A is for Always: An Adoption Alphabet

Through rhythmical storytelling, Cutting uses animals to show the ways adoption makes a family, from A to Z. Describing adoption as a gift and celebration creates a story of acceptance and love for those involved in the adoption process. The story gives simple examples of how people can come from all different parts of the world, through a variety of circumstances and backgrounds, to form loving and bonded families. It does not shy away from questions that kids may have about how they came to be adopted, or the challenging emotions that may be present. Adoption is represented as an…

Looking for a book to explain the various aspects of adoption to kids? With simple rhymes and sweet illustrations, A Is for Always offers a creative approach that kids can understand. A is for Adoption, L is for Loving, Q is for Questions, and S is for Soothing... the friendly animals on each page depict an adoptive family cherishing a new child. (Ages 2-8)—Deb Greenberg, The Story Monsters Ink Shelf

A is for Always is a rhyming alphabet book that explains various aspects of adoption in an age-appropriate manner. Leonie Little Lex provides adorable illustrations of animals and their adopted children. When the readers see chickens holding a baby mouse or a bear cuddling a rabbit, they will likely understand that these animals are not biologically related. The concept of birth parents vs adoptive parents can be difficult for younger children to comprehend, so this creative approach will help them retain that understanding. My favorite symbolic image shows a mother sheep doing her hedgehog…

Linda Cutting uses carefully crafted words that can easily be understood by children ages three to six. This book also includes many references that can be elaborated on by the reader or the story. This book encourages children to ask questions when they feel ready. I highly recommend this book for all families; exposing children to the concept of adoption at an early age will help them understand and accept their adoptive peers.

—Rita Long, San Francisco Book Review

"A Is for Always has at its core the love and sense of belonging that adoptive family members have for each other. Thoughtful rhymes make the lines memorable."