A New and Exciting Kids Book Adventure

​Not long ago I decided to do something I’d never done before. And, as new adventures often prove, it was an exciting journey of research and discovery and learning. A time of stretching and trusting and praying.
 
It all started during our adoption home study process. My husband and I began asking our adoption agent for resources to share with our young daughter. We were looking for books to help educate her about the adoption process, encourage her through the waiting, and help her understand the idea of open adoption. And we were really hoping for something with Christian themes and values. 
 
Although there are several beautiful adoption-related children’s books available, we found nothing that matched this description for the child already in the family. Instead, we found a chasm between what was available and what we needed for our family - and we knew we couldn’t possibly be the only parents looking for this type of resource.
 
And so, with a tug on my heart from the Lord and encouragement from my husband, I wrote a children’s book.

(Gulp.)

Yes, it was a daunting project to undertake, but I have not-so-secretly loved every minute. The pieces of the puzzle have fallen together almost seamlessly. The outline and script came quickly. I secured an amazingly talented illustrator. Encouragement came from everywhere. And now, it’s almost ready for sale!
 
Family By Love: A Story of Open Adoption is the story of sweet and spunky Sophia on her journey to become a big sister to her newly-adopted brother. It covers the topics of domestic adoption, transracial adoption, birth mothers and birth families, preparing to adopt, waiting for placement, and the ongoing relationships of open adoption.

I have completely fallen in love with these sweet faces. (I mean, look at them!) And I smile to know what happens in their family and in their hearts as they adopt a precious baby boy.
 
Full disclosure: one of my very favorite parts of this story is that it’s told from the perspective of the child who is already in the family at the start of the adoption process. I don't know of a more effective way to reach children and help them understand what adoption looks like from their vantage point.
 
My ultimate hope is that you will share this resource with anyone you know who may benefit from a sweet story of adoption, unconditional love, and what really makes a family. I can't wait to share it with you soon!
 
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