As one who has served adoptive families for a decade, I've had countless parents ask me, "How do I talk to my children about adoption?" Now, after all these years, I finally have a go-to "Read Katie Cruice Smith's Why Did You Choose Me? to them, over and over." Dan Cruver , Co-founder of Together for Adoption, Author of Reclaiming Adoption Most adoptive and foster children struggle at some point in their life with knowing who they are and where they belong. After searching for adoption storybooks to read to her own adopted children, Katie Cruice Smith decided that there was a need for more books that parents could read to connect with their adopted and fostered children and address these struggles. In Why Did You Choose Me? , Katie Cruice Smith answers that question in a way that young children can understand. Drawing from her own experience as an adoptive mom to three children, Katie uses the questions her own children have asked to help them see there never really was a choice—she knew right away that they were hers. Why Did You Choose Me? lovingly demonstrates the uniqueness that each child brings to a family, and is a valuable resource for adoptive and foster families to have in their home. Endorsements Why Did You Choose Me? explores a familiar adoption theme, but is pleasantly unpredictable. The illustrations are sure to put a smile on your child's face, and your own. Though the book is written in rhyme, the verse is not sing-songy and the book has just enough sophistication to be enjoyed by everyone. Dr. Daniel Nehrbass, President of Nightlight Christian Adoptions Why Did You Choose Me? is a perfectly simple way to make any adopted child feel like they are exactly where they need to be! When our daughter asks why we chose her to be a part of our family, even though she looks different than us, this book will be invaluable to communicate our love for her. Shannon Patterson, Adoptive mom and President of Bethany Christian Services Board in Greenville, SC As a foster parent myself, I believe Why Did You Choose Me? is the perfect emotional journey to answering the very sensitive question all foster/adoptive children want to know and would recommend families add it to their library. Robert Whitney, Thornwell Foster Care Recruiter As any adoptive parent will tell you, our adopted children do ask many times, "Why did you choose me?" Now my clients who adopt have a fun and colorful resource to touch on and answer this all-important question. Katie Cruice Smith and Sarah Strickling Jones have prepared a learning tool adaptable to a child's early years, which allows an adopted child and her parents to connect on different levels with the topic of adoption. Your child will laugh and smile while learning about adoption, love, and acceptance. I will be buying Why Did You Choose Me? for all my adoptive couples! Raymond W. Godwin, Father of two adopted daughters and adoption lawyer in Greenville, SC, Co-author of The Complete Adoption Book Why Did You Choose Me? is tender, genuine, and refreshing, and it does this adoptive mom's heart and soul some good. Our daughter, from India, is now asking this very same question proposed in the book. This thoughtfully written and charmingly illustrated book is a great reminder to her of how special and unique she is, and it is a great reminder to her mom (me) of the beautiful gift of adoption. Any family, adopting or not, will be blessed by this sweet story. Kelly Parkison, Adoptive mom and author of He Knows Her Name
This is such a great book for those who have adopted or are planning on adopting. There aren't many books about this and I think this is a well written book for children! Highly recommend!!
Katie Cruice Smith's Why Did You Choose Me? was an interesting children's picture book. With an easy and flowing cadence, it expressed some of the major questions adopted children would ask a parent. These questions are posed beautifully and in a way for a child to understand his or her uniqueness. My favorite part is actually the end of the mother's reply. It epitomizes the unconditional love a mother has for HER child. One of the most beautiful children's story that I will recommend time and time again.
***I was given an ARC copy by Ambassador International to read and to post an honest review.***
Why Did You Choose Me by Katie Cruice Smith and illustrated by Sarah Strickling Jones, is an inspiring and special book about the unconditional love a parent can have for an adopted child. Each page is filled with charming colorful pictures with coinciding poetry text of a beautiful conversation between Mother and an adopted daughter. This is a wonderful book that will touch the heart of readers and especially the heart of adoptive parents or children.
