Home | Adoptionreads

Discover books

that reflect your journey!

Each story is paired with a lifebook, an activity book, OR a workbook tailored just for YOU.

WELCOME!!

Every adoption journey is unique and powerful.
Whether you are an adoptive parent eager to discuss adoption with your child, you hope to build your family through adoption, or you are simply curious, my books provide fresh insights into the joys and challenges of this incredible adventure.

Each book features a story or an activity journal to encourage ongoing conversations and reflections.

Let’s explore this important journey together!

N. Iseli-Chan

About

The mind behind the books

Hello! My Name is Nathalie Iseli-Chan,

I am a former teacher, a mother and an author.

After years dedicated to teaching at the university level, my family and I made a transformative decision to leave the dynamic environment of Hong Kong for a tranquil city in Alberta, Canada.

This change has enabled me to focus entirely on nurturing my young, spirited children in a supportive environment.

My journey through adoption has not only reshaped my life but has also enriched my character in profound ways. As a passionate advocate for open and honest communication with adopted children, I emphasize the importance of using positive adoption language, helping to create an atmosphere of understanding and acceptance.

Writing has emerged as a crucial outlet for me, allowing me to express my thoughts and emotions as an ambivert.

In June 2023, I proudly released my debut book, "The Best Day Ever! A Simple Story to Explain the Adoption Story to Your Child," and I expanded its reach by adapting it into French, Italian, and Spanish. Currently, I am actively writing and illustrating an exciting collection of books that explore important adoption themes, aiming to make a lasting impact on families navigating similar journeys.

Discover the books

Let's talk about adoption - a multilingual series from 4 years old

Books for couples who adopted

Books for single parents who adopted

The Little books - a short series about adoption questions for teens and grown-ups

My Books

Anchor 1

Testimonials

Nice little book about adoption with a fresh and unique drawing style. I love how the book leaves room for personalization and encourages adopted children to find their own voice. As an adoptive parent myself, this book is being a great way to start talking about adoption with my child.

*****

Simon

First time that I see a book that has both a story and a life book. It’s awesome because you can read it over and over and add parts of your own story as the children grow. Love the feel of the book. A nice glossy cover but the paper for the life book is perfect to write on.

*****

Sarah

Press

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Anchor 2

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Engage your community and spread the word today!

Let's go!

The Lunar New Year is here and it feels like a cosmic do-over. This is a chance to revisit all those New Year's resolutions from January 1st that might have already been forgotten.
I'm using this fresh start to set smaller, realistic and achievable goals, focused on what I actually love and care about.
Check my latest blog post to find out!
www.adoptionreads.com
https://www.adoptionreads.com/post/words-matter-shaping-perspectives-on-adoption
and so is my latest book "The Little Book of (important) Words (that you should know) about Adoption: https://mybook.to/ABCadoption

New blog post is here.
When the New Year doesn't start with happy news: A reflection on grief.
https://www.adoptionreads.com/post/when-the-new-year-doesn-t-start-with-happy-news-a-reflection-on-grief

#adoption
#adopteeGrief
#ForeverFamily
#adoptionJourney

One individual's success often flourishes through the unwavering support, encouragement, and friendship of others, reminding us that our achievements are rarely solitary endeavours.

Thank you my Friends!

www.adoptionreads.com

Turning Fear into Empowerment
(from my blog: https://www.adoptionreads.com/post/turning-fear-into-empowerment )

Before we even began our adoption journey, I spoke with other adoptive parents who candidly shared the unique challenges they faced. These included issues of identity and attachment, the complexity of grief and loss, and the trauma caused by the separation from the biological mother at birth. Not to forget that every parent worries about honoring their child’s background while helping them feel safe and loved. It was going to be a journey indeed, but nothing could deter me; I was filled with hope and love. I had no doubt that I could parent a child—any child. My husband and I were confident we could do it.

However, once we attended information sessions and seminars, I started to question myself. The reading we undertook to educate ourselves only intensified my self-doubt. One book, in particular, shook me to the core: “Twenty Things Adopted Kids Wish Their Adoptive Parents Knew” by Sherrie Eldridge.

