Nancy Carlson, the author, has written and illustrated many beloved books for young readers. Audiences looking for a loud-and-clear message that love, not looks, defines a family should find that this book delivers. This book tells the story of a young Asian girl's adoption and describes the joys of having a loving family. While she sees that her friend Jeffrey has his mom's red hair and his dad's big ears, she matter-of-factly notes, "Families are formed in different ways, so they don't always look alike." Later, the child talks about how she resembles her parents: "I'm a good cook like my dad, and a wonderful dancer like my mom." Like many adopted kids, she wonders about her birth parents, and is very sure that "they wanted me to have a family to love." Decorated with upbeat, brightly colored pictures portraying a supportive, loving family, this cozy picture book will have great appeal for many youngsters, though adoptees, and kids from blended families, single-parent homes, or any nontraditional family, will feel a special connection. Some families look alike, and some don't. Some families are formed by birth, and some families are formed by adoption. But being part of a family isn't about who you look like or even where you were born—it's about the special love that binds you together forever. This delightful story book is easy to understand and entertaining to read. Young children will love the bright, colorful illustrations and parents will enjoy the straight forward message of love. Reading level: Ages 4-8 Paperback - 32 pages