You are a wish
Jaco Jacobs
This heartwarmingbook is a gentle, lyrical picture book that celebrates the beauty and diversity of adoptive families. The story uses poetic language to explore the deep love and longing that precedes adoption. Through simple yet evocative verses, it introduces children to the idea that families are formed in many ways—and that every family is special, even if they don’t look the same. It’s a perfect read-aloud for parents and caregivers who want to open up conversations about adoption in an affirming and age-appropriate way.
Adopted and wondering: Drawing out feelings
Marge Eaton Heegaard
This interactive workbook invites adopted children to explore their thoughts and emotions through creative expression. Using simple drawing prompts and gentle questions, it helps children externalize complex feelings—about identity, birth family, belonging, and the adoption journey—in a safe and affirming way. It covers Feelings about adoption, Questions about birth parents and life story, Understanding family differences and similarities, Building self-esteem and emotional vocabulary, and allows children to create a personal narrative through art.
Adoption is both
Elena S. Hall
This picture book is ideal for early primary school children who are beginning to explore emotional nuance and identity. Its simple language and rhythmic structure make it accessible to younger readers, while its depth invites meaningful conversation with older children.
Adoption Is Both gently introduces the idea that adoption carries multiple emotions—joy and sadness, gain and loss, love and longing. Through poetic phrasing and expressive illustrations, it validates the complexity of the adoptee experience without overwhelming young readers.
Key themes include thhe duality of adoption, emotional honesty and permission to feel more than one thing, affirmation of adoptee identity and voice and encouragement for family dialogue.
Books create great opportunities for children to see themselves reflected and to explore themes that may impact on them.
If you need additional support creating the environment for your adopted child to thrive you are welcome to reach out to Cape Town Adoption Support or sign up for our monthly newsletter.
Contact us
Cape Town Adoption Support
25a Cedar Road, Newlands
CAPE TOWN