Families are Forever (Hardcover)

~ Craig Shemin (Author), Deb Capone (Author) "My name is Rain..." (more)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...a delight on many levels. It's about love and belonging. It's a book for everyone." -- Adam Pertman, Executive Director Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute

"...a story that will melt hearts of stone. Simply delightful." -- Waycross Journal-Herald, Feb 10, 2004

"Families Are Forever is special. It’s thoughtful and highly entertaining—not an easy feat." -- Dr. Jane Aronson, Executive Director, International Pediatric Health Health Services

"a charming tale with a universal message that appeals to all families. A great addition to any child's bookshelf." -- Augusta Parent, August 2003 --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

Product Description

A family's particular origin is only the start of what being "a family" means. In this heartwarming tale of family love and beginnings, Rain meets Bo and her new "forever" Mom and they become a brand new family. There are many kinds of families, but all families are forever. It's as Simple as That.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: As Simple As That (March 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0972866604
• ISBN-13: 978-0972866606
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 7.6 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #751,246 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars No wonder this book has won awards!, April 6, 2005

By	Dawn Matheson "Award-Winning Children's Autho... - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Most baby albums start with new-baby photographs. But for a little girl named Rain, her "forever family" album begins with her adoptive mother's trip to China to meet her. Told from Rain's point of view when she's "almost six," this sweet tale is graceful and eloquent: "Our eyes were different, but we could both see. Our lips were different, but we could both smile." There's no question that it was love at first sight: "I could see love in her eyes. So I gave it right back." Bridging both the generation and culture gap is Bo, the cuddly stuffed hippo who was once the mother's toy and now is a companion to Rain. This story presents a reassuring way to talk to young children about adoption: "Mom always says I was the best present she ever got."

Terrific writing teams up with superb illustrations. The photo-album technique is perfect here, providing the highlights of this family-building process.

One of the book's creators - who did adopt a Chinese girl - founded a company called As Simple As That™, which provides multi-media products that encourage children to understand and respect other cultures. Their tagline is wonderful: Celebrating What We All Share. Truly, this book is a celebration of love and life.

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21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My daughters love this story - and feel it is their own., October 17, 2003

By	Bonnie J. Ward "Bonnie Ward" (Exeter, New Hampshire USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Both of my girls, elder aged 6 and younger shortly will be 3, love this book. As they are from China, and I am a single Mom, they often have to be reminded it is NOT their story, but it is LIKE their story. They don't really seem to care - - they love Bo and her Hippo, and the straight-forward way the adoption story unfolds. It is clear and simple, and filled with love .... and that makes it 100% ok for us!

If you are looking for a way to introduce the concept of adoption to a young child, this book is a very nice way to do that. If you are looking for a way to broach the subject of your child's adoption with her/him, this is a great way to open the door.

Families are Forever .. .it's as simple as that .... straight-forward concept, presented in a way children can accept, understand and work into their perceptions in an easy way.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Heartwarming, Helpful, Delightful, Entertaining, November 16, 2003

By	Raleigh Pinskey (Arizona) - See all my reviews

This delightful children's book helps other children learn how to understand, respect and celebrate other cultures (as well as their own). The chief character is Rain, a soon to be 6 year old Asian child who tells the story of how she was adopted by an Italian NY single who came to China to get her, along with her first stuffed animal.. a hippo named Bo. It's a heartwarming tale of family love and beginnings. Great illustrations!
Raleigh Pinskey, author of 101 Ways to Promote Yourself.