By Nathalie Iseli-Chan
Testimonials and Reviews
Asking Questions About My Adoption Helps Me Grow
5.0 out of 5 stars
Reviewed in the United States on November 25, 2025 - Verified Purchase
As an adoptee myself and an adoptive mom of four, I found this to be a great little book! It will be a helpful conversation starter for families and is gently written and sensitive.
*****
Kristi
The Best Day Ever - Cantonese edition
5.0 out of 5 stars Best day ever!
Reviewed in the United States on August 19, 2025 - Verified Purchase
This book is a heartfelt gem, featuring a dual-language format with Cantonese translations alongside English, making it accessible and enjoyable for readers fluent in either language or both. The content is rich with engaging storytelling, unfolding through a series of introductions, developments, and unexpected twists that keep readers captivated. Just when you think the story’s peak is the adoption day—a moment brimming with joy and significance—the book surprises you. It reveals that many other days could easily described as “the best day,” because the true magic lies in the everyday moments of being a family. This enduring sense of togetherness radiates as the heart of the story.
Written by a mother whose deep love for her daughters shines through every page, the book feels like a warm embrace. You can almost picture the daughters, curled up with their mom, reading together and feeling cherished as the words reflect their bond.
If someday I am adopting a kid, I will definitely read the book with him/her!
*****
S. Lo
The Little Book Of Nosy Questions about Adoption
5.0 out of 5 stars An inspring educational book about adoption
Reviewed in the United States on August 19, 2025
This book is a good educational book and could really get people into thinking twice before they speak and the awkward situations the adoption parents/kids might be facing every day. It highlights the value of transparency with children, suggesting that openness about adoption can foster greater confidence than concealing the truth. In many Asian cultures, where parents might avoid discussing adoption, the book advocates that being forthcoming helps children feel comfortable addressing the topic and reassures them that living with non-biological parents is perfectly normal.
I also like the way a lot of terms are being defined. For example, "real sibling" to "biological siblings". It also includes engaging activities for parents and children to explore together, prompting discussions about what aspects of adoption they are comfortable sharing, what they prefer to keep private, and with whom they wish to share their story.
It's a good book for both with/without relevant experience!
*****
S. Lo
4.5/5 – Erin’s Journal: 6th-Grade Big Project by Nathalie Iseli-Chan
- The NEXT BEST READS EDITORIAL REVIEW- (2025)
Fresh, funny, and emotionally layered, Erin’s Journal delivers an honest and engaging portrayal of adoption through the eyes of an 11-year-old girl navigating sixth grade. Written in a charming diary format, the story captures Erin’s unique voice—equal parts witty, observant, and wise beyond her years—as she tackles everything from school drama to deeper reflections on identity, belonging, and the complexity of her adoption journey.
The book excels in balancing serious emotional topics with accessible humour and authenticity. Erin’s reactions to classmates’ insensitive questions feel true to life, and her gradual transformation into a confident advocate for herself and others is deeply empowering. The relationship between Erin and her adoptive parents is heartwarming and realistic, grounded in mutual respect and open communication.
What truly stands out is the educational value woven into the narrative. Without ever becoming preachy, the story gently corrects outdated adoption language and explores the emotional nuance behind concepts like “real” parents, cultural belonging, and identity formation. The sections where Erin prepares for her school project are particularly moving, serving as both personal catharsis and public education.
While some journal entries repeat thematic ideas, the overall arc remains strong and touching. It’s a meaningful, voice-driven story that will resonate with young readers—especially adoptees—and spark much-needed conversations in homes and classrooms."
*****
Next Best Read book award 2025
mdm
The Best Day Ever
5.0 out of 5 stars Great find!
Reviewed in the United States on March 20, 2025
As an adoption professional, this book is an amazing find! I am always searching for good adoption books to recommend to my clients. There are a decent amount of kids adoption books available but not all are very good. This one is a gem!
*****
review of One Awesome Day at a Time
5.0 out of 5 stars Great find!
Reviewed in the United States on March 20, 2025
As an adoption professional, this book is an amazing find! I am always searching for good adoption books to recommend to my clients. There are a decent amount of kids adoption books available but not all are very good. This one is a gem!
*****
mdm
review of The Little Book of Nosy Questions about Adoption
5.0 out of 5 stars The Interaction of the Workbook is a Star!
