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The Baby with Three Families, Two Countries, and One Promise: An International Adoption Story
The Baby with Three Families, Two Countries, and One Promise is a children's book designed to be read by parents to a child adopted from a foreign country. The story is first recounted from the perspective of the parents in the USA, who are very sad not to be able to have a child. The perspective then switches to that of the biological mother, who realizes that she does not have the wherewithal to raise a child. She makes the difficult decision to give up her baby. Next readers learn about a foreign adoption agency, to which the biological mother surrenders her child. The adoption agency identifies foster parents to take care of the baby temporarily. The foster parents give the baby a temporary name. The parents in the USA begin researching international adoption possibilities and connect with the foreign adoption agency. The parents begin the adoption process and have to go to a school to learn how to be adoptive parents. When the foreign adoption agency matches the USA parents with the baby, the USA parents fly to the foreign country, where they meet the baby and the foster parents at the adoption agency. They find out that the temporary name given to the baby by his foster parents is one of the names they have selected for the baby. Their last requirement in the foreign country is to secure a visa for the baby from the U.S. Embassy. With the baby's visa in hand, the parents and baby return to the United States, where they are joyously greeted by their dog, their friends, and the baby's new grandparents. When the parents tuck their baby in at night, they tell him his story--that he has three families, two countries, and a promise for the future to visit the country of his birth when he is older.
The book has 40 pages and is illustrated on each page.
The book has 40 pages and is illustrated on each page.
40 pages, Hardcover
Published December 12, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
March 14, 2022
Sometimes parents don't know how to explain adoption to younger children and this book explains it simply for children to understand. Not only does it explain adoption but it briefly discusses miscarriages and gives parents an opportunity to talk about that if it has happened to them.
There are many steps involved with an international adoption and even I learned something from this book regarding the process. It isn't simple but that is why there are multiple agencies to help guide new parents through the process. There is even a section that talks about how Jeff and Jeanette had to take parenting classes before an adoption would occur. I liked this line from that section:
"You are the real, true parents of your adopted child."
I think most adoptive parents know this, but it was nice to see it reinforced.
I don't know how many adoptive parents will take their child back to the country where they were born, but what an experience that would be for him or her. They could understand their heritage of where they came from and blend that into their current life.
I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone looking to adopt a child to explain it to younger children.
We give it 5 paws up.
There are many steps involved with an international adoption and even I learned something from this book regarding the process. It isn't simple but that is why there are multiple agencies to help guide new parents through the process. There is even a section that talks about how Jeff and Jeanette had to take parenting classes before an adoption would occur. I liked this line from that section:
"You are the real, true parents of your adopted child."
I think most adoptive parents know this, but it was nice to see it reinforced.
I don't know how many adoptive parents will take their child back to the country where they were born, but what an experience that would be for him or her. They could understand their heritage of where they came from and blend that into their current life.
I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone looking to adopt a child to explain it to younger children.
We give it 5 paws up.
March 24, 2022
With only a handful of pages, The Baby with Three Families, Two Countries, and One Promise tugged at my emotions and never let go until the happy end. Written in simple terms that a school-age kid can understand, this book is a perfect medium for adoptive parents to share their history to their child should they decide to do it early.
Read my full review on my blog Carpe Diem Chronicles.
Read my full review on my blog Carpe Diem Chronicles.
December 18, 2021
With so many blended families this book would be a great addition to any library. Great read aloud.
March 21, 2022
The Baby with Three Families, Two Countries, and One Promise: An International Adoption Story by Julie Gianelloni Connor is both heartwarming and informative about the adoption process. It is the perfect book to share with children who have been adopted or who are part of families that plan to adopt a child one day. The colorful illustrations by Saman Chinthaka Weerasinghe are the perfect cross between cartoon and realistic, which will appeal to readers of all ages.
I read this book with my nine-year-old son who is not adopted, but he was interested to read the book because one of his cousins was adopted from China as a toddler. As we read, he wondered aloud how a baby could have three families, to which I replied, “Well, let’s read on and see.” Throughout the reading of the story, he peppered me with questions about whether his cousin’s experiences matched those of Baby Alejandro’s.
