Blanket Bears, The

An accessible, warm-hearted story, written by an adoptive parent, centred around two young bears who find themselves out in the cold, alone, and begin their journey to being adopted into a forever family. The story acknowledges the mix of emotions children being adopted can feel - the fear and worry, as well as the joy of experiencing love and kindness from their new carers. With appealing animal characters and beautiful illustrations, The Blanket Bears offers an honest yet gentle account of the complete adoption journey for children starting or trying to understand the process. It's also a great introduction to young children more widely about how the process of adoption works and how some families come to be together. In order the strike the right balance of accuracy and sensitivity for young readers, the author consulted and collaborated with professionals and psycholigists as well as drawing on the lived experiences of his children. Many children's books about adoption focus purely on adapting into the new family but this has a more holistic and realistic focus, all from a child's perspective. This book is perfect for primary schools in early years and key stage 1 to help children empathise with their adopted peers. Social workers, foster carers and adoptive families with younger children often use The Blanket Bears as a soft and sensitive warm up to life story work as it helps adopted children feel less alone and process their own adoption story through their shared experiences with the bears in the story. Endorsed by Adoption UK, recommended by clinical psychologists. Review: "In order to heal and thrive, every adopted child needs a coherent 'story' of this journey, starting as soon as possible in an age-appropriate way. The Blanket Bears doesn't minimise the adverse experiences from which children have been removed for their safety, but provides a gentle yet honest account of the adoption journey, upon which further conversations between adopters and their young children can be built." - Clinical Psychologist Dr Meryl Forse, a specialist working with adopted children and families ; "Adopted children need to make sense of the past, to recognise its legacy, and to form their own identity. All of us who want a safe way to help young children come to terms with being adopted will enjoy sharing this book with our 'little bears'." Sue Armstrong Brown, Chief Executive of Adoption UK ; "What a wonderful book! It doesn't shy away from difficult or adverse topics but presents them in a gentle and empathetic way" - @thelittleliterarysociety on Instagram ; "It is a wonderful exploration of the world of adoption and introduces life, story and work in a subtle, yet poignant manner" - @kerlindamian on Instagram ; "There is no use of the term "mum and dad", just simply "parents", making the book inclusive and reflective of all families" - @samesexparents on Instagram 'A gentle and heartfelt story, by an author whose own experience is self-evident.' BookTrust Author Biography: Samuel Langley-Swain is an adoptive dad, author and the founder of Owlet Press, publishing picture books by authors and illustrators who, like Samuel, want to create positive change for children through stories they can relate to, packaging big issues for small readers into picture books they can digest and discuss with friends, families and schools, preparing them for adult life. Adoption is a personal subject close to Samuel's heart.