EGWs6uuBZ3pp-zGuVVdmeLgkJG4 Across the Avenue: Explaining Adoption through Storybooks: I Wished for You by Marianne Richmond #adoptionpicturebooks #SourceBooks

Explaining Adoption through Storybooks: I Wished for You by Marianne Richmond #adoptionpicturebooks #SourceBooks


For those of you who have been following us through our adoption journey, you know that we have been putting a lot of thought into how we will help our children feel secure in their adoption stories. One approach that encourages bonding and provides a way to explain adoption in a kid-friendly way is through storybooks. We have begun compiling a list of adoption picture books that we personally love and one that is at the top of our list is I Wished for You, an adoption story by Marianne Richmond.

About the Book
I Wished for You, an adoption story by Marianne Richmond is a story about a conversation between a little bear named Barley and his Mama Bear. Just like many kids who are adopted, he has many questions about how they became a family. Mama Bear's answers are filled with love and assurance for Barley. We especially like that this book touches on the birth mother and frames it in a way that lets Barley Bear know that although his birth mother was not able to take care of him herself, she made a wish for him to have a family that could love him completely. 

The water color illustrations, child-friendly language and simple concept of 'a wish come true' puts this book at the top of our recommended list for adoptive parents. We can't wait to curl up with our own little ones to share this story together and open a dialogue about our family's story.


A look inside the book...

About the Author
If you aren't already familiar with Marianne Richmond's work, we highly recommend taking a little time to browse her picture book collection here. She has so many wonderful children's stories about family love and, if you are anything like us, you'll want them all for your bookshelf at home!

Gift It
This book is the perfect gift for adoptive parents to promote open communication about their own adoption story. Consider gifting it as a teacher gift for the classroom library as well! Exposing all children to a variety of family makeups will help them to understand and celebrate similarities as well as differences.


Where to Purchase
Head over to Amazon.com to order this book for delivery right to your door. You can also pick it up in person at brick and mortar stores like and Barnes and Noble.

Learn more about Sourcebooks and browse their entire picture book collection.

Connect with Marianne Richmond!

Disclaimer: This book was provided by Sourcebooks. As always, our posts are our own, honest opinions.