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Mermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace (Mermaid Science) by Lois Wickstrom by Gabrielle Lee

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Mermaid and the Ice Cube NecklaceMermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This is an easy-to-follow story about two young friends and a mermaid. It was nice to see how parts of the story involve science. While the story is easy to follow, I found it a bit choppy in parts and not flowing easily for me. I love how it explains science in an easy to learn way for kids. Mai and her friends give young readers a great science lessons with this adventure.

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The Mermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace (Mermaid Science) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Alexandria Richard

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Mermaid and the Ice Cube NecklaceMermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Everyday science experiments plus fantasy, love this series.

The next installment in the very cute Mermaid Science series. A great kids picture storybook. Includes some fantasy (imaginary friend, mermaid) plus everyday science.

I’m loving this series and the little science lessons and experiments which can occur with everyday items. I also enjoy that the characters (Maia, Fig, and Trezzie) look diverse in how they’re depicted and in their names.

Here, we get to see the effect that breath has on ice cubes, as well as external stimuli, such as warm air and cold water. A cool lesson for young ones that they can then replicate on their own (with supervision).

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Oliver, A Story of Adoption by Lois Wickstrom, Reviewed by Keri Leach

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Oliver, A Story About AdoptionOliver, A Story About Adoption by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oliver is a great children’s story about adoption. Adoption is not talked about enough today, so I think this book is a great conversation starter for our little ones to learn more about it. I also love how it touches on the adopted and their expressions and feelings, which in turn makes it a great book for any adopted child. This adorable story was written well, and the illustrations were perfect! This is a well written book for a wide range of adoption perspectives that I believe every child should read.

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The Mermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace (Mermaid Science) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

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Mermaid and the Ice Cube NecklaceMermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is such a cute book for younger kids. I read it with my 7 year old who LOVES mermaids. This book is a great way to add a little science into your kids life without them even realizing that they are learning something! The book is about a pair of friends (Maia and Fig) who are out on a picnic together. While on the picnic they blow holes into ice cubes they brought for their lemonade, so they can make a necklace for Trizzie the mermaid. One of the girls notices that the ice cubes that were in their cup were melting faster than the ice cubes they blew the holes into. “That’s Science!” was the other’s response. How cute right?! The book also adds in more information on other forms of water at the end. My daughter really liked the book. I feel adding in small bits of information like this helps kids retain it for later when they learn more about it in school. I’d personally recommend this book for kids ages 3-8.

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Reviewed by @jaimie0459

Oliver, A Story of Adoption by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

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Oliver: A Story about AdoptionOliver: A Story about Adoption by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is a great teaching book for younger kids. Being adopted has many struggles that can come up. It teaches kids that many people imagine different lives when they are in trouble and/or upset and that it is normal. Especially when you’ve been adopted and don’t know much about your birth family. The book follows an adopted lizard named Oliver. Oliver is playing and climbs a little tree that he is pretending is a pirate ship. The tree is young and because of Oliver’s weight and the tree’s flexible branches he falls overboard onto the grass and hurts his hip. As he’s in his room upset and thinking about how to play more safely he thinks about his birth parents. He imagines many different things. He thinks about a different life that he could be living if he wasn’t in his room upset. It’s a cute book and the pictures are fun. My now 7 year old enjoyed the book very much when we read it together at bedtime. It was also a great book to read and then talk about adopted families and how other kids may feel.

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Reviewed by @jaimie0459

Oliver, A Story About Adoption by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.

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Oliver: A Story about AdoptionOliver: A Story about Adoption by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oliver is a young boy who lives with his mummy, daddy and goldfish and he likes to play pirates in his street, but one day when he decides to climb the maple tree which looks like a mast, the branches aren’t strong enough to hold him, so he falls down onto his hip. When his daddy comes out to see if he is ok, he talks to Oliver about playing safely and send him up to his room to think about what has happened. While he is up there Oliver dreams about what it would be like if he was living with his birth parents, what would his life look like? Would it be exciting like a trapeze artist, or a scientist? Do other people wish for another life and what should Oliver do with all these thoughts?

This is a story which talks about a challenging subject in a fantastic way, which children of all ages can understand whether they adopted, or not.

