For families navigating infertility or adoption, this heartwarming true story celebrates the miracle of love, hope, and family during the holiday season.
A parent might reach for this book when their family is navigating the long, emotional wait of adoption or infertility, or when trying to explain adoption to a young child. Based on the true story of Kimberly Schlapman's family, it follows a little girl named Daisy who wants nothing more than a baby sibling. The story gently portrays the family's journey of hope, prayer, and patience. It culminates in a joyous 'Christmas miracle' when they receive the call that a baby girl is waiting for them. This heartwarming book is perfect for validating the complex feelings of longing and hope that come with building a family through adoption, offering comfort and a starting point for important conversations, especially during the holidays.
The book directly addresses the emotional waiting period associated with growing a family, specifically through adoption (though infertility is implied). The family's approach is rooted in Christian faith, with multiple references to praying to God. The resolution is extremely hopeful and presented as a literal miracle, which is comforting but not necessarily representative of every adoption journey.
Ideal Reader
This book is ideal for a 5 to 7-year-old in a family that is currently waiting to adopt, has recently adopted a new baby, or is experiencing secondary infertility. It's also a wonderful story for preparing a child for the arrival of an adopted sibling, helping them feel part of the journey of hope.
Parent Prep
A parent should preview the pages that mention praying to God to ensure it aligns with their family's belief system. The scene where the parents look sad while explaining the wait (pages 8-9) might be a good place to pause and check in with a child's feelings. Otherwise, the story can be read cold. A parent hears their child say, "Why can't I have a baby sister?" or notices their child feeling left out when friends welcome new siblings. It's also a go-to when a family begins the adoption process and wants a gentle, hopeful story to introduce the concept.
Age Experience
A younger child (4-5) will connect with the simple wish for a sibling and see the story as a magical Christmas wish come true. An older child (6-8) is more likely to perceive the parents' underlying sadness and the theme of patience, leading to more specific questions about why families have to wait for babies and how adoption works.
What Makes It Special
This book's primary differentiator is that it is a true, autobiographical story from a well-known personality, which adds a layer of authenticity. Its tight integration with the Christmas holiday frames adoption specifically as a 'Christmas miracle,' making it a unique and powerful holiday story for families on this journey, distinct from more general adoption narratives.
Read plot summary
A young girl, Daisy, deeply longs for a baby sister. Her parents are also hoping and praying for another child, but it's a long wait. For Christmas, Daisy asks Santa for a baby sister but receives a lifelike doll instead, which she names Dolly. She loves and cares for the doll as she and her family continue to wait. One day, they get an unexpected call that a baby girl is available for adoption. The family joyfully welcomes the new baby just before Christmas and names her Dolly, fulfilling their greatest wish.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Daisy's family hoped and prayed for a baby for a very long time. What are some things you have had to be patient and wait for?
2
When Daisy got the doll for Christmas instead of a real baby, how do you think she felt? Why was the doll so special to her even before her sister arrived?
3
The phone call about the new baby was a big, happy surprise. What are some of the happiest surprises your family has ever had?
4
The family named the new baby Dolly, after Daisy's special doll. Why do you think that name was the perfect choice?
