Reviews (9)

Great Gift
I recently gave this book as a shower gift for my niece who adopted a 2 1/2 year old little girl.Everyone at the shower read the entire book and just loved it!Michelle says Austina always brings this book to her during reading time.I will remember this book for future adoptive families.

so affirming to see loving familes who don't look alike
I just received this book as a gift. It's wonderful, filled with sweet messages affirming the value of loving, caring, giving, listening and sharing, and illustrations showing children and care givers who don't look alike sharing day-to-day life moments. I didn't realize how much I miss seeing images of diverse families in books until I read this one. The large photos are appealing even to young children and the text is accessible to a large age range of children with messages a parent won't tire of reading. Differences between family members are not denied but the commonality of the human spirit is honored. This book is appropriate not only for adoptive families (like my own) but step-families, bi-cultural or multicultural families and families where biologically related children don't resemble one or either of their parents. It's a great book for school reading projects too as it promotes positive messages and is inclusive of children who don't look like their caregivers.
Beautifully Written Story
I find this book to be very inspiring.I wish I had A book like this when I was a child.As an adult adoptee, I feel this book touches upon the most important connections we need to make with our children.Thank you, Carrie! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children: Babies & Toddlers    2. Family - Adoption    3. Juvenile Fiction    4. Social Issues - Prejudice & Racism    5. Social Issues - Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance   

Reviews (20)

Great book to open the discussion of adoption
I really like the simplicity of this book. It isn't overly graphic as some books on adoption are. It focuses more on the love that drives parents to wait, the anticipation in hoping every phone call is "the one," and the love we have for our children from day one. I felt very comfortable reading this book to my 1 year oldand a year later, she pulls this one out frequently to read.

FOREVER AND ALWAYS
Well written and understandable to our little Grandson when his Mom read it to him when he was only 2 and 3 years old.The most wonderful compliment for me is when he says; "Grandma, I'll love you forever and always!"He still remembers that line from the book and says it unsolicited and unprompted.That means the world to me.This book fulfills a loving and comforting feeling these adopted children like to have.

I love this book!!!
My son is adopted, and the whole story reminded me of how my husband and myself felt. I cried when reading the book as you do feel like the couple in the book and the wonderful adventure they encounter. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adoption    2. Babies    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children: Kindergarten    5. Family - Adoption    6. Fiction    7. Infants    8. Intercountry adoption    9. Fiction dealing with family issues    10. Fostering & adoption   

Reviews (6)

cute book, great message
This is a really cute way to introduce adoption to a child or other family members. It touches on a lot of issues that will probably come up, including looking different from your parents, being sad, dealing with other people's comments and how to talk about a birthmother. Since it is done from the point of view of a puppy it is kid friendly and is easy to read.

Great adoption introduction book for preschoolers
As the nanny to two wonderful adopted children I have searched far & wide for books that introduce the subject of adoption to them appropriately. This book has been well received by both children (2.5 & 7 years old). They both routinely request it at bedtime & it has inspired many open conversations on how they came to be a part of their family.

Wonderful and Insightful
I read this book to my class, and received a tremendous response from my 4th grade students.The book illustrates easy-to-understand principles of adoption, and highlights how it is important to tolerate the differences among each of us. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adoption    2. Animals - Dogs    3. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    4. Children: Kindergarten    5. Dogs    6. Family - Adoption    7. Fiction    8. Interracial adoption    9. Juvenile Fiction    10. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Dogs    11. Juvenile Fiction / Family / Adoption    12. Preschool Picture Story Books   

Reviews (65)

Convoluted
I bought this book soon after we adopted our daughter.I found the writing style to be convoluted and precocious, much like the way children speak in contemporary movies (adult words from a child's mouth).Sorry, not a fan.We are still looking for a book that addresses an open, domestic adoption that can speak to children, not adults.

A must have!!
Our son is adopted and we absolutely love this book.I agree with what everyone has said!This book also has given me ideas on how to word a little book with his own story in it.We will definately buy this book for anyone that we know who is adopting.

