I think this book will be very helpful for families/others that want to help children understand adoption -- you develop the story very well making it engaging -- the questions that are asked are very good ones -- typical ones ... The various reasons adoptions happen was a good inclusion -- as well as the examination of families formed differently from ours -- that is a good way to normalize variations that are already in their experience and relate these to adoption ... The illustrations go with the story very well and add reality and humor.
Patricia Martinez Dorner, MA, LPC, LMFT
Adoption Counseling &Search/Educator/Author Author of: Children of Open Adoption (co-author); How to Open An Adoption: a guide for parents and birth parents of minors; Talking to Your Child About Adoption; ADOPCION: hablando con tu hijo (Spanish Translation); ADOPTION SEARCH: An Ethical Guide for Professionals

This book is a needed resource for every adoptive family, for extended families of adopted children, teachers, and adoption professionals! 'What Is Adoption? Helping Non-Adopted Children Understand Adoption' is a book that presents adoption vocabulary in understandable language for non-adopted children. It poses relevant questions that children do have about adoption and offers clear and concise answers. I can't wait to recommend it to families and professionals I know.
Jayne Schooler,M. Min.
Adoption Educator, Author and Adoptive Parent
Author of: The Whole Life Adoption Book; Telling the Truth to Your Adopted or Foster Children; Journeys after Adoption; "Mom, Dad, I'm Pregnant" When Your Daughter or Son Faces an Unplanned Pregnancy 

This book is a long overdue, and welcome addition to the adoption literature. It offers adopted children both a way to explain their particular family to non-adopted peers, and, at the same time, to come to a better understanding of their own adoptions. It covers the ground well and it is written and illustrated in a way that will hold children’s attention. Well done!
Kenneth Watson, MSW, LCSW, ACSW, Consultant/Trainer/Author
Extensive publications including co-author of "Adoption and the Family"
& CD "You Didn't Choose Them, but They're Part of Your Family Now"

This is a fine book for all children. It describes adoption in a very sensitive manner and will be a valuable tool for parents, teachers and other professionals, and children. The language is clear and their use of lovely pictures really augments the text. They are able to describe some very complex issues with clarity and sensitivity (such as why children are adopted). I can recommend this book to teachers for use in the classroom, parents of younger adopted children and the friends of adopted children. This is a great book!
Dr. Arthur Becker-Weidman, Ph.D.
Co-editor of Creating Capacity For Attachment
Director of the Center For Family Development
Adoptive parent

What is Adoption? is an important book that fills a gap in our adoption literature. Congratulations to Sofie and Rita for creating this great tool to help non-adopted children know more about adoption and its meaning. It helps to meet a need for increased awareness and understanding of adoption. In addition to information presented for children to easily understand, the book also includes helpful hints and insights for adults. Adoptive parents will welcome this as a book to give to educators, friends, neighbours, and family members with children so that adoption can be better understood and discussed in sensitive and supportive ways. A great way to support our children who have joined our families through adoption.
Pat Fenton, M.S.W., R.S.W., Private Adoption Officer & Educator, parent by birth and through adoption.

Sofie and Rita's book is a unique addition to the information on adoption. Congratulations to them for recognizing and then filling the gap for everyone who knows or lives with adopted children. I hope all parents read this book to their children or encourage children to read this book. There are now adopted children everywhere and Sofie and Rita have made their lives a little easier by bringing awareness and sensitivity to the children who may be their peers, relatives or even strangers.
Annette Kussin M.S.W., R.S.W., is a social worker in private practice who specializes in Attachment issues, offering training, consultation, and therapy for adoptive children and their families

Like many other concepts in children's lives -- the complexities of adoption can be easily misconstrued. This clear, inviting and beautifully illustrated book provides a perfect invitation to discussing adoption with non-adopted children. Through the use of narrative about Violet and Alex's friendship, the key ideas that need clarification for children are addressed. In this manner, the book normalizes adoption and reassures the potentially fearful child of its permanency and positive impact on the adoptive family. As such, the book makes a truly important contribution to the literature in this area, and is a must-have for every adoptive family's bookshelf.
Dr. Marilyn Laiken, Ph.D.
Professor of Adult Education, OISE/University of Toronto and former Early Childhood Educator

This book will undoubtedly become a springboard for discussion both in homes and in classrooms. Through Alex and Violet, a number of issues around adoption are handled in a sensitive, thorough and straightforward manner. Alex and Violet are credible characters with an interesting story that will both entertain and inform young children. I heartily endorse What is Adoption!
Sarah Gleeson, B.A., B. Ed.
Elementary English Teacher
Junior School Head
St. Clement's School