truth about an adopted child’s origins. It is packed with practical ideas suitable for children of all ages, and the wealth of information and advice is brought to life with case studies detailing the experiences of adoptive parents and adopted children.
More adoption conversations By Renee Wolfs
This in-depth practical guide explores the problems that adopted teenagers (up to 18 years old) are likely to confront and provides suggestions for helpful solutions and achievable communication methods. Brimming with advice and ideas, it will help parents discuss the known – or unknown – aspects of their adopted teenager’s history and be well equipped to communicate difficult issues.
When Daisy Met Tommy by Jules Belle
This is the story of how Daisy and her parents adopted Tom. Although written by her mother, it is really six-year-old Daisy’s adoption story. In this humorous and poignant account, Daisy’s thoughts and feelings about the family’s decision to adopt Tom and her perspective on the adoption process are brought vividly to life.
Adopting a Brother or Sister by Hedi Argent
This booklet is designed for children whose family will be adopting another child – their new brother or sister. It follows the story of a nine-year-old girl whose family adopt a little boy and will allow the child reading the guide to explore their own thoughts and feelings about adoption and what it will mean for them.
The New Small Person by Lauren Child
Lauren tells the familiar tale of a less-than-welcome sibling with subtlety, insight, affection, and humour. Though this book isn’t adoption specific, adopters have found it useful to read with their children.
Am I supposed to feel this way?: A seven-year-old birth child’s experience of adoption by Elizabeth Archer and Martine Cuccineillo
This is the story of seven-year-old Oliver, a birth child, whose parents adopt a little baby called Max. For Oliver this initially seemed to be everything he always wanted, but he soon discovers not everything was as he first imagined! More often than not, we realise birth children can suffer secondary trauma with having an adopted sibling. This book enables parents to sit with their children to discuss the possible issues that may arise when having an adopted sibling placed. It can also help children who already have an adopted sibling to understand what might be going on for them, and that they are not alone in feeling the way they do.
Big Brother Colouring Book by SS Publications (aged 2-8 years)
This colouring book will help your son to feel special and proud as he becomes a big brother. Also with this book, the kids can express themselves and explore their creativity.
You’re The Biggest by Lucy Tapper & Steve Wilson
This book isn’t in relation to adoption but celebrates the role an older sibling has and the cherished moments of being ‘the biggest’.
Nutmeg Gets a Little Sister by Judith Foxon (aged 7+)
In this book, Nutmeg and his adopted siblings learn that their birth mother is to have another baby, and the story explores the complex feelings that arise from this. The story looks first at Nutmeg's confused feelings when he hears that he has a new sister - will he stay with their birth mother? Will she be able to look after him, when she wasn't able to look after Nutmeg and the others? Why is she keeping the new baby, but didn't keep Nutmeg?
When Nutmeg's adoptive family go on to adopt the new sibling, Nutmeg find there are good and bad things about having a new adopted sister, and everyone takes time to settle into the new family. Guidelines accompany the book to help parents and carers to get the most out of the story and to deal with some of the concerns that could arise with their children when considering sibling adoption.
The Most Precious Present in the World by Becky Edwards
Why isn’t Mia hair straight like her mum’s? Why are her eyes dark, not blue like her dad’s? Why does being adopted make Mia feel sad and confused? This simply written, yet engaging story touches upon the profound themes of loss, separation, belonging and difference.
The Teazles’ baby bunny by Susan Bagnall
This colourful book tells the story of the Teazle rabbits and their adoption of a baby bunny. The simple tale and clear pictures provide a gentle introduction to broaching the subject of adoption and will help any adopted child to recognise how special they are and how much they are wanted.
Morris & the Bundle of Worries by Jill Seeney
A charming picture book for young children in a range of situations, Morris and the Bundle of Worries shows that talking about problems and facing worries with the help of others is more helpful than hiding your fears.
Elfa and the Box of Memories by Michelle Bell
This is a beautifully illustrated picture book for young children on the importance of memories, sharing them, and finding ways of keeping them alive.
The Invisible String by Patrice Karst
This heart-warming picture book for all ages explores questions about the intangible yet unbreakable connections between us, and opens up deeper conversations about love.
Can’t You Sleep, Little Bear? By Martin Waddell
There is dark all around him in the Bear Cave. Not even Big Bear's biggest lantern can light up the darkness of the night outside. Can Big Bear find a way to reassure restless Little Bear and help him fall fast asleep?
How Hattie Hated Kindess by Margot Sunderland
How Hattie Hated Kindness is a story for children locked in rage or hate.
A Nifflenoo Called Nevermind by Margot Sunderland
A Nifflenoo Called Nevermind is story for children who bottle up their feelings. Nevermind always carries on whatever happens! Each time something horrible happens to him he just tucks his feelings away and carries on with life. Find out what happens to Nevermind and how he begins to understand that his feelings do matter, how he learns to express them and stand up for himself.
William Wobbly and the Very Bad Day by Sarah Naish and Rosie Jefferies
William Wobbly is having a very bad day. He didn’t want to go to school and when he got there things just got worse.
Written by a mum who understands, and her daughter (who used to have a lot of wobbly feelings), this is a story for children functioning at age 3-10 who struggle with sensory overload.
Charley Chatty and the Wiggly Worry Worm by Sarah Naish and Rosie Jefferies
Sometimes, Charley’s imagination takes over and she tells stories about things that didn’t really happen. She doesn’t mean to but she likes how it makes her feel important and the wiggly worry worm inside her belly goes away.
The Boy Who Built a Wall Around Himself by Ali Redford
Boy built a wall to keep himself safe. Behind it he felt strong and more protected. Then Someone Kind came along. She bounced a ball, sang and painted on the other side of the wall, and Boy began to wonder if life on the other side might be better after all.
Hey Warrior by Karen Young
Kids can do amazing things with the right information. Understanding why anxiety feels the way it does and where the physical symptoms come from is a powerful step in turning anxiety around. Anxiety explained, kids empowered. Key themes of: anxiety, self-care and positivity.
Ruby’s Worry: A Big Bright Feelings Book by Tom Percival
If your child has a worry - and all children do have worries - this is the ideal book to encourage them to talk about it.
Life Work with Children Who are Fostered or Adopted
Using Diverse Techniques in a Coordinated Approach by Joy Rees
Life Story Books for Adopted and Fostered Children, Second Edition
A Family Friendly Approach by Joy Rees
The Child's Own Story
Life Story Work with Traumatised Children by Richard Rose
Why was I adopted?
by Jane Jackson
Talking about Adoption
by Majorie Morrison
More adoption conversations
by Renee Wolfs
Life Story Work With Children Who Are Fostered or Adopted
Creative Ideas and Activities by Katie Wrench
Life Story Work
by Tony Ryan and Rodger Walker
Life Books
Creating a Treasure for the Adopted Child by Beth O’Malley
Related by Adoption
A Handbook for Grandparents and Other Relatives by Hedi Argent
Flying solo
a single parent’s adoption story by Julia Wise