ABOUT when i met you

Based on the author's family's experience, this book describes a child's life before and after she was adopted from Russia.

From scenes in the orphanage to the child’s Russian birthmother, this is one of the first children’s picture books to chronicle the special background of children adopted from Russia.

Delicate watercolor illustrations perfectly complement this poetic and heartfelt text, a celebration of the joy that adopting a child brings to a family.

"A child's life doesn't begin at adoption, and neither should his adoption story. This charming, delightful narrative of a Russian adoption contrasts a child's life before and after adoption in ways that are respectful and insightful, explanatory and celebratory. From the first page ("When I first met you, you lived in Russia, a country far across the ocean. Now, you live here, close to my heart.") to the last ("You will always be Russia's child. But now, you are also mine."), When I Met You carefully balances memories of Russia with new experiences in America, celebrating both."

– Dellory Matthews, Adoptive Families Magazine

Reading your story brought tears to my eyes. No other book about adoption has captured my heart like your story.

– Lisa, mom to Jonathan, from Tomsk, Russia

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