The White Swan Express

The White Swan Express: A Story about Adoption was written by Jean Davies Okimoto and Elaine M. Aoki and illustrated by Meilo So

Categories: Juvenile

Ages: 1-up

Synopsis

This story is about parents, all from different backgrounds of North America, going to the same place in Guangzhou, China to adopt four little girls. We follow each one as the wake up the day of their flight to China and get ready for the journey before them. We also meet the four little girls, learning about them and their personalities. The parents finally get to meet their daughters and hold them. After filling out paperwork the story ends with the families staying in contact, sending cards to one another during the holiday season.

Review

This is a fun story for children to read about adoption from China. It shares how exciting the process can be. It also shows a variety of those who can adopt, such as a single parent, an older couple, a same-sex couple, and a heterosexual couple. This book embraces culture and differences, showing that acceptance for differences is important.

Kids Section

Activities

This book is a great read to teach children about adoption especially international adoption. Below are some activities that go along with the book.

Visit the local library and learn more about China and its culture.

Learn about holidays celebrated in North America and the holidays China celebrates such as the lunar New Year and try one out!

Make silver bracelets with bells on them together for each other, friends, and loved ones. Give them away as gifts.

Give each other a hug and tell each other a favorite thing about the other.

Discussion

It’s important to understand why others may be different, but that it is not a bad thing and it can be very good. This book offers chances to discuss this with your child(ren). Here are some possible questions to discuss along with this book:

How do you like to sleep?

What is your favorite thing you like to do when you wake up?

What can you do show your love for someone if you have different ideas?

How is China different from North America?

What is good about each country?

How are both countries struggling?

References

For more information on raising Toddlers, go here, adoption.com/wiki/Adoption_Parenting:_Toddler

For more information on raising Preschoolers, go here, adoption.com/wiki/Adoption_Parenting:_Preschool