Tell Me Again About...
Awesome!I love the stor, and it has been a great intro for family, cousins and friends that are not sure how to address our newly adopted infant.We have been able to take the lead in how we tell, share and react to the situation as he grows.
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Subjects:  1. Adoption    2. Babies    3. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    4. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    5. Children: Kindergarten    6. Family - Adoption    7. Family - New Baby    8. Fiction    9. Infants    10. Juvenile Fiction    11. Science & Technology    12. Juvenile Fiction / Family / Adoption   

Reviews (46)

I love this book!!
This is a great book for a very young child, I started reading it to my daughter at 1. It doesn't go into detail about a birthmother or the actual adoption process. In fact Choco looks for a mom like him and finds love in a family that is very different, but is very happy and loving. My little girl loves this book and enjoys the bright pictures of the various animals. I love that it opens the door to explain that loving families can look different from each other... and that is OK!!! I would highly reccommend this book to anyone that has a family blessed by adoption from any country.

Goat's Stress Reduction and Pie-Eating Clinic, Meeting Number One.
Keiko Kasza, A Mother for Choco (Putnam, 1992)
A wonderful adoption book for the very young
You just can't go wrong with this book!The text is perfect for youn children, and the illustrations are precious. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Birds    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Kindergarten    4. Family - Adoption    5. Fiction    6. Love    7. Mothers    8. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / General    9. Modern fiction   

Editorial Review

Mother-love is profound, however a baby comes into a woman's life. ForRose Lewis, the journey to motherhood begins with a letter to Chinese officials,asking if she can adopt from the "big room with lots of other babies." Theinfants in that room in China are each missing a mother, but Lewis is missingsomething, too--a baby. She travels to China to meet her new little girl andfalls head over heels in love. Taking her baby home to America, Lewis introducesher to all her family and friends, and they begin their life together. Read more

Reviews (52)

Touching
This book is so special.It shows the love of an adoptive mother to her child.A must for any adoptive family.

Straight From The Heart
This book is a must for parents adopting from China and a must to read to their daughters as they get old enough to understand.
A must for single adopters
A lovely book about the adoption of a little girl from china by a single female adopter.Nice pictures and an easy way to make the adoption story part of 'happy bed time stories'.The words are those you would probably use to discuss where an adopted child came from if your daughter asked you. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adoption    2. Babies    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children: Preschool    5. Family - Adoption    6. Family - New Baby    7. Fiction    8. Infants    9. Intercountry adoption    10. Juvenile Fiction    11. People & Places - United States - Asian American    12. Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure   

Reviews (20)

A Beautiful Way to Create A Sense of Connection!
Adopted children crave connection with the birth parents, much like a starving man craves food. This doesn't mean that the adoptee loves the adoptive parent any less--it is an inborn, innate need. Carrie provides a way for the adopted child to feel that much-needed sense of connection with the birth family. She has seen adoption through the eyes of the adopted child--a very rare perspective these days! Thank you, Carrie, from one grateful adoptee.

Korean Quarterly Review by an adult Korean Adoptee
Even as a child, memories of my past from long ago and thousands of miles away would catch me off guard.I might have been playing with Barbie dolls with my friends, and suddenly, I would remember, walking along in a dusty, yellow marketplace with my father, along the busy streets of Seoul.But it was mostly at nighttime, when the world was asleep, that my mind reverted to my childhood, a different childhood, a life that seemed to belong to someone else. The moon is always there, even when it can't be seen...
This powerful book designed for pre-teen children (adopted from China, other countries or domestically) begins with a poem about the Moon, the refrain of which is "please let the light that shines on me/shine on the one I love.Read more

Subjects:  1. Children: Kindergarten    2. Juvenile Fiction / Family / Adoption    3. Adoption    4. Birthparents    5. Children's 4-8    6. Family - Adoption    7. Fiction    8. Juvenile fiction   

Reviews (105)

An Amazing book of pictures
My thought of this book is WOW! Pictures of Hollis Woods was a very heartfelt story about a girl abandonded in the forest she was named after.The pictures are memories, which I think is a very clever way to write a book.This book was full ofthe adventure of an abitous girl, making you unable to put it down. I'd reconmend this book to anyone 8 years old and up.