Reviewed by @roxsannel

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The Mermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace (Mermaid Science) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Katie Matthews

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Mermaid and the Ice Cube NecklaceMermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another fun science read from this author and again its well written and would make an excellent resource for children to encourage their scientific knowledge. I could definitely see this forming a lesson at school and the children following it up by trying to make their own ice cube necklaces. The characters are really fun and engaging and as always the lovely illustrations really bring the story alive.

@katiem
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Oliver, A Story of Adoption by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Tia Martel

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Oliver, A Story About AdoptionOliver, A Story About Adoption by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When Oliver gets in trouble for climbing a tree that wasn’t ready for it, he finds himself upset and in his room thinking about what life would be like if he weren’t adopted.

Like many kids, Oliver wonders what it would be like to have a different family. Would he still be in trouble? What would his family be like? Would he have a big family or small? But just as we have all likely wondered, we’ve all come to conclude our lives would be a lot different if we weren’t where we were.

This is an adorable book about how family is what you make it and shows a great, realistic perspective of a child’s mind when they don’t get their way.

As an adoptive mother, I’m excited to share this story with my little one as he grows up and wonders about his biological family. Definitely recommend this book for families of all kinds!

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Oliver, A Story of Adoption by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Sarah King

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Oliver: A Story about AdoptionOliver: A Story about Adoption by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oliver is just another book in the list of hits by Wickstrom. This book was a cute and simply way to explain different reasons adoptions take place as well as a few of the feelings an adopted child may experience. It tells them everyone not just adopted child at different points in life have the same feelings. This book normalized adoption in a way that would make sense to a young child. I would absolutely take the opportunity to read as well as share this book.

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Oliver, A Story of Adoption by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Rachel Moss

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Oliver: A Story about AdoptionOliver: A Story about Adoption by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I thought this was a really cute read for children! Not only is it inclusive for kids that have been adopted but it also paves the way to talk about anger issues and how to handle things when they don’t go your way. I loved the illustrations and thought they were adorable and fit the story very well. I would definitely recommend this to parents who have adopted or are considering adoption.

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Oliver, A Story of Adoption by Lois Wickstrom – Review by katie stapleton

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Oliver: A Story about AdoptionOliver: A Story about Adoption by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a great story for kids to read! It normalizes struggles that people who are adopted go through and lets you know that strong feelings are normal! We need more books like this where people can see themselves and acknowledge that everyone has a different life story but we can all help to make the best of the situation we are handed. There are things both in our control and out of control that can affect the way we react and being able to see that represented in a book is very therapeutic. I would love to read more stories by this author!

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Oliver, A Story of Adoption by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Donya Pedigo

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Oliver, A Story About AdoptionOliver, A Story About Adoption by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When Oliver gets in trouble he goes to his room upset. In his room he starts thinking about what life would be like if he was still living with his biological parents instead of being adopted. He ponders what it would be like to have a different family and how much that would change his life. Would he have brothers and sisters? Would he get in trouble like he did now? Would he live with one parent or both parents? So many questions and different possibilities compared to his life now.

This is an amazing book about different kinds of families and the thoughts that go through a child’s imagination. This book would be wonderful for anyone dealing with adoption. I also think any kid who gets in trouble would also enjoy this book, because they can see that even if they get in trouble and dream they were somewhere else in some other family, that in the end their family loves them no matter what. It is a really great and powerful message!

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Oliver, A Story of Adoption by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh

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Oliver, A Story About AdoptionOliver, A Story About Adoption by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Stars
Oliver, A Story of Adoption by Lois Wickstrom

Oliver, A Story of Adoption is a children’s book about adoption and we absolutely loved reading it. This is for ages 3 to 9 but honestly I think any age would enjoy it. There’s a great message to be learned from this book. I have three niece’s and nephews that my brother and sister in law adopted and I love them just the same if not more then if they were blood related. They are now old enough to seek out their real mom if they choose. My four year old learned from this and asked lots of questions. I love Oliver and my son did to. This is a short book and I highly recommend reading this cute book and we look forward to reading more from this Author.