Perhaps because he is an older child, he wanted me to flesh out characters a bit more. He wondered how old the birthmother, Luz, was and who Alejandro’s birthfather was. I explained that the author made a choice not to share those details and maybe she didn’t know them herself. (I later told him that like many similar experiences that people have throughout their lives, it is the details that differ slightly. But at the very core, important things like love and family remain the same.)
Before reading the back of the book, I was a little confused by the choice to not identify the country where Luz was from. While I now understand the author’s intent to allow readers to insert the flag of their own child’s country, I don’t think it works well on one particular illustration since it clearly shows the flightpath between somewhere in the U.S. to Central America. (Imagine putting a Chinese flag on Central America. It’s a little odd!) Or perhaps a family from the U.K. is reading this book to their child who comes from Africa.
My son and I enjoyed the story and when asked what he thought of the illustrations, he said that they were nicely drawn and that he liked the colors that the artist used. I liked the flow of the story and thought that the book was laid out well. I think this is a great book to gift to adoptive families and would make a nice addition to the bookshelf in childcare and education settings as well.
I read this book with my nine-year-old son who is not adopted, but he was interested to read the book because one of his cousins was adopted from China as a toddler. As we read, he wondered aloud how a baby could have three families, to which I replied, “Well, let’s read on and see.” Throughout the reading of the story, he peppered me with questions about whether his cousin’s experiences matched those of Baby Alejandro’s.
Perhaps because he is an older child, he wanted me to flesh out characters a bit more. He wondered how old the birthmother, Luz, was and who Alejandro’s birthfather was. I explained that the author made a choice not to share those details and maybe she didn’t know them herself. (I later told him that like many similar experiences that people have throughout their lives, it is the details that differ slightly. But at the very core, important things like love and family remain the same.)
Before reading the back of the book, I was a little confused by the choice to not identify the country where Luz was from. While I now understand the author’s intent to allow readers to insert the flag of their own child’s country, I don’t think it works well on one particular illustration since it clearly shows the flightpath between somewhere in the U.S. to Central America. (Imagine putting a Chinese flag on Central America. It’s a little odd!) Or perhaps a family from the U.K. is reading this book to their child who comes from Africa.
My son and I enjoyed the story and when asked what he thought of the illustrations, he said that they were nicely drawn and that he liked the colors that the artist used. I liked the flow of the story and thought that the book was laid out well. I think this is a great book to gift to adoptive families and would make a nice addition to the bookshelf in childcare and education settings as well.
September 12, 2022
The Review
This was such a heartwarming, emotional, and educational read. The author did a wonderful job of showcasing the adoption process from all aspects and perspectives of those involved. The warmth of the imagery was well balanced by the emotional core of the main character’s journeys together as they seek to complete their family and find a home for this child.
The themes and experiences the author captured were the heart of this children’s book. The strength and unity that comes from parenthood, the true definition of family, and the impact that childhood can have on a child were perfectly captured in this short yet powerful story. The way the author showcased the adoptive parents and their journey, as well as the decision that the birth parents had to make and the almost ambiguous setting and character traits allowed the reader to insert themselves and their own journey into this narrative seamlessly, making this a beautiful narrative.
The Verdict
Emotional, engaging, and thought-provoking, author Julie Gianelloni Connor’s “The Baby with Three Families, Two Countries, and One Promise” is a must-read children’s book and story on adoption. The story allows adopted children and parents of adoptive children alike to feel seen, as well as those who make the painful decision to give up their children to give them a chance at a better life. The book brings children and parents together beautifully, and the rich imagery and heartfelt story choices allow for a brilliant narrative
This was such a heartwarming, emotional, and educational read. The author did a wonderful job of showcasing the adoption process from all aspects and perspectives of those involved. The warmth of the imagery was well balanced by the emotional core of the main character’s journeys together as they seek to complete their family and find a home for this child.
