Um bebê para amar: história de um bebê que queria muito nascer...
by Helena Prado Lopes
illus. by Alessandra Tozi
Language: Portuguese
Rio de Janeiro : H. Prado Lopes, 2010.
20 p. : col. illus. ; 22 x 22 cm.
ISBN: 9788591098613
My annotation: This is the story of an infertile couple who very much want to have children. They want to have children to the point that it hurts to go to other people’s children’s birthday parties or even to take a walk in the park for they may see other parents pushing baby carriages. So after some time of trying, they visit a doctor to see what the problem is. The book does not specify what the problem is but after several months of trying and treatment, the couple become pregnant and are very happy. Finally they will be able to give their own parents a grandchild, and finally it will no longer hurt to go to birthday parties or to see parents pushing baby carriages in the park. The book suggests that it was IVF which helped this couple have their child for they wonder at one point whether their child will be “different” because he was conceived in a “laboratory.” When their child turns out to be just “like all the other babies,” they are relieved, and in the end, they are now a “family.” The book takes a family building approach and employs the “labor of love” and “families are made differently” scripts. This, along with one other book written by Kátia Maria Straube in the same year, was the first children’s book about ART published in Brazil in 2010. Currently the book is available only in Portuguese. Recommended for children ages 3-5.
Available directly from the author: helenaprado@globo.com
LAB: o planeta que fabricava bebês
by Kátia Maria Straube
illus. by Eliane Cássia Ramos
Language: Portuguese
Curitiba, Brazil: Expoente, 2010.
28 p. : col. ill.
ISBN: 9788598008462
My annotation: Lab: the planet that made babies was written by a psychologist and psychotherapist who works in the field of assisted human reproduction in Brazil. It was one of two children's books on ART published simultaneously in Brazil in 2010 and was one of the first to be published out of that country. It is the story of a planet in the “Test Tube Galaxy” where there are many unhappy couples because they cannot have children and so the population of the planet increases only slightly from year to year. Wondering what the problem is, the scientists on the planet begin to investigate exactly how babies are made and they discover that it is the cells of men and the cells of women that produce babies when they come together. (The way they come together naturally is not discussed). But why does it not work for some couples? The answer is complicated but they discover that they can invent ways for the cells to come together artificially. One way is through artificial insemination and the other is through in vitro fertilization. Thus these two methods are the ones discussed in the book (although egg donation is touched upon slightly later in the book). Because the term family is mentioned so many times, and because the conception of specific children in a specific family is not mentioned, this book takes a family-building approach and employs the “nuts and bolts” script. Even though the "nuts and bolts" of sex are not discussed, the "nuts and bolts" of these two methods of assisted reproduction are. Because this book is slightly less complicated than the second book in the series in that it mentions only two ART techniques, it is recommended for children ages 3-5. This is the first book in the “LAB” series by Kátia Maria Straube. The full-color cartoon illustrations are professionally rendered and it is currently only available in Portuguese.
Available: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lab-O-Planeta-que-fabricava-beb%C3%AAs/226813834029296
Your tummy time : a surrogacy story
by Natalia Padgen
illus. by Debbie Hester
Language: English
Natalia Padgen, 2013
14 p. : col. ill.
ISBN: 0646591665; 9780646591667
Summary: Your Tummy Time - a surrogacy story will nurture your bond with your baby while you teach and share a healthy approach to life after surrogacy. As the world's first ever personalisable children's book on the subject, it allows you to handwrite both your child's and surrogate's name within the story and provides space to include family photos. This special book invites your child to immerse themselves in the story... their story. Creator and writer, Natalia Padgen, created this book while her surrogate was pregnant with her baby to promote positive memories and experiences, and avoid any awkward 'finding out' moment later in life. Natalia conducted research and consulted with an expert Psychologist and Family Therapist to ensure that content and language is relevant and leads to encouraging experiences. The book has been designed to become part of family history, rather than just a story book.
Available: http://www.amazon.com/Your-Tummy-Time-surrogacy-story/dp/0646591665/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1360669751&sr=8-1&keywords=natalia+padgen+debbie+hester
De cadeaubuik
by Marlies Slegers
illus. by Sandra Kelder-Verheem
Language: Dutch
[Nijkerk] : Van Brug, cop. 2012.
41 p. : ill. ; 18 cm.
ISBN: 9789065232571; 9065232575
Summary: De Cadeaubuik is gebaseerd op het bijzondere en waargebeurde verhaal van twee zussen, Andra & Marianne. In dit (voor)leesboek over draagmoederschap wordt op een heldere en begrijpbare wijze wordt uitgelegd dat kinderen soms uit een andere buik geboren worden dan die van hun moeder. Het is geschreven door Marlies Slegers en kleurrijk geïllusteerd door Sandra Kelder - Verheem.
De cadeaubuik is een bijzonder (voor)leesverhaal voor kinderen over draagmoederschap. Als Belle de hond van Tijn puppies krijgt vraag Tijn zich af waar de puppies heen gaan als ze geboren zijn. Mama vertelt hem dat ze voor de puppies een ander huis gaan zoeken. Het lijkt Tijn afschuwelijk voor Belle als haar kleintjes weggehaald worden.
Mama vertelt hem dan het verhaal van twee zussen die allebei graag een baby willen. Alleen kan een van de zussen geen kindjes krijgen. Daarom mag ze de buik van de ander lenen om een baby in te laten groeien- een echte cadeaubuik. Tijn vindt het een prachtig verhaal, maar wat heeft het eigenlijk met hem te maken?
De Cadeaubuik is een (voor)leesverhaal voor kinderen over draagmoederschap. Op een heldere en begrijpbare wijze wordt uitgelegd dat kinderen soms uit een andere buik geboren worden dan die van hun moeder.
Available: http://www.ivfboeken.nl/nl/product/de-cadeaubuik--marlies-slegers--sandra-kelder---verheem/
Ha, die papa! : (een kinderboekje over KID)
by Patricia van Amsterdam
illus. by Wendy de Boer
Language: Dutch
[Voorburg, Netherlands] : www.jouwboek.nl, 2009.
[29] p. : ill. ; 17 cm.
ISBN: 9789087590703; 9087590709
Summary: In eenvoudige taal en met paginagrote tekeningen in kleur wordt verteld, hoe het komt dat Tim en zijn zusje Anna geboren zijn, terwijl hun papa zelf geen kinderen kan krijgen. Vanaf ca. 4 t/m 6 jaar.
Available: http://www.jouwboek.nl/
Author's email: amsterdamned@casema.nl
Een wereldwondertje
by Mireille van Seggelen
illus. by Anouk Braakhuis
Language: Dutch
Budel [Netherlands] : MVS Creations, 2006.
34 p. : col. ill. ; 15 x 21 cm.
ISBN: 9081114913; 9789081114912
My annotation: This is one of a handful of books written in the second person. The book begins to explain sperm donation to children as young as three, yet does not use the words “sperm” or “donation.” The book explains how “seeds” from boys and eggs from girls are needed to make a baby. When they meet, “a baby starts to grow in Mummy’s tummy.” Sometimes however, there are no seeds that can meet with Mummy’s egg so a “kind man” is needed to “help” Mummy have a baby. Since this book is about sperm donation in which a woman does not have access to sperm, it is suitable for both single mothers by choice as well as lesbian women. It takes a child-conception approach and employs “the helper” script. Full-color cartoon drawings depict both women with partners and women without partners. Recommended for children ages 3-5.
Available: http://www.mvscreations.nl/een-wereldwondertje/boekje-kid.html
Een wereldwondertje
by Mireille van Seggelen.
illus. by Anouk Braakhuis.
Language: Dutch
Budel [Netherlands] : MVS Creations , 2006.
34 p. ; ill. ; 15x21
ISBN: 9789081114929
Summary: Dit boekje is speciaal voor alle Eiceldonatie-wereldwondertjes. Met veel enthousiasme gemaakt om als hulpmiddel te gebruiken om het Eiceldonatie verhaal uit te leggen.
Available: http://www.mvscreations.nl/een-wereldwondertje/boekje-eiceldonatie.html
Een wijzer wondertje
by Mireille van Seggelen
illus. by Mark Baars
Language: Dutch
Budel [Netherlands] : MvS Creations, 2012.
33 p. : ill. ; 22 cm.
ISBN: 9789081114905; 9081114905
Summary: Soms ontstaan kinderen op een bijzondere manier. Janneke (7) is geboren met behulp van een zaadje van een donor. Ze vraagt haar moeder om uitleg. Prentvertelling om kunstmatige inseminatie bespreekbaar te maken. Met tekeningen in felle kleuren. Vanaf ca. 7 t/m 9 jaar.
Available: http://www.mvscreations.nl/een-wijzer-wondertje.html
A little miracle
by Mireille van Seggelen
illus. by Anouk Braakhuis
Language: English
Budel [Netherlands] : MVS Creations, 2010.
30 p. : ill. ; 15 x 21 cm.
ISBN: 9789081114950; 9081114956
My annotation: This is one of a handful of books written in the second person. The book begins to explain sperm donation to children as young as three, yet does not use the words “sperm” or “donation.” The book explains how “seeds” from boys and eggs from girls are needed to make a baby. When they meet, “a baby starts to grow in Mummy’s tummy.” Sometimes however, there are no seeds that can meet with Mummy’s egg so a “kind man” is needed to “help” Mummy have a baby. Since this book is about sperm donation in which a woman does not have access to sperm, it is suitable for both single mothers by choice as well as lesbian women. It takes a child-conception approach and employs “the helper” script. Full-color cartoon drawings depict both women with partners and women without partners. Recommended for children ages 3-5.
Available: http://www.mvscreations.nl/a-little-miracle/book-di-mum-mum.html
A world wonder
by Mireille van Seggelen
illus. by Anouk Braakhuis
Language: English
Budel [Netherlands]: MVS Creations, 2007.
34 p. : Ill. , 15x21 cm.
ISBN: 9789081114936
Summary: Having children is not always easy. Sometimes children occur in a particular way. Print Narration to make. Ivf negotiable With framed drawings in bright colors. From approximately 4 t / m 8 years.
Available: http://www.mvscreations.nl/een-wereldwondertje/boekje-ivf.html
The pea that was me: a sperm donation story
written and illustrated by Kimberly Kluger-Bell
Language: English
CreateSpace, 2013
24 p. : ill. ; 22 x 22 cm.
