A family may not always be blood related; family can mean sharing a heartwarming connection to a person or a group of people that you deeply care for. In the foster care system, it can mean being safe and comfortable in their presence and — most importantly — happy under their guardianship. For young minds, this can be a difficult process to understand, as many may look at their peers and notice how they have a different familial experience from them. However, no child should ever feel unwanted or unloved, so let us dive in to these featured picture books that portray foster care in a hopeful and positive light!
No Matter What by Josh Shipp and David Tieche, Illustrated by Yuliya Pankratova
A squirrel without a family, Josh had been with pelicans, leopards, otters, snakes, and many other animals, but it seemed no one wanted a squirrel like him. But Josh didn’t care, he didn’t want a family either. In fact, he would do anything he could to scare those families away first! However…the elephants weren’t like the other families; they were large and very patient to Josh, and they wanted him to join their family! After getting himself in a sticky situation, will Josh finally be convinced that this family is his?
Delly Duck by Holly Marlow, Illustrated by Suzy Garland
Delly Duck is excited for her new egg to hatch, but she doesn’t really know how to keep the egg safe or look after her chick when he hatches. In this heartwarming story, a concerned goose tries to help Delly learn how to care for her little one; it is intended to help support and answer questions an adopted or fostered child may have. Such as, why can’t I live with my birth mother? This wonderfully illustrated book reflects common behaviors and responsibilities of several people involved in an adoption and foster care process, including the challenges faced by a child’s birth parents and the dedication of wanting what is absolutely best for the adopted child.
Families Change by Julie Nelson, Illustrated by Mary Gallagher
It’s common for families to change over time; a baby may be born, or a grown-up gets married, but sometimes a child gets a new foster parent or an adopted mom and dad. During this process, it is important for children to know it’s not their fault. They must understand they can value their birth family while still loving their new family. This beautiful story offers hope and support for children experiencing this change in their lives, and includes resources for birth parents, foster parents, social workers, counselors, and teachers!
A Mother for Choco by Keiko Kasza
Choco deeply wishes he had a mother, but who and where could she be? Setting off to find her, Choco asks all kinds of animals, yet he doesn’t meet anyone who looks like him. He doesn’t even think to ask Mrs. Bears if she’s his mother; after all, there’s no way they could be related! However…Mrs. Bears starts to do just the things a mommy would do. When she brings Choco to her home, he meets her other children — a piglet, hippo, and an alligator! Family is not always about the similarities between a parent and child; it means to be loved. Follow along Choco’s journey as he learns that families can come in all kinds of shapes and sides, yet still fit happily together!
As children begin this new change in their lives, it’s important to remind them that they are never alone, and will always be loved by those around them.
Interested in reading novels with adopted protagonists? Check out our article here.
Be sure to take a look at our Mini Bookworms Delightful Recommendations list on bookshop.org!
