Reviews & News
Reviews
I have to say, this is one of the most brightly colorful books I’ve read in a while, and it certainly addresses a topic that helps kids and families when it comes to learning about adoption, kinship, and teaching kids their personal backstory when it comes to the world, itself. By utilizing friendly butterflies, smiling grasshoppers, ladybugs, earthworms and more, children can explore their adoption/kinship journey with their families; while adopted parents and caregivers can answer the questions kids have about their own distinctive paths, and make them feel comfortable.
Extra fun for the kids is the fact that the book is divided into activity pages, as well. After each chapter, the butterfly offers up word searches and drawing pages your child(ren) can utilize to better understand their beginnings, as well as create drawings of their families and the activities they love to do with them. And there’s no specific “way” to read the book; each chapter allows you to focus on a particular subject.
The author discusses why this book was created and for whom. Basically, however, it is for everyone. From parents, caregivers, and other adults who are involved in the adoption process, they are better able to have an open, pleasant discussion. Birth parents who wish to give their kids information on adoption and kinship—those who wish to talk about the ‘family tree’—will also find this a great way to teach their child(ren) who all the family members were and their particular stories. In addition, professionals who are preparing for kids to be placed and are in the adoption system will find that this is a great way to help get them ready for their new home.
The author and illustrator team came together to create these colorful, knowledgeable pages and did a great job; they utilized everything from the story of an egg to a waiting leaf that stands for a foster family. They teach about your gifts and your traditions, from the old family to the new, and then help you answer questions asked with the help of your favorite bug buddies from the natural world. I find this a fantastic way to bring about comfort in both adults and children so that no one has to feel overwhelmed, and they get to be entertained at the same time. This book helps to manage feelings and even encourages families to reach out to their own communities.
“What is Your Story?” certainly does show that each of us, unlike the millions of stars in the sky, are unique, and why we’re each a special “star” in our own family group. A great message that’s presented well!
Amy Lignor
Reader Views (01/2022)
Extra fun for the kids is the fact that the book is divided into activity pages, as well. After each chapter, the butterfly offers up word searches and drawing pages your child(ren) can utilize to better understand their beginnings, as well as create drawings of their families and the activities they love to do with them. And there’s no specific “way” to read the book; each chapter allows you to focus on a particular subject.
The author discusses why this book was created and for whom. Basically, however, it is for everyone. From parents, caregivers, and other adults who are involved in the adoption process, they are better able to have an open, pleasant discussion. Birth parents who wish to give their kids information on adoption and kinship—those who wish to talk about the ‘family tree’—will also find this a great way to teach their child(ren) who all the family members were and their particular stories. In addition, professionals who are preparing for kids to be placed and are in the adoption system will find that this is a great way to help get them ready for their new home.
The author and illustrator team came together to create these colorful, knowledgeable pages and did a great job; they utilized everything from the story of an egg to a waiting leaf that stands for a foster family. They teach about your gifts and your traditions, from the old family to the new, and then help you answer questions asked with the help of your favorite bug buddies from the natural world. I find this a fantastic way to bring about comfort in both adults and children so that no one has to feel overwhelmed, and they get to be entertained at the same time. This book helps to manage feelings and even encourages families to reach out to their own communities.
“What is Your Story?” certainly does show that each of us, unlike the millions of stars in the sky, are unique, and why we’re each a special “star” in our own family group. A great message that’s presented well!
Amy Lignor
Reader Views (01/2022)
What Is Your Story? by Lynn Deiulis is an educational book that uses the lives and activities of caterpillars and butterflies to explain parenthood, adoption, and other ways families are often created. Families can be connected by more than just blood, and there are so many ways in which kinship with others can be found. In this book, Lynn Deiulis draws from her own life experiences to talk about adoption in a way that better relates to and is understandable by children through the use of word searches, drawing activities, and illustrations about the topic. A book that is both informative and fun to look at, What Is Your Story? is sure to answer questions that many children might sometimes have about family.
Overall, What Is Your Story? was an insightful read that approached the topic of adoption in an elegant and heartwarming way through adorable illustrations and interactive text. Although there were a few parts that were confusing to me because of how they were related to butterflies and leaves, I appreciated this book and think that it can be helpful to many children. An adult should be present to help them understand anything they may have questions about. However, Lynn Deiulis did a wonderful job with this book and in explaining this idea that can often be confusing or even traumatic. What Is Your Story? reaches children where they are at in their young stages of life, and I would recommend checking it out!
Rylanne Burdette
Readers' Favorite
Overall, What Is Your Story? was an insightful read that approached the topic of adoption in an elegant and heartwarming way through adorable illustrations and interactive text. Although there were a few parts that were confusing to me because of how they were related to butterflies and leaves, I appreciated this book and think that it can be helpful to many children. An adult should be present to help them understand anything they may have questions about. However, Lynn Deiulis did a wonderful job with this book and in explaining this idea that can often be confusing or even traumatic. What Is Your Story? reaches children where they are at in their young stages of life, and I would recommend checking it out!
Rylanne Burdette
Readers' Favorite
It is HARD to find a book about adoption for children, that doesn't speak solely about the joys of adoption, and gives ownership of the child's story, to the child themselves. Written and illustrated by reunited birth siblings, separated by adoption, this book focuses on the child's ownership and understanding of his or her own story, whether it's one of adoption, or kinship care. In this book, a butterfly egg is used as an example to illustrate conception, placement options, reasons for placement, and lessons taught by birth and adoptive/foster families. In chapters 5 and 6, children's questions and empowerment are emphasized. This book is for families raising children through adoption, so that the topic of conception, placement, and adoption can be discussed with nuance, and the child's own story can shine through.
Alisa Matheson
Power of Story, Executive Director
https://powerofstory.us/
Alisa Matheson
Power of Story, Executive Director
https://powerofstory.us/
News
Read about our news in the community!
March 29th, 2023
Sharing with the Timmins Community
A huge thank you to Claudette for making it easier for families on an adoptive and kinship journey to pick up a copy of my book (special author price). See what we “cook up” next!
Visit Aline’s Tea Shop soon to enjoy homestyle cooking and a friendly smile!
Visit Aline’s Tea Shop soon to enjoy homestyle cooking and a friendly smile!
March 6th, 2022
I was honoured to be asked to contribute a Guest Blog to the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption's website.
Read it here.
Read it here.
March 3rd, 2022
3rd Time Friesen Press Bestseller
Third time is the charm! Friesen Press bestseller list again! Thank you for supporting this resource for families!
March 1st, 2022
2nd Time Friesen Press Bestseller
Wow!! Friesen Press bestseller list for the second time! Thank you for supporting this resource for families!
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November 9th, 2021
Timmins woman writes book to help children and families discuss adoption
For years, Lynn Deiulis has wanted to write a book for children and families about how to talk about adoption.
The idea for her self-published guide, 'What is your Story?' is based on personal and professional experience.
“When kids are not born into the family that they’re raised in, they have questions," said Deiulis.
The idea for her self-published guide, 'What is your Story?' is based on personal and professional experience.
“When kids are not born into the family that they’re raised in, they have questions," said Deiulis.
November 8th, 2021
Timmins woman writes book to help children and families discuss adoption
Lynn Deiulis knows firsthand about the difficult conversations and awkwardness that can arise from the topic of adoption within a household.
To read the full story, visit: www.timminspress.com/news/local-news/timmins-author-offers-literary-resource-for-families-to-discuss-adoption
To read the full story, visit: www.timminspress.com/news/local-news/timmins-author-offers-literary-resource-for-families-to-discuss-adoption