ISBN: 1481157140 ; 97814811157148
My Amazon review: This book is dedicated to "all the miracle children of the world, their courageous parents, and their gracious donors." With an estimated 1 million children conceived via donor sperm since the last century, not enough books have been written about this topic for children. The Pea That Was Me is one that heterosexual parents can use with their children to help explain their use of donor sperm in order to conceive their child. The author also has an egg donor version and will be coming out with two more versions for embryo donation and donor/donor. The pictures are black and white and hand-drawn, and it is narrated by a little girl who explains: "When you put the sperm (from the man), together with the eggs (from the lady), it grows into a tiny pea, inside the lady's tummy." But when things don't work out the way mom and dad would like them to, some "very kind" men can give some of their sperm so that mommies and daddies can become mommies and daddies. The book does not go into any details about human reproduction making this a good book for parents who don't feel ready to talk about sex with their children yet want to start the talk early about their child's donor origins. Nor does the book use big words like "embryo," "fertilization," or "uterus". In fact, the book hints at the use of in vitro fertilization when the book states that the sperm was put together with the egg and then the "tiny pea that was me" was put into mommy's tummy. The author recommends this book for ages 3 and up and I agree. As a librarian who reads, researches, and collects all children's books on assisted reproductive technology, I can recommend this book as a good starting point for parents of young children to begin the process of sharing their child's donor origins with them.
Available: http://www.amazon.com/Pea-that-was-Me-Donation/dp/1481157140/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1358338938&sr=1-1
Cloe quiere ser mamá
by Rosa Maestro
illustrated by Bárbara Guillén Feltrer
Language: Spanish
Madrid: Editorial Chocolate, 2012
24 p. ; col. ill.
ISBN: 9788494075605
Summary:Chloe wants to be a mother, but how? She does not have a man in her life. This is the story of a woman lucky enough to be granted a wish by a shooting star and of all the things she could have asked for, her one wish was to become a mother. One day she wakes up to find a box under her pillow containing the seed she would need in order to make a baby. With the box is also a note telling her to go see a doctor who could put the seed in her tummy. As promised by the shooting star, Chloe becomes pregnant and when Chloe’s daughter is born, she begins to tell her the story of the shooting star and how her wish to be a mother was granted. The shooting star makes one more trip back to see Chloe after her daughter is born to tell her that now that she has a family, she is not to forget that it is a “very special family,” and to tell her daughter “that she was born because you wanted her so much.” And so, this is the story that Chloe tells her daughter every night before bed. This book employs the “helper” and “families are made differently” scripts and takes both a child-conception and a family-building approach. The color illustrations are professionally rendered and it is recommended for ages 3-5. Also available in English as Chloe wants to be a mother.
Available: http://www.amazon.es/CLOE-QUIERE-MAMA-ROSA-MAESTRO/dp/B00DHQ009A/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1392586386&sr=1-1&keywords=cloe+quiere+ser+mama
האבאים של גל ונועה / ha-Abaʼim shel Gal ṿe-Noʻah
by פנקס, שוש. Shosh Pinḳas
illus. by Julia Filipone-Erez
Language: Hebrew
רימונים, Ramat Gan : Rimonim, 2012.
21 p. : col. ill. ; 23 x 23 cm.
Summary: בּוֹאוּ נְשַׂחֵק בְּ'אַבָּא וְאַבָּא', אָמְרָה גַּל בֶּחָצֵר לְמִרְיָם.
"אֵיךְ אֶפְשָׁר? מַה פִּתְאוֹם? מִשְׂחָק כְּזֶה לֹא קַיָּם!"
"בֶּטַח שֶׁכֵּן! בֶּטַח שֶׁיֵּשׁ!" נוֹעָה מִיָּד קָפְצָה בְּשִׂמְחָה,
"בּוֹא נְשַׂחֵק בְּ'אַבָּא וְאַבָּא', בְּדִיּוּק כְּמוֹ אֶצְלֵנוּ בַּמִּשְׁפָּחָה."
"אֵין בָּעוֹלָם דָּבָר כָּזֶה," אָמַר בְּקוֹל זוֹעֵף, נָבוֹת,
"אַף פַּעַם לֹא שָׁמַעְתִּי עַל מִשְׁפָּחָה עִם שְׁנֵי אָבוֹת.
בָּנִים הֲרֵי לֹא מִתְחַתְּנִים עִם בָּנִים.
חֲתֻנּוֹת זֶה תָּמִיד לְכַלּוֹת וּלְחֲתָנִים."
לנועה ולגל יש שני אבות. איתי ויואב, שנקראים בשמות החיבה אבאתי ואבאיו. נועה וגל נולדו לזוג הורים גברים, בתהליך שנקרא פונדקאות, בעזרתן של שתי נשים יקרות שאפשרו את הגעתן של התאומות לעולם.
בספר ייחודי זה, מביאה שוש פנקס את סיפורן של נועה וגל, סיפור משותף למשפחות רבות, חד מיניות במדינת ישראל ובעולם כולו.
ספר אמיץ וחשוב שמקומו בספריות הגן בישראל ובבתים שיש בהם ילדים סקרנים שמחפשים תשובות למשפחות השונות והמגוונות שהם רואים סביבם.
