Adoption and fostering can be difficult subjects for young children to understand. Sharing stories about other families in similar situations can put a child’s mind at ease and encourage discussions. Stories may make difficult transitions easier to cope with and to understand.
Flora’s Family
by Annette Aubrey
Rhyming book were Flora finds out she is adopted and her parents explain what that means. Useful notes for parents / carers at the back.
Age: 4+
The Most Precious Present in the World
by Becky Edwards and Louise Comfort
Mia wants to know why she looks different to her adoptive parents and why her birth parents didn’t want her. A charming and comforting book.
Age: 4+
Zoo Girl
by Rebecca Elliott
A book with very few words, but the words and illustrations work to show how the child is feeling. Quite powerful but could be difficult to share. Would certainly promote discussion.
Age: 5+
Welcome to the Family
by Mary Hoffman and Ros Asquith
A charming and informative book that explores the many different ways a new baby might join your family, including adoption and fostering. Also looks at different types of families.
Age: 4+
Families, Families, Families!
by Suzanne Lang and Max Lang
This book introduces a whole host of silly animal families, who all carry the same message. It doesn’t matter how your family is made up – if you love each other, then you are a family.
Age: 3+
Tom and the Tree House
by Joan Lingard
Tom has always liked being adopted, but when he finds out his mum is expecting a baby, he starts to worry his parents will love the new baby more than him. Tom decides he needs to find a place that truly belongs to him.
Age: 7+
Dad David, Baba Chris and Me
by Ed Merchant
Ben’s two dads adopted him when he was four. This story encourages an understanding and appreciation of same-sex parents, as well as looking at the different sorts of families that there can be.
Age: 4+
Useful Organisations
NHS:
Support and information for parents who are adopting or have already adopted.
Gov.uk:
Information about your rights as a parents, child benefits and other useful information regarding finance.
Adoption South:
Advice, information and support for both parents and children; both during and after adoption.
Adoption UK:
Providing an online forum, support groups, family days and training for parents.
Hampshire Libraries 