Reviewed in the United States on January 22, 2025
As an adoptive mom, I can relate to all of the nosy questions that people ask. The author does a great job of protecting the children and showing kindness and grace to those who are clueless on the subject of adoption. Love the workbook allows the adoptee to practice intrusive questions beforehand so they are not caught off-guard that someone would be so insensitive, or just plain NOSY. Highly recommend
*****
LoveToRead
review of The Little Book of Important Words that You Should Know about Adoption
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book
Reviewed in the United States on March 20, 2025
really, really good. well thought out and an incredible resource.
*****
mdm
We received "The Little Book of Nosy Questions About Adoption" as a gift shortly after our little one came home a few months ago. We are so happy to have such an instrumental and enjoyable resource to help us navigate the tricky questions and comments we've been encountering. I was completely unprepared to confront other people's outdated views on adoption! The included workbook has not only helped us reflect on our journey and our family, but, most importantly, it has also assisted us in defining the boundaries we do not want to be crossed.
WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT!
*****
Peter and Martha, new parents
I am so happy i stumbled upon this little book "One Awesome Day at a Time". As a single mom through adoption, I find it so wonderfully written to explain the adoption journey to my child, and I absolutely love that the last section of the book allows me to include the specific information about my child's life from his birth. Even though we do not know much as it's a closed adoption, it will help him (and me) put the pieces of the puzzle together, little by little. Most importantly, it is a great conversation starter!
*****
Louisa, adoptive single mother
Thank you for such amazing resources. We love that The Best Day Ever! was adapted in several languages, including Spanish, which is great for the families we work with and support. The story is very relatable and it is easy for parents to build up on it and add their own information and anecdotes. The lifebook that is included makes this book a wonderful keepsake for children.
*****
Peter M., Adoption consultant
What a transformative resource for adoptive families!
The Little Book of Nosy Questions about Adoption
combines a story with a practical reflection workbook that empowers current and prospective parents to explore their experiences and anticipate challenging questions. With a focus on establishing healthy boundaries and protecting their child's privacy, this essential read is a must for anyone on the adoption journey.
*****
Dora Shu, Adoption specialist
RE: The Best Day Ever! and The Little Book of Important Words about Adoption.
I am so happy we bought these books for our resource center!
I love that the Best Day Ever includes a customizable lifebook with a story. It makes it a wonderful keepsake for children. Parents can easily build up on the story and add their own timeline and anecdotes. It is the perfect tool to start the conversation with your child and keep it open and going! It also comes in 4 languages (!!!) and there are adaptations for single parents as well. Fantastic!
The little Book of Important Words about Adoption is a beautifully illustrated book that promotes accurate vocabulary and introduces important notions about adoption. Great Work!
*****
Mary L, Adoption Counsellor
Nice little book about adoption with a fresh and unique drawing style. I love how the book leaves room for personalization and encourages adopted children to find their own voice. As an adoptive parent myself, this book is being a great way to start talking about adoption with my child.
*****
Simon
First time that I see a book that has both a story and a life book. It’s awesome because you can read it over and over and add parts of your own story as the children grow. Love the feel of the book. A nice glossy cover but the paper for the life book is perfect to write on.
*****
Sarah
I was gifted this book and it was so helpful in explaining adoption to my children. Though I did not adopt myself, my best friend did and my children had a lot of questions about the process. It opens up discussions and explains this complicated process in a simple way that is suitable even for small children. There are spaces to personalize the book so that the children can really feel in charge of their own story. A lot of the focus is on love and its importance in the adoption process. I would recommend this book to anyone who is involved with adoption.
*****
G. C.
Review of The Best Day Ever
We are so glad we found this book, it’s truly a game-changer for adoptive families! My husband and I both read different versions (I read the English, and he reads the Spanish), and we couldn’t be more impressed. We absolutely love the lifebook section at the end, this a genius idea and a wonderful keepsake that our children will keep as they grow.
WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT!
*****
Alex and Dan, new dads of 2
5 out of 5 stars
So simple and so complete
Reviewed in Canada on November 12, 2023
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
This little gem of a book adapts to all adoption situations.
The vibrant colors perfectly frame the expressive, repeated-structured story that keeps children interested. The journal at the end allows us to personalize the book with our personal adoption story. You can read it with your baby and continue to read it and add to the journal as the child gets older. The message is positive and touching - I always have tears in my eyes when I get to the end!
*****
V. Habel