The themes and experiences the author captured were the heart of this children’s book. The strength and unity that comes from parenthood, the true definition of family, and the impact that childhood can have on a child were perfectly captured in this short yet powerful story. The way the author showcased the adoptive parents and their journey, as well as the decision that the birth parents had to make and the almost ambiguous setting and character traits allowed the reader to insert themselves and their own journey into this narrative seamlessly, making this a beautiful narrative.
The Verdict
Emotional, engaging, and thought-provoking, author Julie Gianelloni Connor’s “The Baby with Three Families, Two Countries, and One Promise” is a must-read children’s book and story on adoption. The story allows adopted children and parents of adoptive children alike to feel seen, as well as those who make the painful decision to give up their children to give them a chance at a better life. The book brings children and parents together beautifully, and the rich imagery and heartfelt story choices allow for a brilliant narrative
March 25, 2022
Author Julie Gianelloni Connor creates an easy-to-understand child adoption story. As I read the story, I considered telling this story to an adopted child, then the parents, and other family members. Parents who want to adopt wish to create a family filled with love. This book conveys the steps that are added when the children are not born in the same country.
Rules for adoption in all countries vary, however the determination of the parents to meet the requirements will tell their story. Adopted children will raise questions surrounding their life. Parents need a plan for how and when to share information regarding their adoption.
I enjoyed the brilliant colors within the pages matched with the concise wording. Together this conveys a story of love of family in bright vibrant colors shareable with all members of the family. This positive theme is caried from start to finish.
Committing to adoption is decidedly different from having a baby. It does potentially involve many individuals outside of the parents. I commend Julie for creating a story that can reach the hearts of a wider audience. I recommend her story for parents, siblings, adopted children, and couples who struggle conceiving. It is an excellent example of how love extends beyond the borders.
Rules for adoption in all countries vary, however the determination of the parents to meet the requirements will tell their story. Adopted children will raise questions surrounding their life. Parents need a plan for how and when to share information regarding their adoption.
I enjoyed the brilliant colors within the pages matched with the concise wording. Together this conveys a story of love of family in bright vibrant colors shareable with all members of the family. This positive theme is caried from start to finish.
Committing to adoption is decidedly different from having a baby. It does potentially involve many individuals outside of the parents. I commend Julie for creating a story that can reach the hearts of a wider audience. I recommend her story for parents, siblings, adopted children, and couples who struggle conceiving. It is an excellent example of how love extends beyond the borders.
November 27, 2022
Such a wonderful story. Short, sweet & needed for all of those souls who were unable to have their own child, but opened their hearts and homes to a child from another country who needed them. Absolutely beautiful!
August 15, 2021
A beautiful and touching, but also accurate, portrayal of one baby's international adoption process. The story begins with the birth mother, shows the crucial role of the adoption agency in the home country, placement with a foster couple, and final placement with the adoptive parents in America.
The author, Julie G. Connor, served in the U.S. Foreign Service in seven countries prior to her retirement, and is an authority on international adoption. Much more, though, this story reflects her own experience with adopting her son.
A beautiful book to read to an adopted child, or any child, for him or her to learn about adoption, and especially international adoption.
The author, Julie G. Connor, served in the U.S. Foreign Service in seven countries prior to her retirement, and is an authority on international adoption. Much more, though, this story reflects her own experience with adopting her son.
A beautiful book to read to an adopted child, or any child, for him or her to learn about adoption, and especially international adoption.
April 11, 2022
Featured on Lone Star Book Blog Tours. Lone Star Blogger Team average rating: 4.9.
May 17, 2023
This is a sweet story about international adoption by an author with personal experience about an American couple who are unable to have children of their own. They decide to adopt a child from Central America. This colorful picture book presentation is also about an impoverished single mother to be who frets knowing she will be unable to support the arriving baby and the people who match the future parents with the newborn, the adoption agent and the foster parents who tended the newborn until the adoptive parent arrives from the United States. It ends with all involved promising an open adoption, so when the child grows he will know all his caregivers, including the birthmother and foster parents and his heritage from both nations.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews