When Joel Comes Home is written by Susi Gregg Fowler and illustrated by Jim Fowler. The Fowlers have two daughters, one by adoption. This book is based in part on their fond memories of their own “welcome home” celebration.
This book is written from the perspective of a little girl. The adoptive parents are her parents’ best friends.
The book describes the girl’s painting a welcome sign with her mother and making elaborate plans to dress up in a party dress to welcome the baby, to give the new mother flowers and make a pretty speech, and to be the first to hold the baby, as the parents have promised. The reality is that not all of this comes true as they rush to the airport in the early-morning rain. But the large crowd waiting for Joel is a true celebration.
This book might be a good way to introduce non-adopted children to the subject of adoption. It could be good in a unit on families, neighbors, welcoming babies, or celebrations. It shows that adoption is not something “weird” but an event to celebrate, just as any new baby is celebrated.
When Joel Comes Home would also be good for adopted kids, to reinforce the message that many in their parents’ extended families and communities were also eagerly waiting to welcome these children. Parents may use the story as a springboard to reminisce with the child about the people who helped to welcome him or her on her arrival into the family. (Another book which is good for this is Jin Woo, in which an older brother’s jealousy at his little brother’s welcome party is alleviated by a neighbor lady who tells him how happy his family was at his own arrival.)
Prospective adoptive parents may want to note that many adoption agencies advise against large crowds greeting the child, especially if the child is over six months old, as this may be overwhelming for the child. Also, post-September 11th airport security left us standing in the baggage claim when our youngest daughter arrived, instead of in a waiting room by the gate where my older kids could sit down and drink the juice and use the coloring books I’d brought. I can’t imagine a big crowd in that situation.
Please see these related blogs:
Kids’ Books Starring Internationally Adopted Kids
Adoption Books with Beautiful Art: Over Land and Sea: a Story of International Adoption
Book Review: A Quilt of Wishes