This book terrified me. I became overwhelmed with doubts and fears: Would I be able to handle our future child's development? Their emotional needs? Their questions? Their anxiety? Their anger? How would I cope with peer judgment and societal pressures? Would I be capable of facing these challenges?
I was absolutely frightened of being inadequate and terrified, ad-nauseam, of not being enough.

Yet, deep down, I knew that giving up was not an option. I had to face my fears in order to grow, build resilience and confidence, and overcome the challenges ahead. To achieve that, I needed to continue reading and educating myself, which I still do to this day.

In retrospect, I am incredibly grateful that this particular book triggered so many fears and concerns. It pushed me to confront and embrace my apprehensions, pursue further learning, and question my assumptions.
Ultimately, it has empowered me to navigate the complexities of this journey.
#AdoptionJourney
#ItTakesAVillage
#AdoptionReads

@sherrieeldridgeauthor

(A very candid post)

**Am I a Good Parent?**

Every parent grapples with this question, and as an adoptive mom, I often find myself reflecting on it.

When our children were placed with us, they were both under a year old. Thanks to the care and support from Mother's Choice HK before her placement, I felt on top of the world when our first child came home. I hadn’t just become a mother; I was HERS. There was no greater feeling than that. However, this joy was occasionally overshadowed by comments that made me question my role as her mom. Things like, “Are you her real mom? Oh really? Wow, you don’t look alike!” or “Don't you want to have your own children? You can’t know what true unconditional love is until you’ve given birth. Aren’t you scared she might want to find her biological mom and live with her later?” would led me to doubt myself. I could feel the stares and judgment, imagining the shadow of her birth mother hovering over me, silently critiquing my every choice, as if I weren’t enough simply because I hadn’t given birth to her.

I put a lot of pressure on myself, but deep down, I knew the most important thing was to be the mother our daughter needed me to be. Together with my husband, I made sure she and, later, her little sister knew their story, that they could approach us with questions, and that they felt safe confiding their worries and concerns.

I also felt a heavy responsibility to ensure that our daughters would be comfortable with their identities. Not a day goes by without me wondering if I’m doing a good job of raising them.

Then, yesterday, something shifted. My oldest daughter barged into the washroom while I was minding my own business and blurted, out of the blue, “Hey, Mommy, quick question: how tall was my biological dad?”
I realized at that moment that I was probably not doing too shabby as a parent.

https://niselichan.wixsite.com/adoptionreads/post/a-very-candid-post-am-i-a-good-parent

November is Adoption Awareness Month.
It's a time to pause and reflect, learn and educate.

#Adoption
#ExplainAdoptionToChildren
#TalkOpenlyAboutAdoption
#AdoptionIsNotATaboo
#AdoptiveParents
#AdoptionHK
#AdoptionCanada
#AdoptionUSA
#ClosedAdoption
#ItTakesAVillage
#MothersChoiceHK
#hkspc
#AdoptionPositiveLanguage
#positiveLanguageMatters
#AfHk
#AdoptiveFamilies
#AdoptiveFamiliesAreRealFamilies
#AdoptiveFamiliesHongKong
#MomsLife
#AdoptionJourney
#LoveMakesFamily
#AdoptionIsLove
#ChildrensBooksAboutAdoption
#NosyQuestionsAboutAdoption

I am thrilled to announce the release of my 9th book! This project is especially meaningful to me, as it has been in the making for nearly ten years since I became a mom through adoption.

Throughout this journey, I’ve immersed myself in readings, seminars, and discussions, but it wasn’t until recently that I felt equipped to address the questions and comments that I often faced. Friends, family, and even strangers would sometimes make intrusive or thoughtless remarks—typically without realizing their impact. These moments were jarring and often led me to question my ability to be the parent I aspired to be.

While the book features vibrant and engaging illustrations, it is not intended for children. Instead, it tells the story from a young child's perspective, tackling the most frequently asked questions and comments about adoption. Additionally, it includes a workbook designed to help adoptees, adoptive families and prospective adoptive parents reflect on their own adoption experiences and prepare thoughtful responses to challenging situations.

I am incredibly proud of this project. It has taken months to write and illustrate, followed by extensive revisions to perfect it.

Now, I am delighted to share that it is finally live!
https://mybook.to/5EGshV

Everyone always has an opinion on everything. Even more so when it comes to adoption; no matter whether you adopted, were adopted, hope to adopt or want to make an adoption plan, it is hard to prepare yourself for the (beep) people say.

