Thursday, December 24, 2020

My Little Fungi

 

My Little Fungi 
written and illustrated by Tim J. Horton 
Language: English 
Independently published, 2020. 
29 p. : col. ill. ; cm. 
ISBN: 9798566609478 
Summary: The whimsical rhyming voice of a Daddy-to-be Mushroom takes us on a guided journey through his vivid imagination as he envisions all of the wonderful learning adventures he is preparing to share with his “little fungi". We experience a glimpse of pain as the years pass showing Mommy and Daddy Mushroom still without their “wee lad or lass.” A quick message of hope follows as Daddy Mushroom introspectively soul-searches for strength and understanding. Finally, we see the long-awaited moment of beauty where Daddy and Mommy’s dream takes form with Baby Mushroom soundly sleeping in front of them and a tear forms in Daddy’s eye. 

Saturday, December 12, 2020

For You

 

For You 
by Robbyn Danyluk 
illus. by Marina Hellervik 
Language: English 
Friesen Press, 2020. 
40 p. : col. ill. ; cm. 
ISBN: 1525581678 ; 9781525581670 
Summary: For You is a book about what it takes for some parents to finally have a child of their own. Infertility is an all-too-common hurdle that many people must overcome when wishing to grow their family, and reproductive assistance is often needed in order to make their dreams come true. There are not many children's books currently on the market that talk about fertility treatments. Thus, with compassion, honesty, and hope, Robbyn Danyluk-who underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF) in order to conceive-addresses the difficulties that surround infertility, speaking to both the children created through reproductive technology, as well as to the parents who have gone through or are going through-IVF and other fertilization processes. 

Monday, December 7, 2020

Once Upon a Now: The Epic Tale of Assisted Reproduction

 

Once Upon a Now: The Epic Tale of Assisted Reproduction 
Language: English 
[Spain]: 2020. 
p. : col. ill. ; 21 x 29.7cm. 
Summary: There are many different types of family. And many ways of becoming parents. “Once upon a now” narrates the journey that families formed through assisted reproduction go on. 

The Bird Family: An Egg Donation Story

 

The Bird Family: An Egg Donation Story 
by Sofia Bird 
Language: English
2020 
ASIN: B085XLVZ46 
Summary: Mama Bird and Papa Bird wanted to have baby birds, but sometimes our dreams are hard to reach They asked for help from Doctor Owl. 

Juliana's Journey

 

Juliana's Journey 
by Diana Boles 
Language: English 
2013 
12. p. : col. ill. 
ASIN: B00BEKX156 
Summary: This is an allegorical tale about a courageous chicken who wanted a family of her own. She endures numerous setbacks and is eventually forced her to make a treacherous journey to receive the help she needs. This tale mirrors my own difficulties with infertility. Difficulties, which were successfully overcome with the help and support of my Ob-Gyn, Dr. Walter Daniell, and Dr. Jay Nemiro of the Arizona Center of Fertility Studies http://www.acfs2000.com. 

The Seed Giver

 

The Seed Giver 
by C. J. Reed 
illus. by Katherine Davenport 
Language: English 
2020
23 p. : col. ill. 
ASIN: B08JKKPQM1 
Summary: The story of The Seed Giver offers parents of children born in alternative families (through embryo adoption, egg or sperm donor, or through traditional adoption) a way to introduce the concept of an intentional giver and a grateful recipient, that when brought together by God, fulfill a divine purpose and plan. It is broadly applicable in its message, yet speaks specifically to alternative families. It is timeless in its delivery, yet timely for the growing number of families that are created in non-traditional ways. 

Families Grow

 

Families Grow 
by Dan Saks 
illus. by Brooke Smart 
Language: English 
Rise x Penguin Workshop, 2021. 
24 p. : col. ill. ; cm. 
ISBN: 0593223675 ; 9780593223673 
Summary: This warm appreciation of love invites the youngest readers to share in the joy and excitement of expecting families. The lyrical, rhyming text subtly references pregnancy, surrogacy, and adoption, gently touching on the different ways a family can grow. The book's celebratory yet comforting tone incites both appreciation and understanding, leaving readers with a lasting message of unconditional familial love. Includes a simple glossary at the end.