Little, Brown and Company sent me five wonderful books on adoption, family and about being “different.” Not only are these books a wonderful way to explain adoption and mixed families to kids, but they’d make wonderful holiday gifts. All of these books are for ages four to eight.

Our first two books are by Rose Lewis and illustrated by Jane Dyer and deal with Chinese adoption:

• I Love You Like Crazy Cakes – Rose recounts her experiences of adopting a Chinese baby. The journey begins with a letter to Chinese officials. Then she travels to China to meet her daughter and soon falls in love with her baby girl. Lewis returns to America and introduces the baby to her friends and family, the first step in their life together.
• Every Year on Your Birthday – This book touches on birthday celebrations and unforgettable moments between a mother and her adopted daughter from China. The book explores both American and Chinese celebrations.

The remaining three books are written and illustrated by Todd Parr. The books deal with being “different” (adopted) and the different types of families out there – single families, families with step-parents, families with adopted kids, gay families, and so on.

• It’s Okay to Be Different – A good book for adopted kids as well as though who tread off the beaten path.
• The Family Book – While many families are different – some have stepparents, others have two moms or two dads – all families are ultimately the same because they love to hug each other and can help each other be strong.
• We Belong Together: A Book About Adoption and Families – “We belong together because… You needed a home. I had one to share. Now, we are a family.” Who could explain adoption better than that?

You don’t have to have an adopted child or a non-traditional family to enjoy these books. Instead, the authors teach kids about differences and adoption in a entertaining and fun way. Wish it was that easy in real life.

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