Storybook Language

A toddler storybook can be a wonderful way to introduce your child to adoption and the circumstances that brought him home to you. And what toddler won't love a book starring himself? You'll want to keep the text simple and honest. Get inspired by these readers' suggestions for words you might use:

Two people were searching for a forever family for their child.
(Photo of birthparents)
We met and agreed to be the forever family.
(Photo of all four of us)
We were really excited to meet you.
(Photos of us at the hospital)
Your birthparents spent time with you at the hospital.
(Photos of them holding her)
It was really sad saying goodbye to your birthparents.
(Photo of us leaving hospital)
Our dog was happy to meet you and licked you across the face.
(Photo of dog licking baby)
Our family was really excited to meet you.
(Photos of both sets of grandparents meeting daughter for the first time.)
We adopted you in court six months later, and we celebrate your adoption day each year as a family.
(Photo in courtroom)
--The full text of Carolyn Casey's short-but-sweet domestic adoption story. The simple text and personal photos made the book a family favorite.

Soon, Mommy had to go. We were excited that Mommy was going to bring home our Eden, but we were sad to be apart. Mommy couldn't wait to bring home her new fabulous daughter. Mommy left for China on July 23, 2004.
--Excerpt from Julia Schulman's book about adopting her second daughter from China. She's an artist, so she illustrated the book herself with colorful watercolor pictures.

A family is two or more people who usually live in the same house and who love each other a lot. Some families are small and some are really big. Some children grow up with one parent, either a mom or a dad. Other families have grandparents who are taking care of grandchildren. Mateo, remember that families are how you feel on the inside, not how you look on the outside.
--Excerpt from Justice Riccardi's book for her son. She kept it simple with construction-paper pages decorated with photos and stickers, and placed them in plastic protectors in a three-ring binder.

On a normal day in August of 2007, Paul and Donna prepared to go to the gym. Before leaving, the phone rang. Donna answered the phone, stunned to hear Renee on the other end of the line. 'You've been selected by birthparents!' said Renee. Donna couldn't believe her ears. It had only been 10 months. Paul knew Renee had good news by the reaction on Donna's face.
--Excerpt from Donna Sweeney's story. She used a blank book from a teacher-supply store and had a friend illustrate the pages.

The baby was going to arrive very soon, so Jane and Keith drove all the way to Oklahoma to meet Meg. They all thought that the baby in Meg's tummy was a very special baby.
--Excerpt from My Creations Books, which allow users to fill in names and other details of an international or domestic storyline. See more sample text at mycreationsbooks.com.

More sample storybook language:
• "Your birthmom couldn't take care of any baby, so she let other adults give you food and love until we could adopt you."
• "You needed a mom, and I needed a baby. It was a match made in heaven."
• "I had to wait a long time before I could take you home, but I looked at your picture every day."
• "When we met you, we were so happy. But you must have been scared! Who were these strange, new people?"
• "You cried a lot at first, and we did our best to make you feel better."
• "Every day we loved you more, and, little by little, you began to trust us."
• "You will always be with us. We are your forever family."

Plus: Check out these reader-reviewed websites that help you create a book for your child.

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