The Best Single Mom in the World: How I Was Adopted – A parent and child share in the telling of the mother’s work with an agency to find “a child to adopt, to love, and take care of forever”; her trip across the sea to meet the birth mother, who “wanted the best for you, but she couldn’t take care of you”; and bringing her daughter home.

Although there is no father, there is a grandfather to bond with and an African-American best friend. Life is good and everyone is happy, especially the little girl, who clearly adores her mother.

The story is somewhat didactic and the smiling characters of different ethnicities and ages are too obvious and ever present. Still, it is well told and has charm. The illustrations are especially engaging with brightly colored, patchwork scenes framed in various muted tones. Every inch of space is alive with cheerful colors depicting birds, flowers, cozy rooms, and smiling faces. The book is best for sharing one-on-one or for use with small groups in a themed lesson.

Marlene Gawron, Orange County Library, Orlando, FL

Review

“…it is well told and has charm. The illustrations are especially engaging with brightly colored, patchwork scenes….” –