Mommy Far, Mommy Near: An Adoption Story [Hardcover]

Carol Antoinette Peacock (Author), Shawn Costello Brownell (Illustrator)

Book Description

Grade Level: P and up

Young Elizabeth feels a range of emotions as she learns that she has two mommies: one in China and one in America. Her adoptive mother explains that although her Chinese mother loved Elizabeth and wanted to keep her, she couldn't because of China's laws.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Although Elizabeth, a young Chinese girl, is secure in the love of her adoptive Caucasian American family, she still has questions. Why, if China is such a big country, wasn't there room for all the babies? Didn't her mother love her? Such questions surface in games with her younger Chinese sister, in loving give-and-take with her American mother, and in hurt feelings after seeing a Chinese mother and daughter at the playground. Decorated in floral patterns and colored in lush, velvety hues, the thickly stroked, realistic artwork expands on the text while heightening the emotions it conveys. Elizabeth's misgivings are met head-on by her adoptive mother's reassurance, love, and thoughtful responses. The mother's tender support not only reassures Elizabeth but will also benefit other adoptees, especially those from Third World countries, as it reinforces the efforts of all loving, adoptive parents. Ellen Mandel

Review

"Elizabeth's misgivings are met head-on by her adoptive mother's reassurance, love, and thoughtful responses."

Booklist

"Elizabeth's healthy exploration of what it means to be adopted evolves naturally over time."

School Library Journal

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Albert Whitman & Co (January 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0807552348
• ISBN-13: 978-0807552346
• Product Dimensions: 0.2 x 8.2 x 10.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #855,376 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

58 of 59 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What a way to start a conversation!, August 5, 2000

By 

Reg Forsyth "believer_in_soul" (Concord, NC USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Mommy Far, Mommy Near: An Adoption Story (Hardcover)

Both my husband and I have read this book to our 6 year old adopted daughter and were amazed at her response. It is sensitive and gentle, yet hits on a tender point in any adoption story. How did I come to be available? The questions that she has asked after the book is closed and she is snuggled safely in my arms, reminds me how close to the surface are her memories of China and the question of why she is in the USA instead. Although I have [unsuccessfully] brought the subject up before, this story has given her the freedom to voice her own questions and fears. If Elizabeth can ask questions and get straight answers, maybe I can too. This book is beautiful. And creates an atmosphere of safety and love that gives the adopted child a chance to ask.

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mommy Far, Mommy Near -- Best Bet, November 8, 2001

By 

Kathryn B. Creedy (Bennington, Vermont United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mommy Far, Mommy Near: An Adoption Story (Hardcover)

As an adoptive parent of two daughters, I've read many adoption books and this one is exceptional! Mommy Far introduces themes for readers aged pre-school and up in a gentle and compelling way. Brownell's wonderful illustrations heighten the loveliness of this book. The message that adoption is warm and good and loving is inescapable and very powerful.

What I really loved is the fact that the story is told by a child to other children- the book's readers. 'This is my story,' she seems to be saying,'And this is how I came to understand it.'

With the daughter Elizabeth as narrator, it is the story of a little girl, adopted from China, coming to the realization of what adoption really means for herself, her family, her sister
and both sets of parents. More importantly it is the journey Elizabeth takes to understanding her journey into adoption and the vital role both mothers play in her life.

It contains loving adoption games created by mother and daughter.
Elizabeth's continued child's play using pretend phone calls from Mommy Far illustrates her growing understanding of two mommies. Elizabeth's birthmother is portrayed in very sensitive and undertsnding terms, both in text and illustrations. The young heroine ultimately concludes that both mothers have their time and place and both can fit into her life.

While this would be a wonderful addition to any library, it is especially significant for those touched by international and transracial adoptions.

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Bookshelf MUST!, March 27, 2000

By 

"afamilystuff" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mommy Far, Mommy Near: An Adoption Story (Hardcover)

Young Elizabeth feels a variety of emotions as she learns she has two mommies: one in China and one in America that she has known all her life. Her adoptive mother explains to her that although her Chinese mother loved her and wanted to keep her very much, she couldn't because of China's one child per family laws. Eventually, with the help and support of her mother, Elizabeth begins to accept that she has a far mommy and a near mommy.

Get out your tissue box & enjoy every word! Perfect for 5-7 year olds!