Library of Congress Subject Headings:
- Gay fathers -- Juvenile literature
- Families -- Juvenile literature
Available: http://sifrutgea.wix.com/sifrutgea1#!__childrenbooks/vstc2=abaim
Iris, jolie fleurette
bySwan-Lee Bligodese
illus. by Gwenaelle Desbois
Language: French
Société des Ecrivains, 2009
42 pp.
ISBN: 9782748044768
Summary: Raconte la merveilleuse histoire d’une petite plante. Comment elle a été créée, comment elle est venue au monde. Mais l’amour ne suffit pas toujours pour se reproduire. Les parents d’Iris n’arrivaient pas à avoir un bébé, et les années
passaient. Alors, ils se sont fait aider par la médecine. Et leur rêve a fini par se réaliser: le miracle a pris forme!
Available: http://www.chapitre.com/CHAPITRE/fr/BOOK/desbois-gwenaelle-bligodese-swan-lee/iris-jolie-fleurette,27402435.aspx
Mi pequeño milagro
by Pilar Dolz del Castellar Pareja
[ilustraciones, Irene, Isabel y Blanca Rincón de Arellano].
Language: Spanish
[Valencia?] P. Dolz [2004]
12 p. il. col. 20 x 20 cm.
ISBN: 9788460798811
Summary: Mi pequeño milagro es un cuento para leer a sus hijos pequeños, formando parte del repertorio de lecturas infantiles. Relata de forma sencilla y breve cómo se conciben los hijos mediante la técnica de reproducción asistida con donación de óvulos, haciendo hincapié en que el proceso de embarazo y nacimiento, no es distinto al de concebidos en forma natural, y que de existir alguna diferencia, es precisamente que los hijos que nacen gracias a esta técnica son “especialmente deseados”.
La idea que impulsa la creación de este cuento, nace como respuesta a la inquietud de muchas parejas en tratamiento de reproducción asistida. Parejas que piden consejo para la toma de decisión ante opciones como la donación de óvulos u espermatozoides como única alternativa a su deseo de ser padres.
Una vez madurada la decisión es habitual que los potenciales padres se angustien con dudas y preguntas acerca de cómo decirles a sus hijos que la ciencia hizo posible que ellos nacieran. Y aunque los cuentos están destinados a los niños, MI PEQUEÑO MILAGRO es un mensaje y está dirigido también a los mayores para que coprendan que a veces las cosas son más sencillas de explicar cuando llega el momento, de lo que erróneamente anticipamos. Contiene un prólogo con consejos y pautas para ayudar a los padres tomar libremente su decisión sobre decirle o no decirle.
Este es un aporte de la Psicóloga Pilar Dolz del Castellar pareja para todas esas parejas que buscan con ilusión formar una familia y no se rinden jamás. El cuento está disponible en UNIFERTES para las pacientes que deseen adquirirlo.
Available: http://pilardolzdelcastellar.host56.com/comprar/index.html
Y nosotros--¿de dónde venimos?
by Isabel Carmen Rodríguez García.
illus. by M. Luisa Guerrero
Language: Spanish
[Alicante] : ONG por la No Discriminación, 2008.
[22] p. il. col. 30 cm.
ISBN: 9788493624408; 8493624403
Summary: Isabel, junto a su pareja, Elisa, siempre tuvieron claro que un día sería madres. Imaginó cómo le explicaría a sus hijos, cuando llegase el momento, de donde venían... “¡Les contaré un cuento!, que es el mejor medio para llegar a ellos”.
My annotation: This story begins one night during bedtime story time when the author’s children ask, “Mama, we have two mothers?” “You already know you do,” she responds. “Then where did we come from?” her son follows up. So begins this gentle story of how two women, Elisa and Isabel, loved each other very much, lived together for many years, and wanted to start a family. At first they did not know how they could start a family and after several months they decide to visit their gynecologist. She explains to them that she could give one of them “injections” so that they could become pregnant. They decide Isabel would carry the baby. The couple is very disappointed though that it takes so many tries to have a baby, but after several attempts, Isabel finally becomes pregnant and they just know it is going to be a boy. They are very happy. There is no mention of a donor in this book, nor a description of how babies are made with sperm or eggs, and the vagina is referred to as a “special hole where babies come from their mother’s bellies.” The story ends when her son asks again, “Mom, why hadn’t you told us this story before?” And mom responds, “The truth is, I did not know if you were ready to hear it,” echoing the concerns of many mothers who had their children via ART. The book takes a family-building approach because the author emphasizes wanting to start a family with her partner and employs the labor of love script because in this book, their child was conceived in love. There is no mention of a "helper" or the use of "spare parts." Because of the lack of specific vocabulary in this book, it is not especially recommended for older children but rather young children ages 3-5. It is only available in Spanish.
Available: http://www.buscalibre.com/y-nosotros-de-donde-venimos-isabel-carmen-rodriguez-ong-por-la-no-discriminacion/p/hf48hny
Available: http://www.trabajemosporelmundo.org/ong-nd/editorial_nd_conjunto.html
Así fue como llegaste : un libro para hablar con niños por donación de espermatozoides
by Silvia Jadur and Constanza Duhalde
illus. by Claudia Degliuomini
Language: Spanish
Buenos Aires : Ediciones Agua va, 2010
32 pp. : col. ill. ; 18 x 18 cm.
