Reading with your child

Following are some good books to help discuss foster care and adoption with your child, and some to help with bonding activities as well.

Let’s Talk About It: Adoption by Fred Rogers

Mister Rogers addresses, with sensitivity and insight, the questions children have about being adopted. He shares an important message: the secure feeling of belonging in a family comes from being loved.

Who’s In A Family? By Robert Skutch
Family is important, but who's in a family? Why, the people who love you the most! This equal opportunity, open-minded picture book has no preconceptions about what makes a family a family. There's even equal time given to some of children's favorite animal families. Single parent families, and same sex parent families are represented as well. A good tool for children in foster care.
I'll Always Love You by Paeony Lewis

Alex's mom assures him that she will love him no matter what. But Alex is worried when he accidentally breaks her favorite bowl. Gentle text shows the unconditional love of a mother for her child. A very reassuring story for young children. Sweet illustrations.

Mothers Are Like That by Carol Carrick
Mother keeps her babies clean, and close, and safe from harm. Mothers are like that. Whether the mother is a pig, a duck, an opossum, or a human, she looks after her little ones. Carol Carrick's gentle portrayal of maternal love is paired with her son Paul Carrick's evocative illustrations in this tender and reassuring picture book for the very young.
Don’t Forget to Come Back by Robie Harris
Annie uses several unsuccessful ploys to keep her parents from going out for the evening, leaving her with a sitter.
Where’s My Mom? By Leon Rosselson
A little boy looks all over the house for his mother and finally finds her in her own bed, asleep.
You Are Special, Little One by Nancy Tafuri
Deep in a tree trunk by a woodland grove, a fox kit asks, 'How am I special?' And her Mama and Papa reply, 'Dear little one, with your glossy red coat and swift running body, you are so special - and we will love you forever and ever and ever.' A variety of babies are featured such as: agama lizard, arctic tern, pickerel frog, brown trout, common yellowthroat, and human; all asking the question, "How am I special?"
I Love You, Little One by Nancy Tafuri
In this story about six animal babies and one special child, Nancy Tafuri's lyrical text and distinctive artwork beautifully express the deep and lasting love all parents feel for their little ones. Mama animals tell their little ones all the ways they are loved, forever and always.
Mama’s Little Bears by Nancy Tafuri
One spring day, three irrepressibly curious little bears are fishing with their Mama- but not for long! Off they run to explore their forest home. Their toddling adventure brings one delightful discovery after another, and one HOOT-ing surprise. Oh! The three little bears want only one thing, Mama! Ever watchful, their doting Mama is right there when her little ones need her. With playful, large size text, and bright, detailed illustrations this endearing tale of a mother’s love for her newly independent cubs, is as reassuring as a mama bear’s hug.
The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn
The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn is the heartwarming story of a young raccoon's fear of leaving his mother and beginning school. Mother raccoon lovingly reassures Chester by sharing a secret with him. The secret of The Kissing Hand! She kisses Chester's palm and then teaches him that whenever he is lonely or scared all he needs to do is press his hand on his cheek and remember that his mommy loves him. With such assurances of love, Chester feels able to go off to school. However, being such a sensitive raccoon, he decides that his mother needs a Kissing Hand too!

Credits: Kelly L. Killian