Happy Adoption Day - by John McCutcheon

As an adoptive Mama I am drawn to books about adoption.  I wanted Janan to know from day one how our family came to be. Even before she could understand what I was saying, I believe she could feel the message of the stories I was reading.


One of the first I found, that is still a favorite for both of us, is Happy Adoption Day by John McCutcheon.  The words in this book are actually lyrics from a song by the same name.  The song is on John McCutcheon's CD Family Garden (a GREAT CD for more than just this one song!) and one we play every year at Janan's Adoption Day parties.  


The reason I was first drawn to this book was because, even though the artwork suggests a married, heterosexual couple, the lyrics embrace all forms of adoption:


Some parents come different,
some come the same,
But whether they're single or pairs.
You're never alone,
you're always at home
Whenever there's love we can share.


Janan loved the book because of the sing-song lyrics and the "chorus":


So it's here's to you and three cheers to you!
Let's shout it, "Hip, hip, hip, hooray!"
For out of a world so tattered and torn,
You came to our house on that wonderful morn,
And all of a sudden this family was born.
Oh, happy Adoption Day!


Whether you're an adoptive parent or just looking for a book to teach your child about all the ways families come to be, this is a MUST have!