Lauren Marshall, My Beautiful Bow: An Adoption Story

Start: 09/22/2010 6:30 pm

End: 09/22/2010 8:00 pm

The red ribbons of a little girls sash become imaginary ties to her birth mother and her adoptive mother, in this charming book. Abby wonders if she came from her mothers belly, like her older sister. When a casual comment at the breakfast table prompts questions, Abby learns how the birth mother who carried her in her belly and the forever mommy who carries her on her hip both love her and have helped to make her who she is. Your birth mother gave you a lovely singing voice, her Mommy tells her. I give you songs to sing.

Although the little girl in the book is from China, her story is relevant to all adopted children, whether adopted domestically or internationally. Illustrations by the sister of the protagonist offer a fresh childs perspective and provide a compelling back-story, underscoring the theme that love is what makes a family.