#Adoption
#TalkOpenlyAboutAdoption
#AdoptionIsNotATaboo
#AdoptiveParents
#AdoptionHK
#AdoptionCanada
#AdoptionUSA
#ClosedAdoption
#ItTakesAVillage
#MothersChoiceHK
#hkspc
#AdoptionPositiveLanguage
#positiveLanguageMatters
#AfHk
#AdoptiveFamilies
#AdoptiveFamiliesAreRealFamilies
#AdoptiveFamiliesHongKong
#MomsLife
#AdoptionJourney
#LoveMakesFamily
#AdoptionIsLove
#ChildrensBooksAboutAdoption
#NosyQuestionsAboutAdoption

#Adoption
#ExplainAdoptionToChildren
#TalkOpenlyAboutAdoption
#AdoptionIsNotATaboo
#AdoptiveParents
#AdoptionHK
#AdoptionCanada
#AdoptionUSA
#ClosedAdoption
#ItTakesAVillage
#MothersChoiceHK
#hkspc
#AdoptionPositiveLanguage
#positiveLanguageMatters
#AfHk
#AdoptiveFamilies
#AdoptiveFamiliesAreRealFamilies
#AdoptiveFamiliesHongKong
#MomsLife
#AdoptionJourney
#LoveMakesFamily
#AdoptionIsLove
#ChildrensBooksAboutAdoption
#NosyQuestionsAboutAdoption

Siete Genitori adottivi,
e state ancora cercando il libro perfetto per parlare di adozione con il vostro bambino?
Non cercate oltre, eccolo qui, su Amazon!
"ED È COSÌ"

Un LIBRO UNICO per incoraggiare e normalizzare la conversazione sulla storia dell'adozione.
Una STORIA SEMPLICE che descrive in modo molto generico la scelta dei genitori da adottare, il processo e le implicazioni del fondare una famiglia attraverso l'adozione.
E UN LIFEBOOK progettato per la storia unica di suo/a bambino/a

Ed è così… (che diventammo una famiglia): Una storia semplice per spiegare l'adozione ai bambini. https://amzn.eu/d/6M5pfNs

#Adozione
#GenitoriAdottivi
#AdozioneInternazionale
#AdozioneNationale
#FamiglieAdottive
#AdozioneItalia
#ParliamoDiAdozione
#RaccontiamoLAdozione
#LibriPerBambini
#LibriSulAdozione
#RaccontiAdottivi
#StorieAdottive
#LibriAdozione
#LibriAdottivi

Discover the unique combination of a STORY BOOK AND AN ADOPTION JOURNAL:
(For single parents / non-gendered)
One Awesome Day at a time
https://mybook.to/OneAwesomeDayATaTime

(For couples /non-gendered)
The best day ever
https://mybook.to/TheBestDayEver

A children's book series about adoption that is as unique as your own adoption journey!!!
Get it,
read it,
gift it,
or simply share to promote it.
And follow my author's page to be kept up to date with all the wonderful upcoming projects!

One Awesome Day at a time
https://mybook.to/OneAwesomeDayATaTime

SINGLE PARENTS THROUGH ADOPTION!!
YOU now have the perfect book to talk about adoption with YOUR little ones!
In English or in French, or in both!
One Awesome Day at a Time
And
Que l'Aventure Commence
Are now available on Amazon!

You are an Adoptive Single Parent? Get it!
You know an Adoptive Single Parent? Gift it!
You are neither but want to show your support? Share the good news!

One Awesome Day at a time
https://mybook.to/OneAwesomeDayATaTime

Que l'Aventure Commence!
https://mybook.to/QueLaventureCommence

And for the couples who adopted:
The best day ever
https://mybook.to/TheBestDayEver

Le Jour le plus chouette
https://mybook.to/LeJourLePlusChouette

Both with 5star reviews, are still available on Amazon!

