Gus Becomes a Big Brother: An Adoption Story

by Heather S Lonczak, Claudia Varjotie (Illustrator)

Overview

‘Gus Becomes a Big Brother’ is a heartwarming adoption story, with special emphasis on how an older sibling, Gus, deals with the anticipation, preparation, and experience of becoming a big brother. As the Barker family embarks on their adoption journey, Gus navigates his way through many difficult emotions; such as anxiety, frustration and jealousy. But with the support and guidance of his parents; Gus ultimately develops patience, empathy, compassion, and a ton of brotherly love. Authored by an adoptive mother and psychologist, this book contains many valuable insights for parents involved in domestic or international adoption. It is also applicable to diverse families, such as the Barkers— who successfully worked together to overcome challenges, while celebrating each other’s differences. Overall, the story reveals a deeply connected adoptive family that is bound by love, acceptance and understanding.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781734468762
Publisher:	Heather S Lonczak
Publication date:	11/01/2019
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	40
File size:	22 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.
Age Range:	3 Months to 8 Years

About the Author

Heather S. Lonczak, PhD, is a psychologist, researcher and writer with expertise in youth resilience and socioemotional development. She has published numerous scholarly articles and is an award-winning children's book author. Dr. Lonczak is a lover of animals and a loyal supporter of wildlife conservation. She lives in Seattle with her beloved family and pets.

Editorial Reviews

"Sensitive, thorough, loving guidance that helps smooth the adoption process for siblings-to-be." - Kirkus Reviews

"Heather S. Lonczak's picture book Gus Becomes a Big Brother clarifies the adoption process through an endearing canine family...Bighearted and eventful, Gus Becomes a Big Brother is a picture book designed to inspire discussions about a growing family's love for each other." - Foreword Review

"...this is a thoughtful and compelling read. Gus Becomes a Big Brother reminds both children and grown-ups that while adoption can be challenging, rewards await those who approach the situation with patience and love." - BlueInk Review

From the Publisher

2020-07-17
When a canine family gets ready to adopt, a young dog learns about being a big brother in this picture book.

Although the Barker family—Buford, Winnie, and 3-year-old Gus—is a happy one, something is missing. Gus would love a puppy to cavort with, and his parents would like an addition to the family. So when Mr. and Mrs. Barker tell Gus they’re adopting, he exults: “I’m going to be a big brother!” As his parents go through the process, they tell Gus what to expect. After his new brother, Pacco, arrives, Gus has more changes to navigate, such as sharing toys and attention. But he loves playing with Pacco. When others think that Pacco is a friend, Gus replies proudly: “Nope, I’m his big brother!” Lonczak, in her latest children’s book focused on teaching resilience, does an admirable job of helping prepare kids for a family adoption. Adults, too, can benefit from how the work thinks through possible problems and offers effective solutions; for example, while Gus will give some of his toys to Pacco, he can keep his favorite ones. Warmth and affection underlie the story, as when Gus is reassured that “your parents have oodles of love for you. And when we add a new pup to a family…the love just grows even bigger.” Varjotie creates a friendly, relaxed atmosphere with her soft colors, rounded edges, and animals that combine realistic and anthropomorphic features.

Sensitive, thorough, loving guidance that helps smooth the adoption process for siblings-to-be.

Kirkus Reviews