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Oliver, A Story of Adoption by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Cindy Mayberry

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Oliver: A Story about AdoptionOliver: A Story about Adoption by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a grand story for children of all ages. Children who are adopted as well as those not. This story shows Oliver’s train of thought when he was angry. Not at the tree he climbed, but at the parents who care for him. Sometimes books explain things better than the adults who love us. This is one of those. The author really looked at adoption from a child’s eyes. The story is well written as well as the illustrations that help tell the story. This is a must have in your library and on your child’s shelf of books. This author has many help books that open the eyes of our children. She is definitely a must have in my library. I hope it is yours too.
Review@cinful

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Oliver, A Story of Adoption by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Carlie Del Gallo

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Oliver: A Story about AdoptionOliver: A Story about Adoption by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is not the first book that I have read by this talented author, and it will not be the last one! I have found myself becoming immersed in the wonderful world of children’s books. This was a very kindhearted kid friendly story that anyone at any age can read. This is a book that I can see myself reading with my future children or even with my friend’s children now! If you are looking for your next children’s book to read look no further as this author always writes books that are relatable and lighthearted for everyone to enjoy.

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Oliver, A Story of Adoption by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jess Engel

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Oliver: A Story about AdoptionOliver: A Story about Adoption by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was an interesting take on a story of adoption. The illustrations were cute and the story was easy to read. There were elements of the story that normalized childhood imagination and the need we all have to belong. It was an easy read and I think would generally be enjoyed by children and could be relatable. I love the author trying to tackle the topic of adoption and addressing the reality how children of adoption may wonder about their biological parents.

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Oliver, A Story of Adoption by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Angela Renee Diaz

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Oliver: A Story about AdoptionOliver: A Story about Adoption by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is short and sweet. Perfect for a child. Oliver gets in trouble for playing not safely. So he gets disciplined. While he is enduring his punishment he starts contemplating about his birth parents. Then he understands he’s wanted and loved from his adopted parents.

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Oliver: A Story of Adoption Review by Tanya Wall

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Oliver, A Story About AdoptionOliver, A Story of Adoption by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This sweet story is about Oliver, who is adopted. Oliver has quite the imagination and likes to play pirate up in the maple tree. The tree he picks is not strong enough to keep him up and he falls. Oliver’s daddy tells him he needs to go to his room and think about how to play safely. Oliver is so disappointed having to go to his room, he begins to cry and feel sorry for himself. While in his room, he imagines what his life would be like if he hadn’t been adopted. Oliver goes through many scenarios and at the end, he realizes that he is lucky to live with his adoptive parents after all.

I really enjoyed the story of Oliver. It is a relatable story. I raised three boys and while they aren’t adopted, I could see them thinking that when they were in trouble that their “real” parents wouldn’t treat them that way! The illustrations are beautiful and go nicely with the story. I think this book is for any young reader or any young one being read to – whether adopted or not.

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Oliver, A Story of Adoption by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Stephanie Robb

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Oliver: A Story about AdoptionOliver: A Story about Adoption by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A lovely sweet story about Oliver who knows he is adopted. His dad sends him to his room after he falls out of a tree whilst playing. When he goes to his room he imagines what life would have been if he wasn’t adopted. This is a lovely black and white picture book and is perfect for adults and children alike.

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Oliver, A Story of Adoption by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Nina Maes

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Oliver: A Story about AdoptionOliver: A Story about Adoption by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Great kids’ book. I enjoyed reading this book to my son. I have a nephew who is adopted, so we can relate to the story line of this book. I would recommend this book to all book lovers and children. Fast read and will definitely reread this one again.

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Oliver, A Story of Adoption by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Lorralei Hoerner

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Oliver, A Story About AdoptionOliver, A Story About Adoption by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a great children’s story and I love Oliver. This story is a little journey of Oliver and what if’s about this true birth parents after he gets himself in a bit of trouble….but never mad nor sad about being adopted. The book is engaging and I loved the pictures on each page. This story is for young and old alike.

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Oliver, A Story of Adoption by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Kelli Harper

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Oliver: A Story about AdoptionOliver: A Story about Adoption by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An adopted lizard-like creature named Oliver is all up in his feelings about getting scolded by his dad. Oliver then starts wondering what his birth parents would have been like and how he would have been treated if they hadn’t given him up.

A talk with his mom helps him understand he is where he is in their lives because they chose him.
Cute story about feelings and coping with being adopted.

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Oliver, A Story of Adoption by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Julie Johnson

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Oliver: A Story about AdoptionOliver: A Story about Adoption by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oliver is a sweet lil one who has several questions. The biggest one is why he was adopted and what it might have been like to stay with his original family. He gets in trouble with his dad and has some time to reflect on his emotions. There is a lot going on at once in his little mind! Ultimately, Oliver realizes that he is loved and cared for right where he is.

