Book Review – A Blessing from Above

A Beautifully Illustrated Golden Book About Adoption

Mar 7, 2009

Using animal characters and Bible verses, Patti Henderson and Liz Edge bring to life the miracle of adoption for toddlers and preschoolers.

Something about the simple, timeless format of the Little Golden Book draws readers in. Families with young children, in particular, are attracted to the brevity of the Golden Book, which always seems to be just the right length for short attention spans. There are timeless classics such as The Little Red Hen and Tawny Scrawny Lion; but every now and then a new tale emerges and reminds fans what makes Little Golden Books special.

A Blessing from Above is no exception. Published in 1999, this book conveys the message that families come in all shapes, colors and sizes. Families looking to introduce discussions about adoption will find the vibrant watercolor and pen illustrations a soothing companion to the story’s message of universal acceptance and unconditional love.

Momma-Roo is a kangaroo who prays for a baby to love. While exploring the countryside, she watches parents playing with their children and longs for her own family. Momma-Roo takes a nap under a tree, which holds a nest of just-hatched baby bluebirds. Little One, the tiniest hatchling, falls from the nest and finds a welcome, loving home in Momma-Roo's empty pouch.

The tiny bluebird instantly refers to the kangaroo as “Mommy.” The birthmother expresses happiness that her baby has found a warm, cuddly home. Momma-Roo and Little One go home a happy family. The story ends with the passage, “Now, every night before they fall asleep, Momma-Roo and Little One thank God for all their blessings … but especially for each other.”

Talking About Adoption

A Blessing from Above is a story that’s meant to be shared as a family. The rich, colorful drawings entice young children, but the book’s most powerful punch is found in its words. It’s obvious Little One is loved by both his birthmother and his adoptive mother. “At last! My very own baby!” (Momma-Roo) cried joyfully. “I will cherish you and love you forever!”

An improbable pair becomes a family in this adoption story. Older children likely will question how a kangaroo could adopt a bird. They might even express confusion. Parents can use this as an opportunity to teach universal acceptance and relate it to transracial adoption or interracial families. In this way, the book celebrates each family’s unique qualities.

Readers see a loving birthmother who chooses adoption because she doesn’t have room in her nest for Little One. The author could have strengthened the story’s message by better articulating the birthmother’s consent. While the book states the birthmother was happy to see her baby in such a “warm, cuddly place,” a simple sentence giving Momma-Roo permission to adopt Little One should have been included in the baby bluebird’s adoption story.

Christian Audience

A Blessing from Above is told from a Christian perspective, which won’t appeal to every family. The title page contains the Bible passage “Children are a gift from God; they are His reward” (Psalm 127:3), and the book closes with the verse “In love He destined us for adoption to Himself … ” (Ephesians 1:5). These passages appropriately complement a story that begins and ends with the main characters praying at bedtime.

A Loving Story

Henderson, the book’s author and an adoptive mother herself, has woven a loving tale of adoption, charmingly illustrated with Edge’s handiwork. Adoptive families will delight in using A Blessing from Above to discuss the concept of adoption with toddlers and preschoolers who are adopted. The book contains powerful lessons of unconditional love that benefit all children, even those who are not adopted.

The copyright of the article Book Review – A Blessing from Above in Children’s Books is owned by Tricia Masenthin. Permission to republish Book Review – A Blessing from Above in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.