Adoption-related books for pre-schoolers (2-5)

Tell Me Again About the Night I Was Born

Jamie Lee Curtis
A joyful retelling of a child’s adoption story, filled with warmth and wonder.

We Belong Together

Todd Parr
Bright, simple illustrations and affirming text that celebrate how families come together through love and adoption.

All Families Are Special

Norma Simon
Introduces different family structures, including adoption, in a gentle, inclusive way.

Wolfie the Bunny

Ame Dyckman
A bunny family adopts a baby wolf—funny, sweet, and perfect for talking about difference and acceptance.

My New Mom and Me

Renata Galindo
A puppy is adopted by a cat, and learns that love can grow even when things feel unfamiliar.

My Family Is Forever

Nancy Carlson

This is a heartwarming picture book for children aged 3 to 5 years. It gently introduces the concept of adoption through the eyes of a young girl, who shares how her parents traveled to meet her and how they became a family—not because they look alike, but because of the love that binds them. With cheerful illustrations and simple, reassuring language, the book celebrates the idea that families are formed in many ways, and that love makes them lasting. It’s especially affirming for adoptive families and perfect for early conversations about belonging and identity.

When You Joined Our Family

Harriet Evans, illustrated by Nia Tudor

This is a tender picture book ideal for children aged 3 to 6 years. It gently explores the adoption journey—from first meetings to forming new traditions—with inclusive illustrations that reflect diverse families and experiences. The repeated phrase “When you joined our family…” creates a soothing rhythm, helping children feel seen and reassured as they navigate questions, emotions, and belonging. It’s a beautiful resource for adoptive families and a thoughtful classroom read when discussing identity and family.

I Don’t Have Your Eyes

Carrie A. Kitze

This is a beautifully affirming picture book for children aged 2 to 5 years. It opens with the gentle line, “I don’t have your eyes, but I have your way of looking at things,” and continues to celebrate the emotional and behavioral connections that make a family—beyond physical resemblance. Ideal for transracial and transcultural adoptees, foster families, and kinship placements, the book helps young children embrace both the differences and deep bonds within their families. With simple language and warm illustrations, it’s a powerful tool for nurturing belonging and identity from the earliest years.

The Not In Here Story

Tracey Zeeck, illustrated by David Bizzaro

This is a heartfelt picture book best suited for children aged 4 to 8 years. It follows Mr. and Mrs. Seek, a whimsical couple who travel through deserts, mountains, and jungles in search of a baby to grow in Mrs. Seek’s tummy. Along the way, they collect mementos—but no baby. Eventually, they discover that their child isn’t “in here,” but waiting for them through adoption. With vibrant, muppet-like illustrations and a gentle narrative, the book beautifully captures the emotional journey of adoptive parents and offers a sensitive, age-appropriate way to talk about infertility and adoption.

A Blessing from Above

Patti Henderson
A sweet simple story involving a Mother Roo and a Baby Blue Bird – not too specific so can apply to most adoption situations. The tender theme of love and belonging supports early social-emotional development. Bright, uncluttered illustrations help focus attention and reinforce comprehension.

Adoption is love

Stephanie Casaubon

It’s a gentle, heartwarming picture book that introduces adoption in a way that’s emotionally affirming and developmentally appropriate for preschoolers.

The story uses simple, inclusive language and vivid illustrations to convey the message that a mother’s love is forever—making it a lovely read-aloud for young children, whether they’re adopted or simply learning about different kinds of families.

A Koala for Katie An Adoption Story

Jonathan London
It’s a picture book that gently explores adoption through the eyes of Katie, a young adoptee who imagines caring for a toy koala just as her adoptive parents care for her.

The story touches on emotional themes like identity, belonging, and the question of birth parents, making it especially resonant for preschoolers and early primary school children who are beginning to ask deeper questions about family and self. The illustrations add warmth and accessibility, helping young readers engage with complex feelings in a safe and imaginative way.

All about Families

Felicity Brooks, illustrated by Mar Ferrero

This is a vibrant board book for children aged 3 and up. With delightful illustrations and simple, friendly text, it celebrates the many shapes families can take—showing that love and belonging aren’t defined by one “right” family model. It includes single-parent families, adoptive and foster families, divorced, remarried, and blended families, mixed-race and multigenerational families, and many more, each portrait affirming that every family is unique and connected by love.

A Mother for Choco

Keiko Kasza

This is a beloved picture book ideal for children aged 2 to 6 years. It tells the story of Choco, a little yellow bird who longs for a mother. He searches far and wide, asking animals who look nothing like him—until he meets Mrs. Bear. Though they don’t resemble each other, she shows him love, care, and comfort, just like a real mother would. When she brings him home to meet her other children—a piglet, a hippo, and an alligator—Choco learns that families don’t have to look alike to belong. With gentle humor and warm illustrations, this story beautifully affirms that family is about love, not appearances—making it a treasured read for adoptive and diverse families.

Contact Cape Town Adoption Support (CTAS) if you need additional support in talking to your child about their adoption.