Ten Beautiful Picture Books About Adoption

Best for: Kids 3 and older. Written by a birth mother, this book is ideal for helping children understand their birth mother’s perspective-- that they were not placed with an adoptive family because they were unloved but rather because they were loved more than they can imagine.

Best for: Kids 4 and older. An adopted child shares the story of her adoption. She asks questions directly to the reader that can help readers explore their own adoption stories.

Best for: 5 to 8-year-olds

A little girl adopted from China is given the assignment of creating a poster all about herself. In the process of putting together her poster, she realizes how important her Chinese birth family is to her. This story can help adopted children understand that both their birth families and adoptive families are important parts of who they are.

Best for: Kids ages 4 to 8. Jamie Lee Curtis’ story is almost universally beloved by adoptive families. It’s a cheerfully illustrated, simply written, joyful retelling of every adopted child’s favorite story: the story of coming to meet his or her family.

Best for kids ages 4 and older. This story was written to teach children that God brings families together through adoption. It’s hope-filled and heartwarming—and you’ll love the illustrations!

Best for: 4 to 8-year-olds. The answered prayers of two mama foxes—a birth mother and an adoptive mother—brought this little fox to his home.

Best for: Kids 3 and older. Rose is a beagle who was adopted by schnauzers. This story that addresses some of the tough questions that adopted kids might have, particularly if they look significantly different than their parents. It also includes some helpful notes for parents!

Best for: Kids 2 to 5. Like Tell Me Again About the Night I was Born, this is a warm, loving story about the joy experienced by adoptive parents bringing their baby home.

Best for: Kids ages 2 and older. Mama bear tells her little one the story of how the deepest wish of her heart “came true” when he was adopted. The book addresses many of the questions that adopted children may have.