A Mother for Choco by Keiko Kasza, Keiko Kasza (Illustrator), Keiko Kasza (Illustrator)

From the Publisher

Choco wishes he had a mother, but who could she be? He sets off to find her, asking all kinds of animals, but he doesn't meet anyone who looks just like him. He doesn't even think of asking Mrs. Bear if she's his mother-but then she starts to do just the things a mommy might do. And when she brings him home, he meets her other children-a piglet, a hippo, and an alligator-and learns that families can come in all shapes and sizes and still fit together.

Keiko Kasza's twist on the "Are you my mother?" theme has become one of the most highly recommended stories about adoption for children.

Susie Wilde - Children's Literature

Adoptive mothers will welcome Kasza's book. Choco, a small yellow chick, is in search of a mother. He tries to match himself to animal moms by appearance and is greeted with everything from apologies to grouchy rebuffs. Despondent, he comes across Mrs. Bear who looks not at all like him, but possesses the nurturing quality that every child searches for. She welcomes Choco into her family of children who are dissimilar in look, but share a bond of being loved by this caring mama. Now available in board book form. 2003 (orig. 1992), Putnam, Ages 3 to 6.

Children's Literature

Adoptive mothers will welcome Kasza's book. Choco, a small yellow chick, is in search of a mother. He tries to match himself to animal moms by appearance and is greeted with everything from apologies to grouchy rebuffs. Despondent, he comes across Mrs. Bear who looks not at all like him, but possesses the nurturing quality that every child searches for. She welcomes Choco into her family of children who are dissimilar in look, but share a bond of being loved by this caring mama.

School Library Journal

PreS-K --Fans of Kasza's previous picture books will welcome this latest effort. Cheerful, energetic illustrations decorate the simple but charming taleof a youngster's search for a loving parent. A chubby-faced yellow bird with blue-striped feet, Choco believes that physical similarity is a prerequisite for family relationships. He asks a series of animals who bear even the slightest resemblance to him if they might be his mother, but all turn him away. Discouraged by their rejection, Choco is pleasantly surprised when Mrs. Bear takes an interest in him, plays with and cuddles him, and ultimately offers him a home. The presence of other ``adoptees'' is made obvious as a young alligator, hippopotamus, and pig welcome Choco into his new family. The endearing watercolor paintings are bold and bright enough to appeal to the very youngest listeners, and there is a wealth of character and personality evident in the animals' expressions. These pictures, along with the minimal, repetitive text, make this an excellent choice for storytime use. The emphasis on caring and sharing despite superficial differences will surely find a wide audience. A multicultural message may also be read into this satisfying story with appealing illustrations and a very happy ending. --Lisa Dennis, The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh

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