Description: Did my first mother love me?” It’s a question an adopted child is likely to ask. When she does, will her adoptive parents panic? Will they ignore the question? Or will they answer as honestly and openly as they can?

In the story, Morgan’s adoptive mother reads her a letter written by Morgan’s birthmother. This birthmother’s love, concern, and caring for her child come through loud and clear as she explains the kind of life she wants for her child. Sadly, she explains that she cannot provide that life for her child so she has given her a different set of parents. “My dearest child, to your parents I have given the precious gift of you,” she writes. Jami Moffett’s shaded pencil illustrations are a lovely and important part of the book.

The nine-page section at the back, “Talking with your Child about Adoption,” was written by Jeanne Warrant Lindsay, author of four other books about adoption. Lindsay offers guidelines for adoptive parents as they discuss adoption with their child. Most important, she writes, is the parents’ attitude toward adoption. If they feel comfortable about discussing their child’s adoption and sharing whatever they know about his/her birthparents, the child is also likely to be comfortable with the concept. The child whose adoptive parents panic at the “Did my first mother love me?” question is more likely to have problems with his adoption.

It’s a reassuring book, a story that can be adapted to the reader’s family situation.

BIRTHPARENTS - A lovely placement gift for her child. Demonstrates her love and explains her reasons for permitting another family to raise her child.

ADOPTEES - A wonderful story for every adopted child who wonders about his/her birthparents.

ADOPTIVE PARENTS - Guidelines for talking about adoption (9-page section, How to Talk About Adoption with Your Child" by Jeanne Warren Lindsay). Aids understanding of birthparents

Suitable for ages 4-8.

48 pages.

Item: 108671500

Price: $5.95