Pictures of Hollis Woods
Hollis Woods is a average girl all though she has been to many foster homes. One of the family's that she was staying with were the Regans, the only family that offered her a home. Then the Social Services moved her to a different home. She moved in with Josie. Josie is a very affectionate woman. Josie's memory was getting worser and worser everyday. Josie is a elderly paiter that has fllen in love with Hollis. If Social Services finds a different home then hollis will be taken away from Josie. So Hollis has a great plan, she will escape Social Services and she will take Josie with her. Hollis has been daydreaming about the family that she was last with. She remembers painting photos of them.She also remembers taking pictures of them. She is now thinking of all the fun that she had but she never noticed.

Better than good,better than great,it's GRAND.
I think this is one of the most greatest books I have ever read.
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Subjects:  1. Artists    2. Children's 12-Up - Fiction - General    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    4. Children: Grades 4-6    5. Family    6. Family - Adoption    7. Family - Orphans & Foster Homes    8. Fiction    9. Giff, Patricia Reilly    10. Juvenile Fiction    11. Juvenile Historical Fiction    12. Orphans    13. Social Issues - Friendship    14. Social Situations - Friendship    15. Juvenile Fiction / Social Situations / Friendship   

Reviews (14)

Great to see a children's book on Domestic Adoption
The majority of the children's books I find seem to focus on international adoption.This book met my needs much better.It is very simplistic but that is a positive to me, since I began reading this book to my son when he was only a year old.It is a great way to start introducing adoption into your everyday vocabulary.

Mostly for domestic adoption
This a very generic story, but it does seem to be largely focused on domestic adoption.The basic idea is that they get a phone call to go get "you" (the baby)...then the pages are full of different things that they bought or borrowed to get ready...then "we" went off to get "you"...It implies a speedy adoption from phone call to becoming a family, although the implication isn't overly strong.For example, they borrowed a car seat to take the baby home.There are no mentions of airplanes or long waits.It's a nice general story though.But definitely focused on adopting a baby.

A good way to open the door
Although the sentiment in this book is simple, I have found it to be a good catalyst for discussion about adoption.The details don't match in all repects to our adoption, but we are able to supplement our own changes. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adoption    2. Babies    3. Children's 4-8 - Fiction - General    4. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    5. Children: Preschool    6. Family - Adoption    7. Fiction    8. Juvenile Fiction / Family / Adoption   

Reviews (4)

Blackthorn Winter reveiw by Julie D.
In one of her latest novels, Blackthorn Winter, Kathryn Reiss puts everything you would think of in a mystery, and more into the plot.This book wasn't just your average "who done it" mystery; it included drama, suspense, and more.I have to say, I have read a lot of mysteries in my life, and this one definitely is on the top of my list.Some mysteries are a little unrealistic, but this one I could understand how she was feeling, and it all seemed real to me.
Such a good book -- a review by Nina
This book is one of the best books I've ever read.Its about a girl named Juliana whose family goes to live in England.A friend of the family mysteriously gets murdered and Juliana must find out who has done it.
Blackthorn Winter
Sunny skies and warm beaches was the life for fifteen year-old Juliana Martin-Drake. All of this
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Subjects:  1. Adoption    2. Artists    3. Children's 12-Up - Fiction - General    4. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    5. England    6. Family - Adoption    7. Family - Marriage & Divorce    8. Family - Orphans & Foster Homes    9. Family life    10. Fiction    11. Juvenile Fiction    12. Mysteries (Young Adult)    13. Mysteries, Espionage, & Detective Stories    14. Juvenile Fiction / Mysteries & Detective Stories   

Reviews (9)

