When I Met You: A Story of Russian Adoption

by Adrienne Ehlert Bashista, Christine Sykes (Illustrator)

Based on the author's family's experience, this book describes a child's life before and after she was adopted from Russia. From scenes in the orphanage to the child’s Russian birthmother, this is one of the first children’s picture books to chronicle the special background of children adopted from Russia. Delicate watercolor illustrations perfectly compliment this poetic and heartfelt text. When I Met You is a celebration of the joy that adopting a child brings to a family.

Genres: Adoption, Childrens

38 pages, Hardcover

First published December 31, 2004

Reviews

[Naomi Kenorak · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, with its gentle watercolors, perfectly captures a slice of life in a Russian orphanage as compared to the adoptive child's life now in an American family. The books is written in general-enough terms to allow it to serve as the basis for any discussion about your family’s particular circumstances. When my kids were young, they really loved this book. Great little glossary of Russian words at the end and mention of birthmother.

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very sweet story about a child who was adopted from Russia. Her mother shares what it was like in the Russian orphanage and what her daughter's life is like now. She also shares some Russian words.

[Heatherehlert · Rating 5 out of 5]

My sisters first book!!! Read it, buy it and love it. Its based on the real life experience of her sons adoption from Russia. Great writing and illustrations

[Terry]

Go to the Reading Tub to see the review.