The idea of being a surrogate can sometimes be an idea that is hard for children to understand. One of the best ways to help a child understand a topic is by reading books that are fun and exciting! There are a lot of children’s books about surrogacy available and below are a couple of my favorites!
My Mom is a Surrogate
By: Abigail Glass
“This book was written to help children of surrogates understand the process of the surrogacy journey. It provides the reader with a guide to discuss the proper language, through a sweet story and attractive images of the surrogacy experience. This story follows a brother and sister as they watch their mother become a surrogate. The siblings invite the reader to explore their own personal experiences as well.”
The Kangaroo Pouch: A story about surrogacy for young children
By: Sarah Phillips
“The Kangaroo Pouch introduces young children, ages 2-to-8, to the concept of surrogacy. The story is narrated by a young kangaroo named Oliver whose mother has decided to help another family have a baby. The Kangaroo Pouch gently guides the reader on the surrogacy journey and answers questions they may have such as, why would someone choose to be a surrogate? What will family life be like during the pregnancy? And most importantly, what happens when the surro-baby is born and given back to their biological parents?”
And Tango Makes Three
By: Justin Richardson
“The heartwarming true story of two penguins who create a nontraditional family. At the penguin house at the Central Park Zoo, two penguins named Roy and Silo were a little bit different from the others. But their desire for a family was the same. And with the help of a kindly zookeeper, Roy and Silo got the chance to welcome a baby penguin of their very own.”
The Very Kind Koala
By: Kimberly Kluger-Bell
“The Very Kind Koala is a charming picture book for young children which provides an introduction to surrogacy through the simple story of a koala bear and her husband who needed the help of a very kind koala to carry their baby in her pouch. Parents can begin reading this story to children as young as 3 years of age to begin the dialog about their own helpful surrogate.”
Sophia’s Broken Crayons: A Story of Surrogacy from a Young Child’s Perspective
By: Crystal A. Falk
“Sophia’s Broken Crayons is a book for young children, recommended for children ages 2 to 6 years old which tells a story of surrogacy from a young child’s perspective in a practical way that children can understand and grasp. A little girl by the name of Sophia is heartbroken after she discovers all of her crayons are broken. Sophia’s friend’s share their crayons with her as she experiences seeing her parents choose to give the gift of surrogacy to their friends. Sophia’s Broken Crayons is a very easy and understanding way to help explain surrogacy to a young child which includes questions such as why can’t everyone have a baby? Why would someone choose a surrogate to help grow their family? Why would someone choose to become a surrogate? Follow the story of Sophia as she learns about sharing and helping out friends in need as well as why moms and dads choose surrogates to help grow their families and why surrogates choose to help other families that way.”
There are many other great books, and these are just a start. Here are a couple of others that we found were great for our kids:
- Penny’s Pocket: A Tale of a Sibling Brought Home Through a Gestational Carrier By: Elizabeth K. Hebl, MD
- Why I’m So Special: A Book About Surrogacy with Two Daddies By: Carla Lewis-Long
- You Began as a Wish By: Kim Bergman, PhD
- Wanted: A Journey to Surrogacy / Un Viaje Hacia la Subrogación By: Carolina Robbiano
- Grown in Another Garden By: Crystal Falk
- The Surro Fairy By: Michelle Minucci