ISBN: 9789872605216; 9872605211
Summary: Agua va... se ocupa de historias que deben fluir entre los grandes y los chicos; páginas que despejan dudas y buscan las respuestas con claridad y ternura. Hay un momento en que los niños preguntan cómo llegaron al mundo. De qué modo y por qué fueron concebidos. Aveces; en esta historia de amor; fue necesaria la ayuda médica para hacer posible el embarazo. Este es un libro que permite poner imágenes y apoyar las palabras con que los padres pueden dar respuesta a esas preguntas.
My annotation: Written in Spanish and from Argentina, this is the simple story of a couple who met, fell in love, and wanted to have children. When much time passed and they could not get pregnant, they went to see a doctor who performed much research and determined that the dad’s sperm could not make a baby. The couple was very sad, but the doctor told them about sperm donors and how these are men who think all people should be able to have a baby if they want one. So the couple decided to use a donor’s sperm. It was placed in a dish with the woman’s egg and when an embryo formed, it was carefully placed inside the woman’s belly. (Although this is a description of IVF, the term is not introduced). Mom’s tummy got bigger and bigger and then the long-awaited baby was born and everyone was so happy. The words, “sperm,” “egg,” “uterus,” and “embryo” are introduced. The book takes both a child-conception and a family-building approach and employs “the helper” script. There are full color illustrations and the book is recommended for children ages 3-5.
Available: http://www.californiaspanishbooks.com/prod_info.asp?ID=227778&name=As%C3%AD%20fue%20como%20Llegaste.%20Donaci%C3%B3n%20de%20Espermatozoides
Así fue como llegaste: fertilización asistida
by Silvia Jadur and Constanza Duhalde
illus. by Claudia Degliuomini
Language: Spanish
Buenos Aires, Argentina: Editorial Biblos, 2010
34 pp.
ISBN: 9789872605223; 987260522X
Summary: Agua Va... se ocupa de historias que deben fluir entre los grandes y los chicos; páginas que despejan dudas y buscan las respuestas con claridad y ternura.Hay un momento en que los niños preguntan cómo llegaron al mundo. De qué modo y por qué fueron concebidos. Aveces; en esta historia de amor; fue necesaria la ayuda médica para hacer posible el embarazo.Este es un libro que permite poner imágenes y apoyar las palabras con que los padres pueden dar respuesta a esas preguntas.
Available: http://www.californiaspanishbooks.com/prod_info.asp?ID=227787&name=Asi%20fue%20como%20Llegaste.%20Fertilizaci%C3%B3n%20Asistida
Así fue como llegaste: donación de óvulos
by Silvia Jadur and Constanza Duhalde
illus. by Claudia Degliuomini
Language: Spanish
Buenos Aires, Argentina: Editorial Biblos, 2010
34 pp.
ISBN: 9789872605209; 9872605203
Summary: Agua va... se ocupa de historias que deben fluir entre los grandes y los chicos; páginas que despejan dudas y buscan las respuestas con claridad y ternura.Hay un momento en que los niños preguntan cómo llegaron al mundo. De qué modo y por qué fueron concebidos. Aveces; en esta historia de amor; fue necesaria la ayuda médica para hacer posible el embarazo.Este es un libro que permite poner imágenes y apoyar las palabras con que los padres pueden dar respuesta a esas preguntas.
Available: http://www.buscape.com.ar/asi-fue-como-llegaste-donacion-de-ovulos-9872605203.html#precios
לתומר יש אמא / Le-Tomer yesh ima / Tomer has a mother
by נורמן, סילביה. Silviyah Norman
illus. by Carlos Agonin
Language: Hebrew
רמות, Kefar Sava : Ramot, 2004.
[20] p. : ill. ; 23 cm.
ISBN: 9659069502; 9789659069507
Summary:
הספר "לתומר יש אמא", של הסופרת סילביה נורמן, מסביר לילדים על החיים ללא אב מתוך בחירה
"...חייך הרופא ואמר שהוא יודע: את רוצה שיהיה לך ילד פרח! בבית החולים יזריעו לך זרע, כמו שלאמא אדמה זורעים זרע של פרח, ויפרח בבטנך ילד כמו פרח מקסים...".
הספר "לתומר יש אמא" עוסק בנושא האמהות מתרומת זרע באופן פתוח וציורי המעביר היטב את הנושא לילדים בגילאי שלוש עד חמש. במרכז הסיפור אם, המחליטה להביא לעולם ילד מתרומת זרע, דבר המומחש היטב תוך שימוש בעולם מושגים המאפשר לילדים באשר הם להתחבר לתהליך הטכני של התרומה.
הסופרת סילביה נורמן העמידה מושג חדש, "ילד פרח", המדגים באופן ציורי את היווצרות הילד מתרומת הזרע ומאפשר לכל מבוגר (פסיכולוג, גננת או הורה) לעסוק בנושא באופן ישיר ועדין כאחד, שירתק את הילד וייצור לו תמונה מוחשית ויפה.
