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Adoption is Both is a children’s book written by Elena S. Hall and beautifully illustrated by Lara Norris. Adoption is Both is a thoughtful and emotionally resonant story that recognizes there many ways to think about adoption and all feelings are valid. Told in a simple, rhythmic language, the book begins with “Adoption is happy, and adoption is sad. It can make my heart hurt or make it feel glad.” A small, endearing character who changes color- sometimes pink and sometimes blue shares their perspective on adoption. The little character embraces their feelings and sings of pride in both the good and the bad, changing colors to match their emotion. Through these words, young readers are reminded that it’s okay to feel more than one thing at once. The book concludes with the proclamation that “Adoption is both – pink and blue! Pink and Blue! Both are true.” This book opens the door for meaningful dialogue and emotional understanding.

About the Author

Elena S. Hall is a Russian adoptee, author, social worker, and behind the social media account @ThroughAdoptedEyes. Elena brings both personal and professional insight to her work. She’s the author of Through Adopted Eyes, Through Adopted Hearts, and two children’s books — Adoption Is Both & My Adoptee Voice.

Through storytelling and advocacy, Elena invites others to explore adoption with honesty, empathy, and a focus on lived experience.

The Pawsons Celebrate is about a lovable, furry family of monsters who have just moved to the town of Edgewood. They are a little odd – but what family isn’t? Even though they are big, fuzzy, and a little over the top, they have big hearts and are always excited to share their joy with the people around them. In this follow-up to The Pawsons Move In, we get a chance to see them celebrate all of their favorite holidays, with one very special day coming up on their calendar. It’s their son Maury’s Gotcha’ Day – the celebration of his official adoption! The authors Brian and Josie Parker have infused this story with their unique experiences as creative weirdos, foster parents, and members of a diverse community, to tell a one-of-a-kind story. It’s filled with the kind of whimsical and joyous chaos that is part of their everyday lives, brought to you in a vibrant illustrations style similar to Ghibli Animation, Tony DiTerlizzi, Maurice Sendak, and Dan Santat.

About the Author

Believe In Wonder is a youth-focused publishing company started in 2015 by authors/illustrators/educators Brian and Josie Parker, as well as their adopted sons Victor and Kamari Parker. Their mission is to share wonder, creativity, and the idea of endless possibility to all of their readers, and with a particular focus on underrepresented audiences, including; BIPOC, LGBTQIA, at-risk youth, children in care (e.g., foster/adopt and incarcerated youth) and children who have experienced trauma. Art and reading are rarified spaces where all things are possible – the only limits are your imagination and your will to explore. Through their work, the Parkers use storytelling as a medium for change, and encourage open minds, empathy, and aspiration to greater heights.

Learn more at believeinwonder.weebly.com.

Wonderfully You, written by Tom Tracy and beautifully illustrated by Beatriz Mello. is a love note to children who’ve been adopted in this heartfelt story that showcases family creation through the experience of transracial adoption. The reader is invited to experience the adoption journey through melodic rhyming narrative, which is complemented by beautiful, hand-drawn illustrations. Personal connection to adoption isn’t necessary to feel the warmth and love that is the central message of this book. It is a perfect read along for kids, grandkids, classrooms, those touched by adoption, and individuals looking for books that portray diverse families.

About the Author

Tom Tracy is a best-selling & award-winning children’s book author, an NJ-LCSW, and a dad of two transracially adopted daughters. Through authentic storytelling, his books inspire young minds and promote representation of diverse families. He has been featured by CBS-Philly, Gay Parent Magazine, South Jersey Magazine, and more.

Discover more about Tom and his books at www.tomtracybooks.com.