This simply written, engaging story focuses on the universal idea of looking like (or not looking like) your family. This is used to give adopted children the reassuring messages that not only are they very special to their adoptive parents, but that it is alright for them to have mixed feelings about their adoption.
Mia's eyes are dark brown and her dad's are bright blue. She has masses of curly brown hair, but her mum's is straight and blonde. Why doesn't Mia look like her parents?
It's because she is adopted. Her adoptive mum tells her that she looks different because her curly hair and dark eyes are presents from the birth parents who were unable to look after her.
Taking the form of a dialogue between a little girl and her adoptive mother, the book explores questions that might preoccupy an adopted child. Mia wants to know why she looks different to her adoptive parents; why her birth parents didn't want to keep her and whether her curly hair, dark eyes and dimple really are goodbye presents from her birth parents.
Although young children might sometimes worry about looking physically different to their family members, this charming, illustrated book will help adopted children to understand that physical difference is not a barrier to finding love and security within an adoptive family.