הספר מעלה את מכלול הרגשות המלווים את ההחלטה להביא לעולם ילד מתרומת זרע, ללא כל טיוח רגשי, ובכך מחדד את המסר שזה לגיטימי וחשוב להרגיש גם רגשות קשים, אך בו בעת לדעת שניתן לצמוח גם מהם.
בספר מוזכרות דמויות המוכרות לילדים, כדמבו, פיטר פן ועוד, שגם להן אין אבא, דבר המאפשר לילדים להזדהות עם מגוון משפחות ייחודיות דרך אותן דמויות אהובות. הספר תורם רבות להסבר לגבי איך נולדים ילדים במשפחות מסוגים שונים, ובמקביל מאפשר לכל ילד למצוא את משפחתו בין דפי הספר, בין שהיא מתוארת בו ובין שהיא מצוירת על ידי הילד עצמו.
"חשוב היה לי בספר לתת ביטוי לרגשות האם, שהתגברה על העצב על כך שאין לה חבר שיהיה אב לילדה בכך שעשתה מעשה נפלא וחיובי: הביאה את הילד שלה לעולם", מסבירה נורמן. "לדעתי זה עוזר להדגיש את העניין שכל ביטוי רגש הוא לגיטימי.
"ראשית, אומרים לילד שמותר להיות עצוב על ה'אין-אבא', אך בו בעת מראים לו כיצד ניתן להתגבר ולצמוח משם, וזה יכול ללוות אותו בכל התנסות שיחווה בעתיד. שנית, גם מעבירים כך את המסר שאבא הוא מושג חשוב, וזו הסיבה שהוויתור על אבא לילד מעציב את האמא. לאורך כל הספר רואים את האושר הגדול גם כשאין אבא במשפחה, ורק העצב המוזכר בתחילת הסיפור מרמז על חשיבותו של מושג 'אב'".
"לתומר יש אמא", מאת: סילביה נורמן, איורים: קרלוס אגונין, הוצאת רמות ייעוץ למצוינות
Available: http://www.steimatzky.co.il/Steimatzky/Pages/SearchResult.aspx?SearchType=Simple&SearchSimpleText=%D7%9C%D7%AA%D7%95%D7%9E%D7%A8%20%D7%99%D7%A9%20%D7%90%D7%9E%D7%90
Mom, Johnny said I grew in a test tube!?: a guide to assist parents in explaining technological conception
by Barbara Ann M. Messina, Ph.D.
illus. by Judith Gluck
Language: English
Pittsburgh, PA: Dorrance Publishing Co., 2004
32 p. : ill. ; 16 x 23 cm.
ISBN: 9780805959116
My annotation: This book reads and looks more like a pamphlet. The author, with a Ph.D. in nursing, had her own child via in vitro fertilization and has written this book to help explain IVF to her daughter. The book aims to reassure children that all babies begin the same way - when egg and sperm meet - and that it does not matter how the baby grows initially. In addition to providing a detailed description of how scientists get the sperm and egg to meet in a petri dish, the author does use the term “test tube” babies to inform children that some people refer to children this way who were conceived this way. The author also briefly discusses surrogacy, again introducing the term “surrogate babies” but like she does with “test tube” babies, quickly dismissing it as a short-handed, even lazy, way for people to describe babies who were born to surrogate mothers. Although the title says its a “guide to explaining technological conception,” there is no discussion of sperm, egg, or embryo donation. This book takes a child-conception approach and employs the “nuts and bolts” script. Even though there is no discussion of sexual intercourse, there is quite a detailed discussion of the nuts and bolts of IVF. There are black and white pencil illustrations and the book is recommended for children ages 8-12.
Available: http://dorrance.stores.yahoo.net/momjohsaidig.html
Joshua Alan and William James : our story
by Bettina Strong
illus. by Lesley Vamos
Language: English
Wahroonga, N.S.W. : Be Book Wise, 2013.
32 pp.
ISBN: 9780987162489; 0987162489
Available: http://www.angusrobertson.com.au/book/joshua-alan-and-william-james-our-story/37541332/
Lesley Vamos' site: http://striped-designs.com/
Era grande la tua pancia, Mamma?
written and illustrated by Carolina Nadel
Language: Italian
Lulu, 2008
33 pp.
Summary: Con le illustrazioni affascinanti e le parole semplici, Era Grande La Tua Pancia, Mamma? aiuta i genitori a cominciare a spiegare il loro uso delle uova donate ai loro piccoli bambini.
Google translation: With charming illustrations and words simple, was Big Your Tummy, Mommy? helps parents begin to explain their use of donated eggs to their young children.
Available: http://www.lulu.com/shop/carolina-nadel/era-grande-la-tua-pancia-mamma/paperback/product-2602862.html
¿Mami, era tú pancita grande?
written and illustrated by Carolina Nadel
Language: Spanish
Lulu, 2007
33 pp.
ISBN: 9780979276125
Summary: Una pareja de elefantes explica su uso de óvulos (huevos) donados a su niño. Con ilustraciones encantadoras y palabras sencillas, "Mami, Era Tú Pancita Grande?" puede ayudar a los padres que utilizaron la fertilización in vitro y óvulos donados comenzar a explicar el proceso a sus niños pequeños.
Google translation: A pair of elephants explains his use of ova (eggs) donated to your child. With charming illustrations and simple words, "Mommy, Was Your Tummy Big?" can help parents who used IVF and donor eggs begin to explain the process to their children.
