Favorite Picture Books for Adopted Children

A beautifully illustrated book about a “sea unicorn” that’s not quite the same as his narwhal family. After discovering the “land narwhals” that look just like him, Kelp is unsure of where he belongs. In the end, he learns how to be part of both his adoptive and biological families. For those in open adoptions with ongoing contact, this story can reassure children that it’s ok to love both families.

Thought not specifically about adoption, the message in this book reinforces the idea that they are loved unconditionally, and it applies equally for birth parents and adoptive parents.

This heartwarming book tells the true story of two male penguins at the Central Park Zoo. Given an abandoned egg by a zookeeper, Roy and Silo are able to fulfill their dream of becoming parents. This sweet story illustrates the idea of a family with same-sex parents in a light way, reinforcing the notion that families come in all shapes and sizes.

Written by Today Show host and adoptive mom Hoda Kotb, this book shows the enduring love and devotion a mother has for her child.

Similar to “Are You My Mother?,” Kasza’s story features a young bird on the search for his mother. He ends up finding one in Mrs. Bear, showing how parents and children can be different, and still belong together as a family.

In this charming story, a little girl asks her parents to retell the story of the night she was born. In addition to be a charming story, this book is a great segway into talking about your own emotions around becoming adoptive parents.

Adding any of these books to your library? Don’t forget that, through Amazon Smile, a portion of your purchases can be donated to Adoption Advocates’ Vision of Hope Fund, which helps support post-placement birth mothers.