#Adoption
#ExplainAdoptionToChildren
#TalkOpenlyAboutAdoption
#AdoptionIsNotATaboo
#adoptiveParent
#AdoptiveParents
#AdoptionHK
#AdoptionCanada
#AdoptionUSA
#ClosedAdoption
#ItTakesAVillage
#MothersChoiceHK
#hkspc
#AdoptionPositiveLanguage
#positiveLanguageMatters
#AfHk
#AdoptiveFamilies
#AdoptiveFamiliesAreRealFamilies
#AdoptiveFamiliesHongKong
#MomsLife
#AdoptionJourney
#LoveMakesFamily
#AdoptionIsLove

November is Adoption Awareness Month, as we celebrate adoption and the building of our beautiful families, let's not forget how it all started.
This is especially painful in the case of international and closed adoption

#Adoption
#ExplainAdoptionToChildren
#TalkOpenlyAboutAdoption
#AdoptionIsNotATaboo
#adoptiveParent
#AdoptiveParents
#AdoptionHK
#AdoptionCanada
#AdoptionUSA
#ClosedAdoption
#ItTakesAVillage
#MothersChoiceHK
#hkspc
#AdoptionPositiveLanguage
#positiveLanguageMatters
#AfHk
#AdoptiveFamilies
#AdoptiveFamiliesAreRealFamilies
#AdoptiveFamiliesHongKong
#MomsLife
#AdoptionJourney
#LoveMakesFamily
#AdoptionIsLove

Because having a conversation with your child about their adoption story should not be scary!

https://mybook.to/thebestdayever
https://mybook.to/LeJourLePlusChouette

#Adoption
#ExplainAdoptionToChildren
#TalkOpenlyAboutAdoption
#AdoptionIsNotATaboo
#adoptiveParent
#AdoptiveParents
#AdoptionHK
#AdoptionCanada
#AdoptionUSA
#ClosedAdoption
#ItTakesAVillage
#MothersChoiceHK
#hkspc
#AdoptionPositiveLanguage
#positiveLanguageMatters
#AfHk
#AdoptiveFamilies
#AdoptiveFamiliesAreRealFamilies
#AdoptiveFamiliesHongKong
#MomsLife
#AdoptionJourney
#LoveMakesFamily
#AdoptionIsLove

Le Jour Le Plus Chouette !" est maintenant disponible!
Une histoire simple, facilement adaptable, pour expliquer l'adoption à son enfant, suivie d'un journal d'adoption, pour l'histoire unique de votre enfant.
https://mybook.to/LeJourLePlusChouette

The French adaptation of The Best Day Ever! Is now live on Amazon!
A simple generic story to be used as a springboard to talk about the adoption journey with your child. The last section is a lifebook for your child's very own birth story, placement, and adoption!

Get it, gift it, or keep it!

#Adoption
#ExplainAdoptionToChildren
#TalkOpenlyAboutAdoption
#AdoptionIsNotATaboo
#adoptiveParent
#AdoptiveParents
#AdoptionHK
#AdoptionCanada
#AdoptionUSA
#ClosedAdoption
#ItTakesAVillage
#MothersChoiceHK
#hkspc
#AdoptionPositiveLanguage
#positiveLanguageMatters
#AfHk
#AdoptiveFamilies
#AdoptiveFamiliesAreRealFamilies
#AdoptiveFamiliesHongKong
#MomsLife
#AdoptionJourney
#LoveMakesFamily
#AdoptionIsLove

The French adaptation of The_Best_Day_Ever! will be live on amazon soon!

Still looking for a children's book to explain adoption?
Trying to get started with your kiddo's lifebook but you feel overwhelmed?
Look no further! "The Best Day Ever!" has got your back!
1- the story that can be used as a spring board to start the conversation about adoption with you child,
2- it can also be easily adapted to your very own adoption journey
3- the last section of the book has been designed as a lifebook for your child's very own birth and adoption story
4- it's got 5star reviews on Amazon

Like and share, this star has to shine bright!

