I am an adoptive mother of two Chinese daughters, a child psychologist, and a writer of children's books. Naturally, as I began to select books for Elizabeth and Katherine, I had a special interest in children's adoption books. Many of the books I found were poignant and helpful and brought tears to my eyes. But I began to see a real need for a psychologically focused book which dealt with what I think is the core issue of adoption; having two mothers. I also saw a need for a book that described adoption not from the view of the adoptive parents or from the birthparents' view, but from the perspective of the child herself. So, scribbling notes on yellow post-its, which then piled up all over the house, I began to write Mommy Far, Mommy Near: An Adoption Story.
I wrote the book as the girls grew, and life itself (eg. Elizabeth's chance encounter with a Chinese mother and her daughter) contributed to the story. Three years after the first post-it, my manuscript was completed. My publisher, Albert Whitman and Company, flew up an art teacher from Maryland, Shawn Costello Brownell, who lived with us and began painting pictures for the text. Shawn had a wonderful way of connecting with Elizabeth and Katherine (to say nothing of our dog, Penny). Magic began to happen as Shawn started her work.
Mommy Far, Mommy Near was born last April. It has been incredibly satisfying to see my daughters' experience shared with other families. The book is intended as a springboard, to help parents begin
discussion with their own children, at their own pace. I believe that parents
are the very best people to help children begin to talk about adoption. In
my practice as a psychologist and with my own daughters, I find that tools, such
as books, made-up games and rituals, can help make the abstract discussion
concrete,
often fun! By being attuned to our children's adoption
questions and by welcoming these questions, we set a foundation of openness that
serves our children well in all areas of their lives.
Carol Antoinette Peacock For ChinaSprout.com
To purchase Carol Peacock’s book “Mommy Far, Mommy Near: An Adoption Story”, click here.
