Literature & Fiction

A rhyming children’s book full of your 5 a day, following Pickle the Onion who tries to make his friend laugh so he stays in town ????????????????A tale of vegetable friendship

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‘Gus Becomes a Big Brother’ is a heartwarming adoption story, with special emphasis on how an older sibling, Gus, deals with the anticipation, preparation, and experience of becoming a big brother. As the Barker family embarks on their adoption journey, Gus navigates his way through many difficult emotions; such as anxiety, frustration and jealousy. But with the support and guidance of his parents; Gus ultimately develops patience, empathy, compassion, and a ton of brotherly love. Authored by an adoptive mother and psychologist, this book contains many valuable insights for parents involved in domestic or international adoption. It is also applicable to diverse families, such as the Barkers— who successfully worked together to overcome challenges, while celebrating each other’s differences. Overall, the story reveals a deeply connected adoptive family that is bound by love, acceptance and understanding.

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Alicia’s book is more than a story; it is a heartfelt love letter addressed to her future child. With the celestial expanse of the night sky as her canvas, she masterfully introduces the concept of adoption to young readers. Through the mystical elements of stars, constellations, and the boundless universe, children are gently guided into understanding the profound nature of adoption and the love that binds families together.

This touching narrative also includes a special page designed for families to inscribe their child’s unique adoption story, fostering a personal connection and creating a cherished keepsake. Alicia’s writing not only fosters a sense of belonging but also provides a platform for families to share their own stories, creating a deeper understanding of their individual journeys.

Alicia, an author, photographer, and hopeful adoptive mom, infuses her personal experience and perspective into this narrative. Her deep understanding of the magic of adoption is evident as she shares a piece of her heart in this book. Residing in Maryland with her husband, Alicia’s Jersey roots remain a part of her identity. Beyond her literary pursuits, she finds joy in exploring national parks, enjoying beach reads, indulging in Hallmark movies, and embarking on adventures with her husband.

With “Written in the Stars: An Adoption Story,” Alicia endeavors to provide families with a heartwarming tool to introduce and celebrate the concept of adoption with their children. Her desire to create connections and spread understanding shines through her storytelling, making her a beacon of hope and love within the adoptive community.

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William Wobbly is having a very bad day. He didn’t want to go to school and when he got there things just got worse. The wobbly feeling got bigger and bigger and BIGGER until…

Something happened to William Wobbly when he was very little which makes it hard for him to understand or control his feelings. Luckily, his new mum is here to help with his wibbly wobbly feelings.

Written by a mum who understands, and her daughter (who used to have a lot of wobbly feelings), this is a story for children functioning at age 3-10 who struggle with sensory overload.

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New York Times #1 Bestseller!

I’ve Loved You Since Forever is a celebratory and poetic testament to the timeless love felt between parent and child. This beautiful picture book is inspired by Today show co-anchor Hoda Kotb’s heartwarming adoption of her baby girl, Haley Joy.

With Kotb’s lyrical text and stunning pictures by Suzie Mason, young ones and parents will want to snuggle up and read the pages of this book together, over and over again. This board book is perfect for sharing with the littlest ones.

In the universe,

there was you and

there was me,

waiting for the day our

stars would meet. . .

Makes a lovely gift for baby showers, Mother’s Day, and more. Plus don’t miss Hoda Kotb and Suzie Mason’s beautiful follow-up picture book, You Are My Happy.

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Join the adventure of a little boy finding their forever family in this heartwarming children’s book about adoption. From their birth mother to their foster family and finally to their loving forever Mummy and Daddy, follow along as they discover the meaning of true family. With vibrant illustrations and a touching story told in rhyme, this book is perfect for children and families alike, teaching the value of love, acceptance, and finding your place in the world. A must-read for any family touched by adoption or for those looking to teach their children about the beauty of creating a family through adoption.

This book is not only a heartwarming story about adoption, but it is also inspired by the author’s personal journey in adopting her children. She wrote the book to help explain their journey to her children and to others who may not understand the beauty and complexity of adoption. The author’s personal experience adds an extra layer of authenticity and emotion to the story, making it even more touching and memorable for readers of all ages.

The book can be enjoyed by children of various ages although aimed at children between the ages of 1 to 10, the story has universal appeal, it is still read by the author’s teenage children today.

Through the story in your book your children will gain a deeper understanding of their own adoption story and develop a sense of belonging and pride in their family. It helps them navigate their identity and cultivates a positive self-image.

Reading your book together can create a special bonding experience between parents and their children. It opens up avenues for conversations about love, acceptance, and the importance of family, strengthening the emotional connection between them.

In addition to the initial book about a little one finding their forever family, the author intends to expand the series to include stories specifically centred around same-sex couples and single adopters.

The series celebrates the diverse ways families are created through adoption. It recognises that families come in various forms, and each journey is unique and beautiful.

•Please note that the story is the same throughout the series, only the characters change.

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We Love You Hundreds and Thousands enables children who are fostered and adopted to frame their identity in a positive way from a very young age. Written by an adoptee who is now a mother, this vibrant and touching story is about belonging and having a strong sense of self.

The book aims to promote a strong sense of security and self confidence in children who are fostered and adopted. Embedded in it is a special message for them ─ you are loved enormously.

This unique children’s picture book is also a window into the life of a diverse family and an insight into the special bond between a child and their foster or adoptive parents. It will support parents, families, friends, classrooms and communities to talk about adoption and foster care in an open and loving way.

Why does Jasmine always have hundreds and thousands at her birthday parties and what makes her super special? You’re invited to some of her best birthday parties to find out…

In We Love You Hundreds and Thousands , Jasmine shows us that it’s the simple things in life that make you extra happy and that being fostered or adopted is a wonderful thing!

Jasmine is super special and so is this book ─ it will delight children and adults alike. So come on a fun-loving romp through Jasmine’s birthday parties and see what makes them so awesome!

About the Author

Dara Read was born in Australia in the 80s and was adopted by her mum and dad who love parties as much as she does. Did we mention that Dara loves parties? She does, especially if she can dance! Dara now lives by the beach in Sydney with her family. Her favourite things are cuddles with her kids, being in the ocean and almost anything that sparkles. On the more serious side, Dara is a writer and social justice lawyer. She has worked as a children’s lawyer and youth worker. She has also been a senior ministerial adviser for children who are adopted and in out-of-home care. For more info, see www.dararead.com

Praise for this book

“When I first read We Love You Hundreds and Thousands I was overwhelmed. Never had I read a book which spoke to contemporary adoption and permanent care so well. Through my networks of foster and adoptive parents I often hear of primarily school children struggling with telling their friends that they don’t live with their birth parents. These children see themselves as being just like all of the other children at school and they are proud of who they are. But their friends often don’t know how to react. This book speaks to those children. It speaks to their friends. It speaks to the parents of those friends. It is a book I love to read with my adoptive and biological children and a book I share with my family and friends who have connections with adoption or permanent care.” – Kelly – mum of Hope (age 6), Abigail (age 3) and Stevie (age 3)

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