The Chosen Baby

I have always known I was adopted. My earliest recollection would have been about 4-5 years old. The way my folks introduced the concept to me was through a book called The Chosen Baby. It was originally released in 1939 and went out of print in the 60s. The synopsis of the book says “First published in 1939 and based on the author's own life, this is the story of how a married couple and the two children they eventually adopt come together to be a true family. The gentle text reassures readers that an adoptive family can be just as loving and close as a biological family. Pen and ink illustrations accompany the text.”

It was basically the “go-to” book for parents needing to explain to their children that they were adopted. It explained that we were “special” because we were “chosen.” The storyline is actually similar to mine in that they adopted a boy first and then a girl after. I have a brother who was also adopted and he is 5 years older then me. We are not biologically related.

I just came across the book the other day and it reminded me of a good story. We had a neighbor who had adopted their (only) daughter Yvonne and they borrowed our copy of the book. Well, we never got it back. Well by the time I started looking for the book, it had already gone out of print. I was able to find a used copy of it on Amazon for $4. It is tattered on the corners and the pages are yellowing but it is a sweet reminder to me.

Hope you all are enjoying your weekend!