SURROUNDED BY LOVE

An owl offers insights into a family’s experience with open adoption in this picture book.

A bespectacled owl named Wanda tells an unnamed child the tale of her open adoption. It’s a “special…love story…all about YOU!” Wanda explains. “Before you were born, your parents wanted a child” and your birth mom, who “wanted to make the right choice,” selected them “to raise you.” The owl describes how the girl’s parents frequently communicated with her birth mom during the pregnancy and that the “day you were born” was special for everyone. Wanda also shares how the girl’s parents and birth mom will remain close and communicative as she grows up. For example, her birth mom “loves watching you get bigger and learn new things” when her parents send “pictures and updates.” Wanda concludes: “YOU have brought two families together through their love for you.” Olson, “an adoptee and an adoptive parent,” provides a kindhearted look at the process of an open adoption, deftly emphasizing the love and care involved. Wanda is a kid-friendly, sweet narrator whose reminders and explanations will resonate with young readers in similar situations. Urbiztondo’s illustrations offer artistic details, such as vibrant trees and dreamy, multicolored skies, and depict the family throughout the journey. Mom is White with blond hair; Dad has medium-dark skin and dark hair; and the birth mother and child are White with dark hair. Some spreads include whimsical additions like hearts and swirls.

A heartening tale that’s ideal for young adoptees and their families.