Husband and wife, Mary Beth and Steven Curtis Chapman, collaborated on the adoption book, Shaoey and Dot, about the adoption of their daughter Shaohannah. The adoption story begins in China where Dot the Ladybug lands on what she thinks is a bundle of rags. Discovering the bundle is a baby girl named Shaoey, Dot, who finds herself caring for the baby, decides to stick with Shaoey throughout her adoption journey. The journey leads them to an orphanage and ultimately Shaoey's adoption to an American family.
Illustrations
The illustrations by Jim Chapman, Mary Beth's brother, are adorable and entertaining. The pictures are like a treasure hunt as you discover the cute details. The Ladybug alone will make you smile. A different style of shoe for each of Dot's six feet and a splint to keep one of her antenna up are some examples of the fun finds you and your child will spot while reading and exploring this book. The illustrations were inspired from the Chapman's own adoption so an interracial adoption is depicted. This will ring true to so many young readers.
About the Authors
Mary Beth and Steven Curtis Chapman have been married for nearly 20 years. They have five children, including two adopted daughters from China. Steven has won four Grammy awards and forty-seven Dove Awards and an American Music Award as a best selling Christian music artist. Together Mary Beth and Steven founded
Shaohannah's Hope to aid Christian families seeking to adopt.
Final Thoughts and Information
The abandonment of Shaoey is shown through the art, but "the why" isn't addressed. Some children may pick up on this detail which may bring about a conversation about their own adoption story. This may bring about a great opportunity and time for this talk.
Shaoey and Dot is a great book to read at bedtime and is short enough to be read several times! The book is written in rhythm that is not only fun to read, but to hear.
Cute pictures to print out and color, mazes to work, and dot-to-dot's can be found at the book's Web site. Also, look for a downloadable coupon.
Look for a sequel to Shaoey and Dot as their adventure continues with their new American family.
I would recommend Shaoey and Dot for 4-8 year olds.
(Published by Tommy Nelson, a Division of Thomas Nelson, Inc., 2004
ISBN 1-4003-0482-2)
From a Young Reader - Jordan age 7
"Shaoey and Dot is a nice book. I think parents should read this book. It is a good example for people and children about adoption."
