Adoption, Honesty & Family

A Heartwarming Exploration of Adoption and Honesty in Children’s Literature
In this captivating episode of Reading with Your Kids, host Jed Doherty delves into the transformative world of children’s literature with two remarkable authors who are changing narratives about family, truth, and love.
Allison Olson, an adoptive parent and adopted child herself, shares her groundbreaking book series “Surrounded by Love,” which revolutionizes how adoption stories are told. With a mission to create inclusive, positive representations of adoption, Olson’s books celebrate the love between birth families and adoptive families. Her innovative approach highlights the importance of open adoption, where 90% of modern adoptions now allow communication between birth and adoptive families.
Switching gears, Pedro Iniguez brings a unique perspective with his debut picture book “The FIB,” a clever story about a young boy whose small lie grows into a monster. Drawing from his background in horror writing, Inigas crafts a compelling moral tale that teaches children about the consequences of dishonesty in a fun, engaging way.
Both authors demonstrate the power of children’s literature to normalize complex experiences. Olson’s books show that families come in all shapes and sizes, while Iniguez’ uses metaphor to explore difficult topics like truth-telling. Their work goes beyond entertainment, offering valuable life lessons and promoting empathy.
The episode explores profound themes: the beauty of adoption, the importance of representation, and the delicate art of storytelling for young minds. Listeners will be inspired by these authors’ commitment to creating meaningful, inclusive children’s books that reflect the diverse experiences of modern families.
Whether you’re a parent, educator, or simply love children’s literature, this episode offers fascinating insights into how books can shape understanding, celebrate diversity, and teach important life lessons.
Don’t miss this heartwarming, thought-provoking conversation that proves children’s books are about so much more than just bedtime stories.