A few days before our official first Family Day, Ella’s Aunt Kellie and Uncle Adam stopped by with a special Family Day gift for her. Not only is it sweet and touching that they remembered, but those two always go out of their way to find appropriate, unique, special gifts for their niece. This occasion was no exception.

When Ella unwrapped her gift, it was a copy of John McCutcheon’s book “Happy Adoption Day!” I don’t know how they seem to find adoption related books and items that I’ve never seen before, but they do! I hadn’t read McCutcheon’s book before and quickly realized that I absolutely loved it and am so very glad that it’s now part of our library.

What I like best about this book is that it portrays adoption and the world we live in in a realistic light. The tone of the book is certainly celebratory and full of a family’s love, but there is mention of our world being “tattered and torn,” but made so much brighter by a child who enters a parent’s life through adoption. There is talk of different kinds of parents and families, with the overall focus placed on the child being loved and wanted. One of my favorite quotes from the book is:

There are those who think families happen by chance,
A mystery their whole life through,
But we had a voice and we had a choice –
We were working and waiting for you.

As a waiting parent who’s already experienced one adoption, those words made me choke up a bit-they hit really close to home.

The text of the book is actually song lyrics, and the song’s notation is included at the end of the book. The illustrations by Julie Paschkis are gorgeous; bright and vivid. Kids reading this book will get to see two parents who travel to adopt their Asian baby and bring him back home. Parents reading along with their kids will reminisce about their pre-adoption excitement and the emotions involved in their own adoption and family building. It’s perfect to read together as a family, and if someone is musically inclined, it can be shared through song.

Buy "Happy Adoption Day!" here.

Other Book Reviews:
Be My Baby
When You Were Born in Viet Nam
Ten Mice for Tet