We know that Intended Parents often struggle with the idea of explaining egg donation to their children as they grow up. Egg donation, surrogacy and other family structures are finally being written about and becoming more common. We hope that these books we’ve highlighted can help with conversations about your child’s own family. Our own Donor Coordinator, Delcie Adams, has researched and read some of the most popular books on this topic. These books could make thoughtful Christmas gifts or personal purchases for your own growing famil
The Twin Kangaroo Treasure Hunt: A Gay Parenting Story by Carmen Martinez Jover
This children’s story is ideal for gay parenting. The story is about two kangaroos, Jack and Sam, a gay couple, who have their own twins by means of an egg donor and surrogacy. Using kangaroos in the story enables children to easily understand the complicated methods related to their conception in a simple and loving way.
Building My Family by Carrie Eichenberg
Written by a reproductive psychologist, this book is for children conceived through egg donation and surrogacy. The book serves as a tool to help parents talk about the special way their child came into their lives. With pride and honesty, a young boy explains in child friendly terms how his parents used assisted reproductive techniques to build his family. The goal of the book is to get parents talking openly and honestly to their children about their unique conception story. Based on the theme that relationships are more important families than genetic connection, this book opens the door for parents to have their own forthright discussions with their children.
The Pea That Was Me: An Egg Donation Story by Kimberly Kluger-Bell
This book by psychotherapist and reproductive specialist Kim Kluger-Bell makes it incredibly easy to start talking with your child about the special way they came into the world. Parents worldwide use The Pea That Was Me as a way to begin the on-going conversation about donors by reading and re-reading this book’s extremely positive message about how much they were wanted by their parents and how lucky they were to find such a wonderful “helper”. Kluger-Bell uses age appropriate language and clear but simple concepts that refers to the basic facts: it takes an egg, a sperm and a “tummy” to make a baby, Mommy’s eggs weren’t working quite right, and that’s why Mommy and Daddy needed the help of “a very nice lady who had lots of extra eggs and was happy to help.”
The Pea That Was Me: A Two Dads’ Egg Donation and Surrogacy Story by Kimberly Kluger-Bell
The partner to Kluger-Bell’s other acclaimed children’s book, this version is geared specially towards gay parents. Reading this book to your child is a wonderful way to introduce them to the idea that a doctor, a very nice egg donor, and a very kind surrogate helped to bring them into their loving family. Emphasis is on how much these children are wanted and cherished, and how many other people were happy to help!
For Mommy So Loved You by Leigh James
For Mommy So Loved You is a heartfelt story about a single woman creating her family through intrauterine insemination with an anonymous donor. This book illustrates the process in a delightful way that both children and adults will enjoy. For Mommy So Loved You will help familiarize your child with their conception story and they will love to hear how they came to be.
You Were Made For Me by Sheri Sturniolo
Follow a couple as they experience the hopes, dreams and disappointments of creating a family and how the generosity and love of others can grow into the most wonderful gift. You Were Made For Me is a children’s book that takes a look into the unique and wonderful ways some families are made, and the journey of love that brings them together. Using symbolism and sweet rhyming lyrics, You Were Made For Me introduces the complicated topic of being born from sperm, egg or embryo donation to a young child. By giving children the “pieces of the puzzle”, this book sparks their imagination and stimulates them to ask questions. This book is a great way to help families begin this journey with their child.
Happy Together: A Egg Donation Story by Julie Marie
Happy Together is a heartwarming book to help introduce the concept of egg donation to a young child. A story told through clear language and cheerful illustrations, readers will join Mommy and Daddy Bear on the journey to fulfill their greatest wish of becoming parents. With help from a doctor, an egg from a special lady called a donor and Daddy’s seed, a baby grew in Mommy’s tummy and was welcomed with great joy. Happy Together will comfort children with the assurance of being very much wanted and loved!