Adoption Book Review: "I Bet She Called Me Sugar Plum"

It’s Day 3 of Book Review Week here at Exploring Adoption. Each day, I’m reviewing a recently-published adoption book, beginning with books for toddlers and working my way up to books for adults.

I’m giving away a copy of today’s featured book, I Bet She Called Me Sugar Plum. To enter the drawing, simply post a comment telling why you would like to receive the book.

I Bet She Called Me Sugar Plum (Franklin Street Gallery Productions, 2004)
By Joanne V. Gabbin
Illustrated by Margot Bergman

An inquisitive little girl (somewhere between the ages of 4 and 6) has a tea party with her mom and asks, “Mama, please tell me about Grandma.”

Mama gladly shares stories of the child’s grandma, who had a little garden around her door, who took time to share a cup of tea with her daughter, who gave selflessly to others, and who called her daughter lovely names: Dumpling, Sugar Lump, and Sweet Potato Pie.

Throughout this richly-illustrated picture book which features an African American family, mother and daughter lovingly share memories and stories, including the story of the day they first met their daughter.

The book’s title, I Bet She Called Me Sugar Plum, is explained when the little girl wonders what her first/birth mother called her.

Illustrated with detailed, slightly abstract photos of collages textured from burlap, beads, lace, and satin, this book has a warm, loving feel. Using poetic dialog, Gabbin gently approaches questions about pregnancy, adoption, self-awareness, and self-esteem.

Don’t forget to post a comment to be entered in the drawing to win this book. The winner will be announced May 1, 2007.

This book is available for purchase from Laura’s Exploring Adoption bookstore.

For more news and information about adoption, visit www.laurachristianson.com

Other Reviews in this Series:
Welcome Home, Forever Child

…And Baby Makes a Family

Comments

[Jessea Gabbin]

Thank you for this wonderful review of a book that is very special to me.

[Candi Lincoln]

My 6 year old son has been playing this exploring growing game for about 3 years. It is both beautiful and scary to me. His birth mother/family wants nothing to do with him and his need to create these stories are so strong. God give me courage to guide him. I am also an artist and would love to see the illustrations.