Available: http://www.lulu.com/shop/carolina-nadel/mami-era-t%C3%BA-pancita-grande/paperback/product-1584104.html;jsessionid=B610881B06F60DA05DA19C8670B7E002
Recetas para hacer bebés
by Carmen Martínez Jover
illus. by Rosemary Martínez
Language: Spanish
[Ciudad de México, México] : Carmen Martínez Jover, 2011, ©2007.
31 pages : color illustrations ; 22 cm
ISBN: 9789709410358; 9709410350
Summary: Es un cuento para niños que explica de una manera muy clara todas las formas en que los niños son concebidos actualmente: donación de sperma, donación de óvulo, donación de embrión, subrogación y adopción. Este cuento ayuda a los padres, que han utilizado estos métodos, a compartir con sus hijos la forma en que nacieron.
Annotation: Using the metaphor of cake-making, where milk, flour, eggs, butter and an oven are needed, the author introduces children to the ingredients for making a baby: sperm, an egg, and a tummy. While a cake takes thirty minutes in the oven, a baby takes 9 months in a woman’s tummy. When sperm and egg join, (there is no information on lovemaking), the egg is fertilized and becomes a single cell until it begins to divide to form an embryo and then a fetus, which is carried for nine months. This is the “classical recipe” for making babies. When things don’t work out this way, the book goes on to describe several other methods for making a baby, all of which require a doctor’s help. In vitro is discussed, as well as sperm donation, egg donation, embryo donation, surrogacy, and adoption, and all necessary vocabulary is introduced, “fertilization,” “embryo,” “fetus,” and “pregnancy.” One small critique I have is that for the discussion of in vitro, there is a picture of a test tube instead of a petri dish, which could be confusing to children if their parents combine this book with other books to explain IVF to their children. The description of sperm donation is also combined with the in vitro procedure, “The doctor fertilizes Mummy’s egg in a test tube with the donated sperms,” and “When the embryo starts growing the doctor places it in Mummy’s womb,” which is not always the case with sperm donation. Each procedure for sperm donation, egg donation, etc. is reinforced by accompanying pictures at the bottom of a two-page spread, showing the need for sperm, an egg, a test tube, and a womb. The book ends by reassuring children that no matter how they were conceived, one way is no better than another and that “No matter with which recipe you were born or how you came into Mummy and Daddy’s arms, they love you just the same because they had been longing for you to be part of their family.” Cartoon drawings depict nudity and lovemaking although there is no verbal description of lovemaking. Recommended for children ages 3-5.
Available: http://carmenmartinezjover.com/esp/index.php/libros/recetas-para-hacer-bebes
En busca del atesorado bebé canguro: Un cuento de paternidad gay
by Carmen Martínez Jover
illus. by Rosemary Martínez
Language: Spanish
[Ciudad de México, México] : Carmen Martínez Jover, ©2009.
31 p. : col. ill. ; 22 cm.
ISBN: 9786070008696; 6070008693
Summary: Es a través de los cuentos que como padres pueden explicar a los hijos como fueron concebidos. En Busca del Atesorado Bebé Canguro, un cuento de crianza de hijos gay, explica como un par de canguros: Jack y Sam, una pareja gay, empiezan su búsqueda para tener un hijo y lo hacen a través de una donadora de óvulos y una madre subrogada.
Translation: It is through stories that parents can explain to their children how they were conceived. A Baby Kangaroo Treasure Hunt, a gay parenting story, explains how a pair of kangaroos: Jack and Sam, a gay couple, start a treasure hunt to have a child and they do this through an egg donor and a surrogate mother.
Available: http://carmenmartinezjover.com/esp/index.php/libros/en-busca-del-atesorado-bebe-canguro-un-cuento-de-paternidad-gay
Un regalo de vida chiquititito : un cuento de donación de óvulos
by Carmen Martínez Jover
illus. by Rosemary Martínez
Language: Spanish
[Mexico] : Carmen Martínez Jover, ©2005.
30 p. : col. ill. ; 22 cm.
ISBN: 9789709410310; 9709410318
Summary: Una conmovedora historia de donación de óvulos especialmente escrita para niñas, a cerca de una feliz pareja de conejitos: Comet y Pally, que lo tienen todo en la vida menos un conejito bebé… El libro esta lleno de color y es ideal para los niños aún antes de que sepan leer, ya que las ilustraciones están tan llenas de detalles que atrapa la atención del niño.
Translation: A touching children's story, specially written for girls, of how a happy couple of rabbits: Comet & Pally, have their own baby by means of egg donation.
The book is full of color and is ideal for children even before they know how to read, since the illustrations are full of details and get the childs attention.
Available: http://carmenmartinezjover.com/esp/index.php/libros/un-regalo-de-vida-chiquititito-un-cuento-de-donacion-de-ovulos
Un regalo de vida chiquititito : un cuento de donación de ovulos para niños
by Carmen Martínez Jover
illus. by Rosemary Martínez
Language: Spanish
[Mexico] : Carmen Martínez Jover, ©2011.
36 pp.
