Lisa Tawn Bergren and Laura J. Bryant's successful God Gave Us You has given rise to several other picture books featuring their cute and curious polar bears. But in their newest picture book, Bergren and Bryant introduce us to a new set of characters: A fox mama and her adopted baby.God Found Us You follows the familiar Bergren format of a conversation between animal baby and animal parent. This time, Little Fox curls up to his mother and says, "Mama, tell me again about the day I came home." Mama says this is her favorite story of all time because "when God found us you, it made me the happiest mother in the world."
Mama Fox explains that she dreamed of Little Fox for a long, long time. She saw him everywhere she went; she prayed and prayed and prayed for Little Fox to come. It was difficult for her to see other mothers with their babies, but she "trusted that God knew you, and knew me, and knew when we'd fit perfectly together."
Little Fox asks: "How come I couldn't stay with the mother who had me?" Mama Fox says she must have had a very big reason to give up Little Fox; she must have believed it was best for Little Fox. "I think she prayed like crazy that you would be safe, Little Fox. I think she prayed for me as much as I prayed for her."
When Little Fox wonders if Mama Fox is his forever mama, Mama Fox assures him she'll be his forever - no matter what. Little Fox is the best gift God ever gave her. Then Little Fox falls asleep, feeling safe and secure, and remembering his mother is the happiest mama in the world.
Throughout, Bryant's illustrations are gentle and sweet, depicting the woodlands and Mama and Little Fox beautifully.
What I Like: Bergren's tone is just right. She and Bryant make is obvious Mama Fox adores her baby, and vice versa. I appreciate how clear it's made that God brought mother and baby together, and how carefully Bergren words the section on why Little Fox's birth mother gave him up. I also love the honesty Bergren displays when she allows Mama Fox to admit how hard it was to wait for her baby. This is a lovely, lovely book that brought tears to my eyes. If you have an adopted child, or know someone who does, this book is really a must have.
What I Dislike: Nothing.
Overall Rating: Excellent.
Age Appeal: According to the publisher, 4 - 8, but slightly younger kids will like this book, too.
Publisher Info: HarperCollins, 2009; ISBN: 0061131768; hardback; $10.99
Buy it Now from Amazon.com for $8.34,
OR buy it from ChristianBook.com for $8.99Special Info: Check out our other reviews of Lisa Tawn Bergren's and Lura J. Bryant's books.
1 comment:
I agree with Kristina: this is an excellent book!
One note: the text of this book seems to align more with families who adopt infants. Families who adopt older children will likely still find value in this book, but other titles may be more applicable to their specific situation.
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