Important Message in Fun, Easy to Read Format
A six year old girl's light hearted account tells how she came to her adoptive mother.The easy to follow text and child-like drawings celebrate adoption and "forever families" of every kind. It's an ideal story for lap-time reading or an easy way to make the adoption story part of 'happy bed time stories'.The book will inspire parents and kids to talk about their own first "meetings," whether at birth or in an adoption agency.This picture book will have great appeal for many youngsters, though adoptees and children from blended families and single parent homes will feel a special connection and be reminded that it's love that binds families together.
Heartwarming! Our Forever Family's FAVORITE!
A must have for every adoptive family's personal collection.Our three year old daughter (adopted from China), loves the story of Rain and Bo, and can relate so perfectly to how their forever family was formed - (and more importantly - how it explains how her own family was formed) - that she read it with us every night at bedtime.She now "reads" it all by herself - as it took no effort at all for her to memorize this heartwarming tale.Told from the child's perspective with simple but meaningful language, and the cutest illustrations - every child will love it.It's one of our favorites!

Not nearly as simple as that!
I am an adoptive mother, I have done quite a bit of research about adoption, and I have written my Master's thesis about adoption and its perspectives in children's literature. This book oversimplifies the subject and leads children to believe that an adopted baby understands the journey she begins when she meets her forever family. The text is nothing like what a six year old (the supposed age of the character narrator) would use. The pictures are over simple in some parts to look as if a child has drawn and colored them, and in other parts they are something like a bizarre cross between a photo and a sketch. They are not likely to draw a young child in or hold their interest.
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Subjects:  1. Children: Kindergarten    2. Family - Adoption    3. Juvenile Fiction    4. Juvenile Fiction / Ethnic / Asian American    5. Juvenile Fiction / Family / Adoption    6. Preschool Picture Story Books    7. Adopted children    8. Adoptive parents    9. Chinese Americans    10. Intercountry adoption    11. Interracial adoption    12. Orphans    13. People & Places - United States - Asian American   

Reviews (14)

True story, my grandmother told me.
I enjoyed this book especially because my grandmother was a rider on an orphan train when she was around 11 years old. She is still spry at the age of 98. The story she tells me is almost identical, for she felt she was tall, plain and ugly. Her mother died in New York and her and all of her brothers and sisters (6 of them) came to Texas. I think everyone should know about this part of our history. Eve Bunting did a wonderful job of telling the story that so many orphan train riders will never have the opportunity to tell.

A Train to Somewere
Marrianne was sent to Saint Christophers and her mom said that she would be back for her.But she never came back.She was on a train with 14 orphans trying to find her mom.But she couldn't find her mom.My favorite part was the end when Marrianne met Mr and Mrs. Books and they adopted her. The story made me sad because her mom didn't want her and a little happy because she got adopted at the end of the train ride.The End.

a train to somewhere
I thought it was good and sad. Sad because she didn't find her real mom. I think people should read it because it tells a lesson and it tells a happy ending. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    2. Children: Preschool    3. Family - Adoption    4. Family - Orphans & Foster Homes    5. Fiction    6. Historical - United States - 19th Century    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Orphan trains    9. Orphans    10. Early learning / early learning concepts    11. Fiction dealing with family issues    12. Fostering & adoption    13. Juvenile Fiction / Family / Adoption   

Reviews (3)

I wish there were more like this
My eight year old loved this book.After reading this book this book with me, she asked me to please buy the whole series.I wish that there was a W.I.S.E UP series of books.I especially like the fact that the book is designed to be read with your child.The book encouraged my daughter to share her thoughts about adoption with me instead of hiding her feelings in her journal.

Great tool for empowering youth!
Children sometimes find themselves in awkward situations with their peers or even with insensitive adults, when issues of personal history arise. W.I.S.E. Up! provides the answer. This book teaches children (and their parents, too) how to manage intrusive questions about adoption and a child's background. Four types of responses, from walking away to educating the questioner, are presented for the child's consideration. Through role play and examples, it encourages the child to make his/her own decision about how to respond. It empowers them! A terrific book for children aged 6 to 16 !!