ISBN: 6070050630; 9786070050633
Summary: Una conmovedora historia de donación de óvulos especialmente escrita para niños, a cerca de una feliz pareja de conejitos: Comet y Pally, que lo tienen todo en la vida menos un conejito bebé… El libro esta lleno de color y es ideal para los niños aún antes de que sepan leer, ya que las ilustraciones están tan llenas de detalles que atrapa la atención del niño.
Translation: A touching children's story, specially written for boys, of how a happy couple of rabbits: Comet & Pally, have their own baby by means of egg donation. The book is full of color and is ideal for children even before they know how to read, since the illustrations are full of details and get the childs attention.
Available: http://carmenmartinezjover.com/esp/index.php/libros/un-regalo-de-vida-chiquititito-un-cuento-de-donacion-de-ovulos-ninos
Mamma raccontami come sono nato : fiabe e filastrocche : perchè spiegare ai bambini la procreazione medicalmente assistita con una favola?
by Tiziana Rinaldi; Marina Mengarelli Flamigni; Rossella Bertolucci; Giovanni Micioni;
Language: Italian
Foggia : Mammeonline, 2007.
85, XXV p. ill. 22 cm.
ISBN: 9788889684062
Summary: Mamma raccontami come sono nato è un bi-libro: Un lato è per i bimbi, per spiegare che alcuni bambini sono nati grazie al dono di un seme o di un ovulo, altri grazie alla possibilità di crioconservare un embrione o dopo l'incontro dei semini di mamma e papà in una provetta ma che, in ogni caso, ciò che è davvero importante è lo straordinario amore dei loro genitori.
L'altro lato è rivolto ai grandi: i genitori raccontano ai loro bimbi nati grazie alla procreazione assistita come sono stati concepiti? A quale età? A queste domande risponde il sondaggio che accompagna le belle favole.
Ai grandi sono rivolti il commento al sondaggio di Rossella Bartolucci, l'introduzione della sociologa Marina Mengarelli Flamigni e l'articolo dello psicologo dr. Giovanni Micioni.
Available: http://www.casaeditricemammeonline.it/libri/mamma-raccontami-come-sono-nato
Arriva un bambino : ma come arrivano i bambini?
written by autrici varie
illus. by Tiziana Rinaldi
Language: Italian
Foggia : Mammeonline, 2009.
[26] p. ill. color. 20 x 20cm.
ISBN: 9788889684092; 8889684097
Summary: I bambini li portano le cicogne o nascono sotto i cavoli?
Riesci a immaginare come un aereo può portare un carico così prezioso da far diventare una mamma e un papà una famiglia?
Vuoi sapere quali sono tutti i modi che esistono per diventare una famiglia? Con questo libro lo scoprirai...
Available: http://www.casaeditricemammeonline.it/libri/arriva-un-bambino-0
L'Enfant KDO
Association Les Enfants KDOS
illustrated by Stephanie Rauch
Language: French
Summary: Il s'adresse aux enfants de 5 à 8 ans à qui l'on souhaite expliquer le don d'ovocytes.
Available: http://enfantskdos.jimdo.com/livre-kdos/
Zoïde ... la petite graine!
Association les enfants KDOS
Language: French
Summary: Il s'adresse aux enfants de 5 à 8 ans à qui l'on souhaite expliquer le don de sperme.
Available: http://enfantskdos.jimdo.com/livre-kdos/
Dans notre histoire, il y a...Nounou et nous
by Association MAIA
illus. by Nathalie Reynaud-Zaguedoun
Association MAIA, 2009
Language: French
32 pp.
ISBN: 9782952797733
Summary: Quand un couple s'oriente vers la gestation pour autrui pour fonder sa famille, la difficile question de l'information à délivrer aux enfants se pose fréquemment : que dire ? comment le dire ? quand le dire ? Pour aider des parents à raconter leur histoire à leur enfant, l'association MAIA a souhaité éditer un petit livre pour enfant, qui aidera les papas et les mamans à leur parler de leur histoire, avec des mots simples et compréhensibles. Illustré par Nathalie Reynaud-Zaguedoun, ce petit livre est un trésor de douceur et de tendresse, pour aborder sereinement des questions difficiles.
Available: http://www.amazon.fr/Dans-notre-histoire-Nounou-nous/dp/2952797730/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1353351747&sr=8-3
Dans notre histoire, il y a une fée
by Laure Camborieux
illus. by Nicolas Hunerblaes
Toulouse (15 rue Gleyses, 31200) : Association Maia, DL 2006.
Language: French
1 vol. (non paginé [25] p.) : ill. en coul., couv. ill. en coul. ; 20 cm.
Summary: Quand un couple s'oriente vers le don d'ovocyte pour fonder sa famille, la difficile question de l'information à délivrer aux enfants se pose fréquemment : que dire ? comment le dire ? quand le dire ? Pour aider des parents à raconter leur histoire à leur enfant, l'association MAIA a souhaité éditer un petit livre pour enfant, qui aidera les papas et les mamans à leur parler du don, avec des mots simples et compréhensibles. Illustré par Nicolas Hunerblaes, ce petit livre est un trésor de douceur et de tendresse, pour aborder sereinement des questions difficiles.
Available: http://www.amazon.fr/Dans-notre-histoire-une/dp/2952797706/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1353344629&sr=8-1
Um bebê para amar: história de um bebê que queria muito nascer... 