#Adoption
#ExplainAdoptionToChildren
#TalkOpenlyAboutAdoption
#AdoptionIsNotATaboo
#adoptiveParent
#AdoptiveParents
#AdoptionHK
#AdoptionCanada
#AdoptionUSA
#ClosedAdoption
#ItTakesAVillage
#MothersChoiceHK
#hkspc
#AdoptionPositiveLanguage
#positiveLanguageMatters
#AfHk
#AdoptiveFamilies
#AdoptiveFamiliesAreRealFamilies
#AdoptiveFamiliesHongKong
#MomsLife
#AdoptionJourney
#LoveMakesFamily
#AdoptionIsLove

Don't wait to have "The Talk" with your child. Start the conversation about adoption right now!!
My book "THE BEST DAY EVER!" is out in the wild!
Get it,
Read it,
Or gift it!
Here it is: https://mybook.to/thebestdayever

# childrensBookAboutAdoption
#TalkAboutAdoption
#TalkAboutAdoptionWithYourChild
#TheBestDayEverAdoptionBook
#ExplainAdoptionToYourChild

Them: "When will you have "the Talk" with your child to tell them they were adopted?

Me: NEVER! I have never had the Talk with my child(ren), nor will I ever have. What we had from day one, has been a very open and normalized discussion using simple words and age-appropriate facts. Nothing is secret or taboo, questions are welcomed and
thinking and investigation are encouraged.

This query is precisely what has motivated me to write my book: a simple story about the WHYs and the HOWs of 2 parents' adoption journey. Written a generic way to allow Parents to easily add their own anecdotes, it aims at starting the conversation about your family and encourages open discussion.
Is it easily adaptable to all adoption stories as there is no mention of gender, age, ethnicity, religion nor birth story. The latter has been purposely left out as every child's birth story is unique, and thus deserves a chapter on its own.
The last section of the book is dedicated to your child's own singular story where information and pictures can be added as they grow

The Best Day Ever will soon be available on Amazon! Stay tuned!!
#TheBestDayEver
#ChildrensBookAboutAdoption
#NeverTooYoungToKnow
#Adoption
#adoptiveParent
#AdoptiveParents
#AdoptionHK
#AdoptionCanada
#AdoptionUSA
#ClosedAdoption
#ItTakesAVillage
#MothersChoiceHK
#hkspc
#AdoptionPositiveLanguage
#positiveLanguageMatters
#AfHk
#AdoptiveFamilies
#AdoptiveFamiliesAreRealFamilies
#AdoptiveFamiliesHongKong
#MomsLife
#AdoptionJourney
#LoveMakesFamily
#AdoptionIsLove

The first step of a big project.
My first children's book about adoption is ready and will soon be available on Amazon!
Stay tuned for more info!
#Adoption
#adoptiveParent
#AdoptiveParents
#AdoptionHK
#AdoptionCanada
#AdoptionUSA
#ClosedAdoption
#ItTakesAVillage
#MothersChoiceHK
#hkspc
#AdoptionPositiveLanguage
#positiveLanguageMatters
#AfHk
#AdoptiveFamilies
#AdoptiveFamiliesAreRealFamilies
#AdoptiveFamiliesHongKong
#MomsLife
#AdoptionJourney
#LoveMakesFamily
#AdoptionIsLove

Sadly heard too many times:
"Adoption is the easy way to motherhood"
#Adoption
#adoptiveParent
#AdoptiveParents
#AdoptionHK
#AdoptionCanada
#AdoptionUSA
#ClosedAdoption
#ItTakesAVillage
#MothersChoiceHK
#hkspc
#AdoptionPositiveLanguage
#positiveLanguageMatters
#AfHk
#AdoptiveFamilies
#AdoptiveFamiliesAreRealFamilies
#AdoptiveFamiliesHongKong
#MomsLife
#AdoptionJourney
#LoveMakesFamily
#AdoptionIsLove

How many times have I heard this question, usually paired with "Are you their real mom?"
I used to mutter a quick annoyed answer. Now, I never miss an opportunity to correct and introduce a better way to express this nosey question.
However, at the end of the day, it's nobody else's business!
#Adoption
#AdoptionHK
#ClosedAdoption
#ItTakesAVillage
#MothersChoiceHK
#hkspc
#AdoptionPositiveLanguage
#positiveLanguageMatters
#AfHk
#AdoptiveFamilies
#AdoptiveFamiliesAreRealFamilies
#AdoptiveFamiliesHongKong

It seems it was just yesterday that we were waiting nervously for Her in that tiny room, and several years later, BAM here we are, rocking parenthood!
#Adoption
#AdoptionHK
#ClosedAdoption
#ItTakesAVillage
#MothersChoiceHK
#hkspc

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