Jin Woo

Chris K. Soentpiet (Illustrator). Clarion Books 2001, Hardcover, 32 pages, $5.08

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Jin Woo tells an adoption story from the perspective of older brother David, also adopted.  Bunting writes with perceptive tenderness about his anxieties as his parents prepare to welcome a new baby home.  Their joyful anticipation seems to overshadow his own desires, as he deals with mixed feelings of obligation, selfishness, and insecurity at the coming of this new baby.  But his parents allay his fears by presenting him with a letter they have written for the new child to his big brother, reassuring him that he will gain a brother without losing his parents’ love.  Through their example, reassurance and gentle leadership, he begins to accept the new child.

The book is beautifully joy-filled, and the joy of this adoption is reflected on the faces of onlookers who celebrate with the parents as they welcome their new child home.  The story’s main strength is Soentpiet’s poignantly beautiful watercolors.  Himself a Korean adoptee, his paintings undoubtedly pay tribute to his own adoptive family, and the chubby baby on the opening page could well be himself.

There are many picture books about adoption that emphasize adoptive parents’ and adopted children’s perspective, and far more that deal with older children’s fears at the arrival of biological siblings, but not many that describe the experience of adoptive siblings.  This is an excellent choice for any family, but may be especially helpful for young children whose families are preparing for adoption.