As you begin the surrogacy process, you’ll be faced with many questions. Perhaps the most difficult ones to field will be those from your own children, whether you’re a gestational surrogate or intended parents adding to your family. It’s not always easy to explain big concepts in a way that kids can understand, but choosing some age-appropriate books that break down the surrogacy process in simple terms can help. Here’s a look at four such books that are well worth looking into if you’d like to break the ice to your kiddos in a fun and engaging manner.

1. The Kangaroo Pouch: A Story About Gestational Surrogacy For Young Children

Written By: Sarah Phillips Pellet

Illustrated By: Laurie Faust

Great for Ages: 2-8

“The Kangaroo Pouch” is an adorable story, told from the viewpoint of a young Kangaroo whose mother is a gestational surrogate. It addresses many of the questions kids have about the surrogacy process, including why people take the path and what happens when the baby is born. Older kids may enjoy it as well, though they’ll probably have more questions to ask after reading it. For the younger kids, this book sums it up nicely.

2. And Tango Makes Three

Written By: Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell

Illustrated By: Henry Cole

Great for Ages: 4-8

“And Tango Makes Three” explores “non-traditional” families through the tale of two penguins named Roy and Silo. The story takes place at Central Park Zoo’s penguin house and starts at the beginning of Roy and Silo’s journey, as all the penguins select mates. Being  “a little bit different,” the pair finds themselves with an empty nest while all the other penguins busy themselves with their eggs. The book handles explanations delicately, and introduces a zoo keeper who brings an egg to Roy and Silo to look after.

3. Sophia’s Broken Crayons: A Story of Surrogacy from a Young Child’s Perspective

Written By: Crystal A Falk

Great for Ages: 2-6

“Sophia’s Broken Crayons” breaks down the logic behind the surrogacy process, and it’s intended for especially young children. Rather than addressing surrogacy, itself, it looks into how a young girl named Sophia feels when she discovers all her crayons are broken. It then shows how everyone comes together, sharing their own crayons with Sophia, in a concept much like surrogacy. This helps address the questions small children may have, regardless of whether they’re trying to understand where they came from, why their mom is choosing to be a surrogate, or where their new sibling is coming from.

4. Why I’m So Special: A Book About Surrogacy

Written By: Carla Lewis-Long

Great for Ages: 2-6

There are two “Why I’m So Special” books written by  Carla Lewis-Long. The first one, “A Book About Surrogacy” is covered here, but she also has one called “A Book About Surrogacy With Two Daddies.” The first book begins with a heterosexual couple’s marriage and continues on through the pair learning from a doctor that they cannot have a baby. From there, it explores the entire surrogacy process and helps make children feel good about their beginnings.

Are you considering starting the surrogacy process as either a gestational surrogate or intended parent? At SPS, we help match up ideal surrogacy teams and walk them through every step of the way. Contact us for more information today.