Miles Comes Home (A Picture Book Adoption Story for Kids)

Miles Comes Home gives us much-needed representation by showing us an older child adopted from foster care by a same-sex couple. Brannen’s spare text and lively dialogue gently show us how Miles gradually comes to feel a part of his new family, for example, when he asks Michelle to paint him into a picture she is drawing. Her words work beautifully in tandem with Forrest Burdett’s expressive illustrations to create a highly recommended title that should find a welcome place in many homes and libraries. * Mombian *There are scores of books about the parents and home where a new baby is about to arrive, via the adoption process. Brannen flips that and writes a story from the heart about Miles, a Black boy, who joins a daunting but loving household of one Black thin dad; one blond, bearded, blocky dad; and a very light-skinned sister with brown hair. He awkwardly embraces all the new experiences; ice-skating doesn’t go so well, waffles with maple syrup goes better, he loves musicals and is hopeful about ballet. Plus, there are more new things to try every day … Miles does not acclimate immediately, but his new family radiates love and warmth, and readers will be quickly drawn in to the arc of quiet domesticity. In cheerful and expressive illustrations, readers see that it’s okay for men to cry, being bad at ice-skating is still a whole lot of fun, and an attentive sister finds a unique way to welcome Miles. VERDICT: A tender look at adoption from a shy and sensitive boy’s perspective, this book is a necessary addition to the shelves. * School Library Journal *Author and LGBTQ+ rights advocate Brannen has crafted a heartwarming love letter to fosterparenthood and adoption here, as Miles both nervously and excitedly prepares to go home withhis new dads, David and Teddy (aka Papa and Daddy). Enhanced by Burdett’s warm, invitingillustrations, this story explores how a welcoming adoption experience can have a positive impacton a child. Though Miles is met with only love and support from them and from his new oldersister, Michelle, he still feels a little sad about all the changes. Teddy and David project warmthand kindness, but they are also patient, understanding that Miles needs time to adapt to his newcircumstances. This is a joyous depiction of the good that adoptive and foster families can bringinto the world, shared through the lens of a child who might have many conflicting emotionsabout a big, unforgettable moment that will change his life. * Booklist *

Sarah S. Brannen (Author)

Sarah S. Brannen is the illustrator of the Robert F. Sibert Honor book Summertime Sleepers, and the author of Uncle Bobby’s Wedding, named one of the 100 best children’s books of the last 100 years by Booktrust in the UK, and Miles Comes Home. Sarah has written and illustrated A Perfect Day, Bear Needs Help, Madame Martine, and Madame Martine Breaks the Rules. She illustrated Seashells: More Than a Home and the ALA Notable Book Feathers: Not Just For Flying, which won the Riverby Award and the Crystal Kite Award. Sarah also illustrated the 40th Anniversary edition of All Kinds of Families by Norma Simon, as well as many other children’s books. Sarah is an avid figure skater and lives in Massachusetts.

Forrest Burdett (Illustrator)

Forrest Burdett is an illustrator with an eye for magic and a head in the clouds. He studied illustration at university in Manhattan and has recently made his way into publishing. He uses art to inspire readers to discover charm and whimsy within themselves and the world around them. He now resides in Portland, Oregon.