Genre: children’s, family, adoption Publisher: Ambassador International Publication date: November 12, 2017
A review copy of this book was provided by JustRead Publicity. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
I loved the pictures in this book and the poetry was so cute. I definitely feel that this book is perfect to teach children about the reasons behind adoption.
At the opening of this book, a letter from the author tells us the idea for the book came from an essay she wrote while applying for a grant to raise money to help bring their third adopted child home. She says, “…many adopted children often question their identity within their family. This book is a way to lovingly and gently answer those questions…” Soft watercolor illustrations cover the pages as heart-wrenching thoughts are contemplated by the adopted child – maybe you could have chosen a child that looks more like you, always does their chores, is more calm, more talented, etc? The mother in the story quickly puts these worries in their place, telling the child they are perfect – and perfectly LOVED – just the way they are. The mother also explains that she had no choice, that they were meant to be a family! In some spots, the rhythms of the words don’t flow quite as smoothly as I’d personally like them to, but that’s very minor, and I do appreciate the rhyming! Overall, I think this book will make a great addition to an adopted child’s library. It’s a nice tool for adoptive parents to use to handle questions that are bound to come up – parents will be able to answer those questions with a full dose of love, and put any fears to rest! Other adults can also get a glimpse into the heads and hearts of adoptive families by reading this book. Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book – all opinions are my own.
Growing up my closest cousin (only cousin on my Mother's side) was adopted. I don't think it ever occurred to us to ask why or what that meant. It was just a thing that was. To be fair anytime the three of us (my sister, my cousin, and I) were in a tiff it was nothing for either side to retort 'I don't have to like you as you aren't my real cousin. This came from all of us and was soon forgotten as we moved onto other interests, mayhem, and tiffs. None of us ever took it seriously and we went on to be college roommates. My cousin went on to find her birth mother when we were adults. You know though, despite the never questioning or even caring that she was adopted, I never gave it much thought what the interactions she might have had outside our little circle. I just always remember how well our family handled it. There was never not knowing, it was never a secret, and it was never seen as anything less than what it was. . .family. I remember is college when she was cleaning at her mom's house and found documents from her short time in foster care while parental rights were being transferred. The fact that for a few short weeks she had a different name. I think that was the most I'd ever seen the idea of being adopted bother her. To be fair, I can't imagine ever being another name. And wondering what that person might have been compared to who I became.
I tell you all of that to share why I felt it was so important for me to read and review this book. My life has been positively touched by adoption and I can't imagine my life without my cousin. While we may have grown apart as adults she is part of so many fond growing up memories. While we never found ourselves questioning anything about the idea that she was part of our family I know that many children will. I'm going to get really personal here and probably step on a lot of toes. I do not begin to understand families that keep that a child is adopted a secret, or thing they need to wait until a certain age or event or what have you to tell that child they are adopted. I feel like it throws shade on everything and unintentionally creates the mindset that they are different or bad or wrong or in some way less than other children they know. I don't remember not knowing. By not knowing it wasn't a thing. However, I'm sure there are many children less like us and more questioning things. Why? How? But? What if? Perhaps my cousin felt these things but it was never shared with me, even into our older years.
I've rambled on entirely too long without sharing how much I LOVED this book and that it's the perfect addition for every families library (adoption included or not). The illustrations are quirky and engaging drawing their own conversation starters. The story, while rhyming is not sing-songy and is engaging. It brings a touch of silly to a serious conversation while still maintaining the respect for the importance and magnitude of a questioning child's fears. Perfect for families, Sunday School, and even classrooms in the public sector this book brings to light fears that many children face as well as gentle reminders that there is no such thing as a perfect child. There are no takesie backies in love.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Just Read. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.
@kidlitexchange #partner Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book - all opinions are my own.
Why Did You Choose Me? is such a precious book about an adopted child asking her mom why she chose her out of all the other children. She names all the things that another child could do better such as make up their bed, or do their chores, or clean their room. In the end, the mom assures the little girl that she was chosen just for her.
