Adoption Book Review: "…and Baby Makes a Family"

It’s Day 2 of Book Review Week here at Exploring Adoption. Each day, I’m reviewing a recently-published adoption book, beginning with books for toddlers and working my way up to books for adults.

I’m giving away a copy of today’s featured book, …and Baby Makes a Family. To enter the drawing, simply post a comment telling why you would like to receive the book.

…and Baby Makes a Family (Xlibris, 2007)
By Phyllis Ann Mariani

With its brilliantly-colored, cartoon-style illustrations, …and Baby Makes a Family will put a smile on the face of young readers. Narrated from the perspective of a perky, 1-year-old puppy named Leta, the story details the family’s excitement when they receive a call from a “special hospital,” telling them that a baby girl is waiting for them.

When the phone rings, excitement, confusion, and chaos ensues. Daddy runs to get the car. Mommy calls her sister to share the good news. Uncle Ralph, who was painting the house, fell off the ladder and into the bushes (he wasn’t injured, we assume). Even the puppy, Leta, stands guard by the front door, waiting for the baby’s arrival.

My junior reviewer, Josh (age 11), enjoyed this book’s vibrant illustrations and thought that “little kids” (aka, the pre-school set) would like it. We both wondered what the “special hospital” was (the adoption agency, perhaps?). In a page that felt a little forced, the author attempted to explain, in terms a toddler can understand, the reason this baby girl suddenly appeared on the scene:

“Somewhere in town there was another lady…she had a baby girl…but…this beautiful lady couldn’t give her a home!!! She cared and loved her baby daughter so much that she gave her to the special hospital who could give her a warm safe home…”

That page rubbed me the wrong way, but at the same time, I realize it’s hard to explain the complexity of why a woman would place her child for adoption in a picture book.

All in all, toddlers and pre-schoolers will probably like this fun, funky, colorful picture book.

About the Author: Phyllis Ann Mariani has a background in special education. She is involved in many charitable organizations, especially those involving children with special needs. She is an adopted daughter and wrote this book to tell her story the way it was lovingly told to her by her parents.

Don’t forget to post a comment to be entered in the drawing to win this book. The winner will be announced May 1, 2007.

For more news and information about adoption, visit www.laurachristianson.com, and check out my Exploring Adoption bookstore.

Other Reviews in this Series:
Welcome Home, Forever Child

Comments

[Becky B]

Another great adoption book - I am LOVING this!! Thanks for your work in the adoption community - it is much needed.

[phyllis ann mariani]

thank you for your kind words !!
share the joy :)
phyllis