After a few years break enjoying the unexpected success of my debut book The Family Fairies, I could no longer resist the urge, and it was time to put pen to paper again!
An idea had been whizzing around my mind for some time. A concept. Something I firmly believed would help children unravel the complexities of adoption. Like searching for all the pieces in a puzzle. Some you come across straight away. Some need sorting. Overturning. Some you think you will never find. Not ever. Convinced that final piece is missing. Never to be found. Until finally, taking you by complete surprise – there it is.
I knew my second book needed to be different. A next step up. it had to be. Of course that meant it needed to be more detailed. And importantly cover the “why” as well as the “how”. A pretty tall order.
Steadily I built the story. Working in all the key elements. I knew it was vital to cover the things that generally need a little helping hand. Those tricky conversations. Those conversations unfortunately we often don’t have all the answers for.
As with my first book, I wanted to make sure I was on track. That my terminology was on point. I am always clear I never want to mislead children. Make them more confused. So I was really thrilled to have the amazing Adoption Resources UK as my sounding board. Providing constructive and meaningful feedback An experienced adoption social worker and mum, who has become the leading fountain of knowledge, support, and guidance to the ever eager UK Adoption Community.
Furthermore, she has given me a really lovely quote to endorse my book, which sits proudly on the back cover.
It doesn’t end there though. She actually appears in it too. Yep that’s right! As a Family Fairy. The idea (like most good ones do) came to me in the middle of the night. This is a book for everyone. Not just me. Or my children. It is for the whole community. And they should be a part of it too. So I reached out to see who might be interested in featuring as caricatures. And the response I had was off the scale!
So I set to work plotting and planning where all the different family make ups could fit in. I had so many sadly there wasn’t room for all, but I managed to feature around 30 special families. I am so very proud that this is something so unique. So personal.
But my book isn’t just for adoptive families to give a reassuring helping hand. The Family Puzzle is designed for all children. All families. To help explain to the wider audience how families come together through adoption. Something I firmly believe is needed to make our children feel safe in the knowledge they are understood. Included. It is a book for all bookshelves.
So, here I go again! And here are Freddie and Peggy, my trusted Family Fairies to help guide along the way. Ben and Belle are two curious best friends who love to learn, but need a little extra help when it comes to how some families are made. Luckily their wish is heard by these two special fairies who help them on a voyage of discovery.
Please join them to see how all the puzzle pieces fit together.
This book is only possible thanks to you – the unwavering support is appreciated more than I can say…and that is a pretty big statement coming from an author!
Rosemary Lucas 