In today's culture, there are so many children awaiting adoption. Children are a special gift and should be treated as such. As adults, it is our job to be the leaders, heroes and the protectors of our children and their well-being. There are so many different circumstances that cause a child to be placed in the foster care system. Why Did You Choose Me? by Katie Cruice Smith offers a great set of answers to those sensitive questions that a foster child may ask. Your answers to their questions could either help or hurt your child, not only in their development, but in how they see the world and themselves. Katie is a foster mother to three children and when they asked ‘Why me?’ she wanted to provide them with answers that would offer comfort, peace, and transparency. Read more https://readersfavorite.com/book-revi... Why Did You Choose Me?
As someone married to an adopted person with adopted siblings still living at home, it's near and dear to my heart to hear of new stories coming out to speak comfort to little ones in foster and adoptive care. Even prior to my relationship with my husband, foster care and adoption has been very close to my heart. With the rising number of children in the system, stories like this are very much needed. Stories like this can have a great impact on little ones, and can help them share their thoughts and feelings in more positive ways. It shares that love isn't given because of the things a child does or doesn't do. The parent loves the child for who they are and they want to help them grow in life. I feel this is a great addition for any foster or adoptive family to have in their home.
*I received a free copy of this book from the author through JustRead Publicity Tours. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.
I jumped at the chance to read and review this book. The title, "Why Did You Choose Me?" really spoke to me. I am a Birth Parent who gave a Baby Boy up for adoption 28 years ago. I have always had it in the back of my mind, how do adoptive parents explain to Child "why they were chosen".
The book is a Children's book and written in a straight forward manner that kids as young as 4 would totally understand. I like that the first half of the book is written in a "child talking". The second half is the parent answering all the questions poised by the child. The questions and answers are so true and so sweetly answered. The illustrations in the book really bring the story to life! AMAZING artistry within the illustrations.
I really enjoyed this book and it has been so encouraging to me as a Birth Parent and now my "inquiring mind" has some answers.
EXCELLENT book for Adoptive Families and for those who Foster Children!
Hubs and I have parented, co-parented, Aunt/Uncled many foster/adoptive children through the years. It’s inevitable that these children whose worlds have been upended to wonder why me? And to wonder, why is this family taking me in? Adoptive and foster children frequently struggle with feelings of abandonment and rejection, and even once they’re in a forever home they wonder, why me and not some other kid? Sometimes they try to be perfect, worried if they mess up, they’ll be sent away.
That’s why I really like this book. It’s very honest and deals with a deep emotional issue that these kids struggle with, but it does it in language they understand, phrased so it could have come out of their own heads. The illustrations are kid-friendly and easily recognizable situation for most kids.
I received a copy from the author but was not required to post a positive review.
As a staunch supporter of adoption, I was excited for the opportunity to review Katie Cruice Smith’s, Why Did You Choose Me? The book itself, however, left me with an unsatisfied feeling. I wanted more.
Although not an adoptive parent or adoptee myself, I have witnessed first hand the depth and beauty of adoption and feel that Why Did you Choose Me failed to capture its intensity.
In defense of Smith, the book is written for children, but nevertheless, I don’t feel even adoptive children reading the book will truly comprehend how uniquely special and impactful the gift of adoption is.
Loved the idea, but the delivery could use some polish.
***The publisher provided a free book. However, all opinions included in this review are entirely my own.
While every child feels unsure of their place in the world, adopted children have a special need to feel wanted. Smith's book does just that in a sensitive, sweet and amusing way. It reassures the child that their place in their family and their parent's hearts has nothing to do with what they can do, how they look or behave. Love can not be earned. Perfect gift for adoptive parents. Great for classrooms- as I teacher I say -Teachers, you need this for your shelf! Really anyone would benefit from reading this book. Get your copy today. While I received a free copy of this book to preview, that in no way influenced my opinion.
@kidlitexchange #partner Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book - all opinions are my own.