W.I.S.E. Up!
This is a great tool for parents and their children who are adopted. W.I.S.E. Up! is a book that helps children answer questions about adoption! I have worked in the adoption community for 3 years and haven't seen a more successful program. W.I.S.E. Up! empowers children that are adopted to handle any question about adoption. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children: Grades 3-4    2. Family - Adoption    3. Juvenile Nonfiction   

Reviews (7)

a must have for Chinese adoptees and their parents
International adoption can be complex, adoption from China can be even more so due to current population restrictions enforced by the Chinese government. Explaining to our children how they came to be a part of our family can be a delicate topic to navigate given that there are so many unknowns leading to questions that quite possibly may go unanswered. I ordered this book upon our return from China with our daughter. In the course of our adoption journey I've read many books from the perspective of the parent - understanding the challenges that lie ahead, what life is like in the orphanages and the Chinese culture. Aside from the book by Ying Ying Fry, this is a rare book written for and from the the child's perspective and heart. As our daughter grows she will learn more of her life story and she will have questions. Some answers will lead to more questions, okay pretty much all of them will. This book will be one of the tools to enable her to know that she isn't the only one who has wondered these same things and that it's okay to want to find answers to her questions. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is already the parent, grand-parent, aunt or uncle to a child born in China who is now home in their world, and to all the children who have found their Forever Families. As much as our children are a gift to us, this book could bring peace of mind and heart to our children, a treasured gift.

Takes the child's feelings into account
There are at least two things that make this book stand out from the growing field of literature about adoption from China: it is told from the perspective of a child, rather than an adult, and it takes into account the sad feelings, as well as the happy ones that we parents remember so well. At Home in the World
I highly recommend this book, especially for pre-teen children who are just beginning to think more deeply about issues raised by international adoption. The watercolors are beautiful, the concept is excellent and the narrative well written and very strong. At Home in This World will help older children think about the issues surrounding their abandonment and adoption and may help many of them articulate their own ideas and feelings. I especially like that this story is told through the voice of an older child rather than an omniscient narrator or parent. It invites the reading child to identify with the narrator and leaves room for the child tospin the story as she wishes. An important contribution to the emerging literature written forinternationally-adopted children. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children: Grades 3-4    2. Family - Adoption    3. Family - Orphans & Foster Homes    4. Juvenile Fiction    5. Social Issues - Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance   

Reviews (14)

I hope it records better than it reads.
John McCutcheon, Happy Adoption Day! (Little, Brown, 1996)
Happy Adoption Day!
Great book.This is our second purchase of the book.We bought one for us and liked it so much, we now buy it as a gift.

Happy Adoption Day
This book has wonderful illustrations and my kids love it.You must get the CD (song #10) by John McCutcheon .We listen to it each adoption day. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adoption    2. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children's songs    5. Children: Preschool    6. Family - Adoption    7. Family life    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Songs and music    10. Texts    11. Juvenile Fiction / Family / Adoption   

Reviews (10)

This is only for very Christian two parent families
H is for "Heavenly Father..."I almost choked. This book is geared towards families with moms and dads that arranged to get a baby from the birthmother.
Not for kids adopted at older age
This book starts out talking about adoption and how the birthmom loves the baby so much and makes a plan for the adoptive parents.This is really only appropriate if the reader was adopted at birth.For so many of us this is not the story!I chose not to let my kids read this!

r is for redundant
while this book has some nice touches, it really does not have enough themes to take it through the alphabet and it a little more religious than the name implies. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adopted children    2. Adoption    3. Alphabet    4. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    5. Children: Preschool    6. Concepts - Alphabet    7. Family - Adoption    8. Juvenile Nonfiction    9. Juvenile literature    10. Parenting - General    11. Preschool Concepts    12. Preschool Picture Story Books   

Reviews (9)

Too strong for young children
This book I felt was too strong for a younger child.The emotions of how the child felt when she knew she wasn't "wanted" and how she rebelled.Yes it may be true that adoptive children will do such things, but if the child is not doing so and then reads this and does it what does that tell you.The end mellows out when everyone is happy and the child shows happiness w/the special party for adoption day signing.In my personal opinion, this is not a book I would promote.

