When I was little, everything I knew about adoption came from old stories about orphans who lived in orphanages or on the street and encounter rich families who eventually save them from a life of loneliness and poverty. There were few stories about the modern version of the adoption process or the fact that some children are adopted as soon as they’re born and what that process entails.
Author Tom Tracy has developed the story behind his first daughter’s adoption to create his picture book, Scoochie and Skiddles: Scoochie’s Adoption Story. Below is my review of Scoochie and Skiddles followed by an interview with Tracy about his book.
Scoochie and Skiddles plot summary
One day at the playground, a friend asks Scoochie where her parents are. Scoochie responds by pointing to her two dads who are sitting on a bench along with Skiddles’ parents. The child asks where her mom is, and Scoochie gathers the kids around to tell them about her adoption story.
Scoochie talks about how her birth mother knew that she could not take care of her and worked with an adoption agency to find her two dads to take care of her. She chronicles her birth at the hospital as well as the paperwork and other legal measures involved in the adoption process, resulting in the formation of her loving family.
The story
Scoochie and Skiddles is a nonfiction picture book. Tracy tells the true story of his older daughter’s adoption in a straightforward way that’s easily digestible for young readers. It also drives home the fact that all families look different, whether it’s the family’s size, look, or living arrangement. And the more we can normalize these different situations, the more accepting we will be of each other’s stories.
What I like about how this book is framed is that this is Scoochie’s adoption story, indicating that not all adoptions are the same. Her story is a very idealized version of the process which she shares willingly and in age-appropriate detail to her accepting friends. Her ability to tell her own story makes her friends at the playground better able to understand and accept it, and it changes nothing about how they see her or how they play together. It shows kids that it’s okay to ask questions if they notice something that is different from what they know, but you should approach the answers to those questions with an open, accepting mind.
The illustrations
The book is illustrated by Dustin James who fills each page with bright, colorful drawings with detailed settings and eye-catching characters. The first things I tend to notice about picture book illustrations are the expressions and movements of the characters. James’ characters are very expressive and eye-catching with big eyes and distinct body language and personalities. Scoochie in particular stands out with her rainbow-striped dress with exploding stars on her skirt and sleeves. She draws the reader to her like the sun in the center of a solar system in which the rest of the story elements orbit.
My recommendation
I believe that all young readers should have some nonfiction picture books in their collection. Scoochie’s Adoption Story would be a great addition to any picture bookshelf. Children don’t need to have been adopted in order to read an adoption story. They may encounter their own friends or family members who are adopted one day, and having a baseline knowledge of the process will make them more accepting of that because, through Scoochie’s story, they have learned that it’s a normal and positive situation.
It also teaches them that their lifestyle is not the only lifestyle that’s out there, and not everyone does or has to do things the same way. Teaching them to offer curiosity and acceptance over judgement and teasing is a valuable lesson that books have the power to provide. And Tom Tracy’s family’s story has become immortalized in print as a powerful tool to educate, explain, and mold the young readers who learn his daughter’s unique yet wonderful history.
My rating
An interview with Tom Tracy
What made you want to adapt your adoption story into a picture book rather than a book of essays or a memoir for adults?
It is important for children to have stories that reflect their own family. As we began to collect and read books to our daughters, we found adoption books and books about two dads, but couldn’t find any that specifically talked about adoption by two dads. So, our story became the inspiration for Scoochie’s Adoption Story. Because all my books are based on our family’s real-life experiences, this story practically wrote itself. 😉
What is your writing background?
Scoochie’s Adoption Story is my second book. My first children’s book is Scoochie & Skiddles in Fun at Gramma’s, which is also based on our daughter and her cousin’s joy and playfulness while visiting with their grandmother.
What made you decide to set the story at the playground?
The playground encounter and discussion of adoption is also based on a real-life experience. My daughter actually had a little girl approach her and inquire about her family. It was a super proud moment for me when I heard my daughter proudly tell this girl about her adoption experience.
How involved were you in creating the illustrations for the book?
I work with a wonderful illustrator and love the way he helps tell my stories through illustration. I am deeply involved in the process. I describe to him exactly what I want pictured in each scene, including clothes choices and facial expressions of the characters.
Since my stories are based on my family experiences, I’m also able to provide him with “inspirational photos” that he can use to create the scenes and characters. It is a very iterative process.
Do you have a favorite page?
Such a great question. From a very personal perspective, my favorite page is the one where Scoochie is sandwiched between her two dads getting a hug. This is something we do all the time in our family, and it is very special.
On the other hand, I spent the most time with my illustrator on one of the last pages that reflects a variety of different families in the park. This was an important page in the book because I wanted to make sure there was diverse representation. I’m really proud of that page’s outcome.
What resources do you recommend to parents who are looking to adopt or to children who have recently been adopted?
There really a number of great resources out there and I cannot recommend just one. For LGBTQ+ couples that are interested in pursuing adoption, however, the Human Rights Campaign has a section of their website that is specifically geared to help the LGBTQ+ community learn and become more prepared for the adoption experience, including a listing of LGBTQ+ friendly adoption agencies.
Also, the website GaysWithKids has a tremendous amount of information, including a GWK Academy, that is geared to helping gay men be the best gay fathers! I happen to also be a volunteer mentor for individuals enrolled in the GWK Academy. 😊
Who do you most want to read this book?
All families. While the theme in this book is adoption, accepting and appreciating the richness of diverse families is message that is applicable to everyone.
What’s next for you?
I have many ideas, as my children provide tremendous inspiration. However, I feel compelled to continue to tell stories related to adoption and LGBT parenting. Last summer, my daughter was able to meet her biological sister for the first time. It was such a joyous occasion and is likely the foundation for the next book.
Author Links
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Buy it!
Buy a copy of Scoochie and Skiddles: Scoochie’s Adoption Story here, and help support local bookstores! This is an affiliate link, and I will earn a commission on any sales.
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