Adoption books are really important so that kids who have been adopted can see themselves in picture books. This book is a wonderful tribute to the fact that young children who have been adopted sometimes have questions. The book actually came out of a question posed to Katie Cruice Smith when she was adopting her third child. All kids should feel celebrated, so I definitely see this as a needed book.
This book is an excellent one for discussing adoption, especially with children who were adopted past the newborn stage. I love that it helps parents navigate difficult conversations with children who are adopted, through lovely illustrations and thoughtful text. With all the adopted and foster care children, there is a huge need for books like this one. I highly recommend this book for discussing adoption with your child! I received this book from Just Read tours. This is my honest review and is in no way influenced by receiving a complimentary copy.
I was so excited to read this book. As an adoptive mom, I struggle with finding books that explain my feelings for adoption. SO many of the books I have looked at related to adoption only seem to fit a certian "type" of adoption, this one however is fitting for whatever your situation is. I definitely reccomend it to any adoptive family!
I received an advanced copy of this book for free. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
Simple but profound message in this children’s book explaining the beauty of adoption at a kids level with beautiful illustrations that kids will enjoy. I can imagine this book bringing tears to the eyes of the adoptive mothers as they read this book to their adopted child because of its realistic but heartfelt answers. My favorite quote from the book is ‘I rather enjoy your spunkiness and when your imagination runs wild’.
“Why did you choose me?” What an important question! And it’s one that adoptive parents would do well to consider before their children ask it. An adoptive mother of three, Smith replies to her imperfect 😊 daughter’s query with rhyme and humor. The conclusion—"It was no choice for me. From the moment that I saw you, I had found my sweet baby”—affirms her unconditional love for her child.
This book has the same message only for children today. I thought the message was sweet and one that a child would understand. Adoptee's have a natural desire to know they are wanted, chosen, and special and this book does that.
I recommend this book for adopted children. It's a good way to show children they are chosen, and wanted.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in accordance with Just Read Publicity Tours. I was not required to write a review all thoughts and opinions are my own.
My sister in law, Katie Cruice Smith wrote a childrens book about adoption. It talks about the questions a child may ask their adoptive parents. All children need reassurance from time to time from their parents. Adoptive children probably need reassurance more frequently. They may not look like their adoptive family. I think Katie did a great job covering these issues. It truly doesn't matter what the child looks like or what activities they enjoy. An adoptive parent has opened their hearts and home to a child who desperately needs love and deserves to be loved no differently than a biological child. Katie and my brother, Jamie have adopted three beautiful children. They are all unique and wonderfully made by God. I recommend this book to anyone who have already adopted children or know families with adopted children.
This is a wonderful, easy to read book that explains in terms a child can understand why their adoptive parent chose them. While I do not have any adopted children ( just one natural born child) I think this would be a wonderful book for adoptive parents to keep on hand for those times when that question will come up ( it will some day). The artwork is lovely, soft watercolors and warmly drawn. A wonderful book for both adults and children.
Why Did You Choose Me is my diverse literature selection for this bookshelf. It is a story about a mother and her adopted daughter who is curious why her mother chooses to adopt her out of all the other children. She says her mother could have chosen someone who looked at a lot more like her. She also adds that her mother could have picked someone who didn’t make a mess, someone who was better at gymnastics, or someone who never jumps around like a monkey. Her mother says there was no choice in choosing who she did. She loves all her daughter’s imperfections and that is what makes her so special. For her mother there was no choice, it was meant to be from the moment they first met.
Why Did You Choose Me meets the diverse literature criteria because of its storyline about adoption. Not only is this a great book to read to young children who have been adopted, but it is a story that can be read to any child to help explain what adoption is. This book also touches on ethnic diversity in the illustrations as the mother and daughter are not the same ethnicity. It ensures that children who are adopted have no doubt that they were meant to be in the family they are. Adoption is often something that is not directly talked about within society. This book does a great job of introducing children to what adoption is and that not all families have to look the same. The fun illustrations and examples of orneriness that the daughter gets into helps the book remain relatable for all children.