Real Parents are the ones REALLY there! A+!
Great book! Kids need to understand who birthparents are and understand their value...however, it is also critical for children to understand who the parents are...those that raised them...My biological dad is not the man that raised me...the man that raised me is the only person I will ever call dad. Glad to see a book that can separate and value both!

Good when you adopt from birth
My husband and I are considering adopting an older child, but several books were recommended for reading, this one included.I can't say it's helpful when it comes to adopting a child over 4, but I can see it being very helpful for adoptive parentswith young ones discovering what adoption means. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adoption    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 1-2    4. Family - Adoption    5. Fiction    6. General    7. Juvenile Nonfiction    8. Fostering & adoption   

Reviews (13)

A story of love
Guji Guji is one of my favorite picture books.The fact that it is written and illustrated by a Taiwanese author makes it extra special for me (also Taiwanese).In a world where respect for diversity and differences is fast becoming a slogan/cliche, the message behind Guji Guji is truly touching.

An Enchanting Children's "Read"
Guji Guji was recommended to me, the Grandmother of a 3 year old, by a highschool chum who has lived in England most of her adult life.She is the national coordinator of one of the UK's top annual book awards and the adoptive mother of four children.The book is absolutely enchanting both in story content and gorgeous illustrations. I enthusiastically give Guji Guji a five star rating.

Not A Positive Adoption Story
As a former foster child and current child advocate, I would not classify "Guji Guji" as a positive adoption story.
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Subjects:  1. Animals - Alligators & Crocodiles    2. Animals - Ducks, Geese, Etc.    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children: Kindergarten    5. Ducks    6. Eggs    7. Family - Adoption    8. Fiction    9. Identity (Psychology)    10. Juvenile Fiction   

Editorial Review

How did the beloved Miss Spider begin her life as a spiderling? In this engaging prequel to David Kirk's Miss Spider books, the spider starlet herself has just popped out of her egg and is wondering where her mother could be.Read more

Reviews (36)

Our daughter's "first" and most beloved book...
From the time we discovered we were pregnant, we were collecting books, books, and more books - until, by the time our daughter was born we had an entire bookcase full of our most treasured childhood reading memories - plus a number of new ones. As first-time parents we hadn't realized just how disinterested our daughter would be in actually being read to, as she favored cramming pages into her mouth where they would become a gooey mess. Board books didn't fare much better, as the pages didn't feel the way she expected, or turn as easily as she desired.
Fun story backed with loopy, intriguing artwork.
David Kirk, Little Miss Spider (Scholastic, 1999)
A Book for Everyone
I have owned this book since 1999 when it was first published. It is a well written lovely story. I didn't know this was considered an "adoption" book.At our house it is a story about someone in need and someone else reaching out to help them. There is no need to decide if it should be for your adopted or biological child; read the book to your children because it is a good story with interesting illustrations and rhymes.This book is a favorite at our house with all of my children because it holds their attention and they can read along with the rhymes (not all of my children are "biologically" mine).Any time spent with a child reading a book is time to be cherished not time to worry! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - InsectsSpidersetc.    2. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children: Preschool    5. Family - Adoption    6. Fiction    7. General    8. Insects    9. Juvenile Fiction    10. Mother and child    11. Spiders    12. Juvenile Fiction / General   

Reviews (12)

Looks like the perfect adoption book for kids, but.....
I bought this book to help me introduce the concept of adoption to my 3 1/2 year old daughter.The story is absolutely perfect - the little girl in the story tells how she is adopted and asks the reader "were you adopted too?"My husband and I thought we found the perfect book until you get to a page which rather graphically depicts a baby coming out of a woman's womb.If you are ready to explain that to your child, it is the perfect adoption book to start with.We weren't, however, ready to go as f