18 Books About Adoption for Kids

Two books about adoption for kids arranged on a blue background — Parents / Alli Waataja

Looking to explain adoption to your child? Consider picking up one of these children's books, which tackle the topic in age-appropriate ways. The authors tactfully discuss family dynamics, share touching stories of love, and feature adorable characters to help kids understand what it means to be adopted.

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Some Babies Are Adopted

Buy on Amazon $84 Buy on Abebooks.com $252

Written by Cindy Walker

This story is told from the perspective of a birth mother who searches for a loving couple to adopt her child. It shows that people often have the best intentions when choosing adoption for their little ones.

I've Loved You Since Forever

Buy on Amazon $8 Buy on Target $7 Buy on Abebooks.com $7

Written by Hoda Kotb

I've Loved You Since Forever was penned by Today show co-anchor Hoda Kotb, who has two adopted daughters. The lyrical text details the love between a parent and child, complete with adorable animal visuals by Suzie Mason.

And That's Why She's My Mama

Buy on Amazon $13 Buy on Walmart $15 Buy on Barnesandnoble.com $10

Written by Tiarra Nazario

This children’s adoption story explores the loving tasks that mamas perform (for example, kissing your boo-boos and taking you to the park). It shows that someone can be a parent without giving birth!

And Tango Makes Three

Buy on Amazon $9 Buy on Target $9 Buy on Abebooks.com $6

Written by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell

This award-winning board book follows the true story of two male penguins at Central Park Zoo who became same-sex parents when zoo staff offered them an egg to hatch. This is a lovely adoption story for anyone, but especially for LGBTQ+ families.

We Belong Together: A Book About Adoption and Families

Buy on Amazon $11 Buy on Barnesandnoble.com $19

Written by Todd Parr

Written in a kid-friendly way, this book explores how people can come together through adoption. Cheery, colorful artwork depicts a wide range of different family structures.

All About Adoption: How Families Are Made & How Kids Feel About It

Buy on Amazon $4 Buy on Abebooks.com $25 Buy on Barnesandnoble.com $10

Written by Marc Nemiroff, Ph.D. and Jane Annunziata, Psy.D.

Does your child already understand the concept of adoption? Then pick up this informative book, which provides a deeper understanding of how the adoption process works and the complex feelings many children experience after being adopted.

Adoption Is a Lifelong Journey

Buy on Amazon $10 Buy on Barnesandnoble.com $10

Written by Kelly DiBenedetto, Katie Gorczyca, and Jennifer Eckert

This adoption book is also a go-to for children in foster care. Narrator Charlie shares his thoughts and emotions while growing up with adoptive parents, including his challenges with building trust, establishing identity, and more. In addition, parents will benefit from included conversation tips, family activity recommendations, and other resources.

ABC, Adoption & Me

Buy on Amazon $10 Buy on Walmart $11 Buy on Abebooks.com $12

Written by Gayle H. Swift and Casey Anne Swift

Previously named a favorite read by Adoptive Families magazine, this ABC definition book doesn't shy away from discussing the complex issues that often come with adoption. It's packaged together with cartoon artwork that includes interracial families.

Happy Adoption Day!

Buy on Amazon $9 Buy on Target $9 Buy on Barnesandnoble.com $6

Written by John McCutcheon

American folk musician John McCutcheon wrote a song called Happy Adoption Day, and he adapted it into this unique adoption book for kids. The verses come with musical notation and colorful illustrations.

Daddy Dog and Papi Panda's Rainbow Family

Buy on Amazon $13 Buy on Abebooks.com $28

Written by Anthony Hale

This book featuring same-sex parents shows how people create families through adoption and surrogacy. The parents are a dog and a panda, and the children include a monkey and three cats. This book is perfect for sharing diverse families with kids, and of course, for LGBTQ+ families with adopted children.

Emma's Yucky Brother

Buy on Amazon $5 Buy on Walmart $2 Buy on Barnesandnoble.com $5

Written by Jean Little

Emma's family adopts a young boy named Max, who thinks all sisters are yucky. As the new siblings begin to understand each other, Emma learns what it's really like to have a little brother. This unique, heartwarming story might be relatable to kids adjusting to a new sibling.

All Together Now

Buy on Amazon $7

Written by Anita Jeram

Mommy Rabbit has three children—Bunny, Little Duckling, and Miss Mouse—and only one is a rabbit too! This family of different animals shares a story of love, family, and togetherness.

Little Miss Spider

Buy on Amazon $16 Buy on Abebooks.com $49

Written by David Kirk

After Miss Spider hatches, she can't find her mother anywhere. Betty Beetle helps with the search and eventually adopts Miss Spider herself, proving that parental love can look many different ways.

Yes, I'm Adopted!

Buy on Amazon $10 Buy on Bookshop.org $10

Written by Sharlie Zinniger

Written from a child's point of view, this book depicts an entire adoption journey, and it leans heavily into a focus on love. Kids will appreciate the fun rhyming verse. Note that it has religious undertones with mentions of God and prayer.

The Little Green Goose

Buy on Amazon $3 Buy on Walmart $5 Buy on Abebooks.com $55

Written by Adele Sansone

Mr. Goose wants to be a father, and when he finds an abandoned egg, he hatches it to discover a baby dinosaur. The green-skinned creature questions his identity but realizes that Mr. Goose is a loving, kind adoptive parent.

Why Was I Adopted? The Facts of Adoption With Love and Illustrations

Buy on Amazon $128 Buy on Walmart $5

Written by Carole Livingston

Adopted children have plenty of questions. Perhaps the biggest: "Why was I adopted?" This older story explains the circumstances surrounding adoption, helping eliminate confusion while encouraging open communication.

Oliver: A Story About Adoption

Buy on Amazon $8 Buy on Walmart $10 Buy on Barnesandnoble.com $14

Written by Lois Wickstrom

After a lizard named Oliver is reprimanded by his father, he begins wishing for his birth parents. This prompts his adoptive parents to discuss their own childhood fantasies, and Oliver realizes that he's lucky to have supportive and kind parents in his life.

A Mother for Choco

Buy on Amazon $8 Buy on Walmart $9 Buy on Barnesandnoble.com $8

Written by Keiko Kasza

A bird named Choco wants to find his mother, but he doesn't come across anyone who looks similar to him. Mrs. Bear discovers the upset Choco and comforts him as a parent would. Choco meets her other kids, including a piglet and an alligator, and realizes that families come in all different sizes. He accepts Mrs. Bear as his mother, although they don't resemble one another.