This is a super cute book to read with the littles in your life (or have them read it to you!). The illustrations are good but I would have liked to have seen a little more color. This is a great way to have conversations about the different types of families, as well as how to deal with different emotions one might be feeling.

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Reviewed by: @Faithfulgirl4

Oliver, A Story of Adoption by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jenni Bishop

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Oliver, A Story About Adoption - UpdatedOliver, A Story About Adoption – Updated by Lois J. Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story shines a light on adoption and bringing one into the fold of a family. What child adopted or not wish for or think about having different parents whenever they are told off. Lois’s stories always have messages/learning tools in them. Kids between the ages of 4 – 8 will like Oliver even if they don’t understand the message.

This hit home as we have been fostering a cat and he is finding his place in the family and after his surgery today, we are adopting him.

It also made me smile because when Oliver is sulking it reminds me of my dog when sulking who turns away so he is facing the other way and will not even acknowledge us.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Oliver, A Story of Adoption by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Janel Bernotas

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Oliver: A Story about AdoptionOliver: A Story about Adoption by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oliver, A Story of Adoption by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Janel Bernotas

Another adorable story by Lois Wickstrom! On this one, Oliver is the main character and knows he is adopted. He gets in trouble and sent to his room for climbing a tree. He’s upset and angry at the fact that he’s being punished. He imagines what it’d be like to have other parents, what it’d be like if his birth parents kept him, why his birth parents gave him up for adoption. In the end, he goes back downstairs and chats with his parents about adoption. This is a cute and explanatory story that I think would be helpful in explaining adoption to young children. I love the black and white sketched illustrations too! Very well done, yet again, Lois Wickstrom!

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Oliver, A Story of Adoption by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jamie Truex

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Oliver: A Story about AdoptionOliver: A Story about Adoption by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Loved Oliver! When Oliver gets in trouble, he thinks of what his birth parents are doing and how they would treat him. As his father tells him, all kids whether adopted or not, think of life with different parents. I think this is a great book to help kids understand feelings and learn about adoption. Oliver’s character is so lovable and the illustrations will keep your child interested.

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Oliver, A Story of Adoption by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Angela Hayes

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Oliver: A Story about AdoptionOliver: A Story about Adoption by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

 

3 Stars

Oliver: A Story About Adoption by Lois Wickstrom is a story for children from ages 4 to 8. It is a sweet story about adoption, acceptance, family, love, and also a little about managing emotions.
Oliver is adopted, and after a bit of an accident he is sent to his room where he starts sulking and begins to wonder what his ‘real parents’ are like and how his life could be so different with them.
A cute story with likeable characters and interesting illustrations.
Happy Reading!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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Oliver, A Story of Adoption by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Michelle Mulvey

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Oliver: A Story about AdoptionOliver: A Story about Adoption by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I thought the book was ok. I didn’t like some of the wording but that was just my opinion. The point of the story is good though. Oliver got in trouble and sent to his room by his dad. Oliver was adopted and thinks how life would be with his birth parents. He wonders why he was adopted and thinks of different reasons. At the end he goes down stairs and all is forgotten and is happy again with his mom and dad who had adopted him.

review by @xchellex

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Oliver, A Story of Adoption by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Bobbi Wagner

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Oliver: A Story about AdoptionOliver: A Story about Adoption by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed reading this children’s story. This is a story about how you feel when you are made by your parents. A story that had Oliver question what his birth parents would be like and the things he could do. It is a great story that has engaging illustrations that will keep your children interacting with the story. I enjoyed how the story had parts that would keep the child’s attention. Oliver is a great character. He is likable and added so much to the story. This is a great book for any child. I highly recommend this book.

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Review by @bjwagner

Oliver, A Story of Adoption by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Carrie Reed

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Oliver, A Story About AdoptionOliver, A Story About Adoption by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 stars

Such a cute story. I like that it showcases that Oliver wasn’t sad about being adopted, just like any kid who gets mad at their parents, they sometimes wish or imagine what life would have been like with someone else or somewhere else. I know I did the same when I was mad at my parents. The artwork is beautiful and all around a sweet adoption story.

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