"Pugnose Has Two Special Families" isn't the slickest children's book about adoption you'll ever see. It's bound with staples, needs a bit of editing, and sometimes tells when it could show. But it is a nice resource for open adoption families for several reasons.

First, the main character is an adopted mouse who has ongoing contact with his first parents. "I have two families--my birthfamily and my adoptive family," he says. "When we are all together, it seems like one big family." Children's books that mirror the ongoing openness of many domestic adoptions are not easy to find. It is nice to see it reflected here.

Second, the first parents are actual characters in the story. Pugnose's first parents are shown several times, both before and after his birth. We see them with interacting with Pugnose as he grows and he talks about traits he shares with them. Even more unusually, the first father is included.

Third, it acknowledges that Pugnose had a history prior to his adoption. So many adoption books for kids begin at the point of placement and make it seem as if their adoption was a forgone conclusion from the moment of their conception. Pugnose's birthmom tells him stories about when he was growing inside her and how much she loved him. He tells us, "She thought about trying to be my mama herself, and she thought about adoption, too. She finally chose open adoption so she could see me as I was growing up."

Finally, it touches on the sorrow that accompanies adoption. Everyone is happy Pugnose has been born, but also sad. His first parents are sad they are not ready to parent him and because they will miss him. His adoptive family is sad because they know his first family is hurting. It's a good example of how sadness can be acknowledged even in what is overall a positive presentation of adoption.

Listed for ages ranging from 4-10, but probably more suitable for kids 2-8. As with every adoption book, not all the details will apply to every family's situation, but the general outline of the story will likely fit most domestic open adoptions.

A favorite of many open adoption families, "Megan's Birthday Tree" tells the story of a little girl being reassured of her first mother's love for her. Her first mom, Kendra, planted a tree when Megan was born, and each year on Megan's birthday Kendra decorates the growing tree and sends a picture to Megan. When Megan learns that Kendra is moving to a new city, she worries that Kendra will forget about her without the tree to remind her. The story follows Megan as she searches for ways to replace the tree, and culminates with her sharing her fears with Kendra and being assured of their bond.

An excellent book for any family involved in an open adoption, this could be comforting for children in closed or semi-open adoptions as well. The story focuses on Megan and her relationship with Kendra, with the adoptive parents playing a supportive, but minor role. Megan has complex feelings about her adoption appropriate to her age.

Ages 4-10. The characters are Causasian. Megan's first father is not mentioned.