Flashback Friday: ‘A Mother for Choco’ by Kieko Kasza
Amanda McHugh ’18 / Emertainment Monthly Staff Writer
The timeless children’s picture book A Mother for Choco has been read countless times to kids around the world. The story follows a little yellow bird, Choco, on a search for his mother. After encountering all different types of animals, he feels as if he’ll never find a mother. Then, out of nowhere, Mrs. Bear comes and sees him. She plays with him, making him feel better, and then proposes to him that she could be his mother. At first, Choco is skeptical because he and Mrs. Bear look nothing alike, so how could she be his mother? After going home with Mrs. Bear and meeting her other adopted children, Choco feels right at home with his new family.
A Mother for Choco is written by Kieko Kasza, and was first published in Japan in 1982, and later in America by the Picture Puffin Book in 1992. It is also considered to be a spin off from P.D. Eastman’s (Dr. Seuss) Are You My Mother, which also is a story of a bird trying to find a family. The book is often used with international or interracial adoptions. Parents often use the book as a tool to teach adopted children that not every family will look alike, but even though a family may not physically look the same, it does not take away the love and happiness the family has. The book shows that family’s connection does not have to come from blood relation, but rather who cares and loves one another the most. Families who have not adopted their children also read the book as a way to teach kids that other families may not all look the same, but that their physical differences don’t take away from the family’s love. The children’s book has also been featured in The International Adoption Handbook: How to Make Foreign Adoption Work for You, by Myra Alperson, as well as other various adoption blogs and articles.
Some couples may be hesitant on adoption because they do not want their child feeling like they do not belong with them, or that they are unwanted because their biological parents were unable to keep them. In addition, adopted children from foster care can occasionally show resistance in a new family because of the emotional stress often associated with moving from place to place and having no set home. However, in many adoption cases families display great pride and affection. Parents who adopt also have lower statistics of marital problems and divorce. This book along, with other guides and tools, is a great way to make a family’s adopted child feel more secure and happy, while also ensuring parents that adoption is always a viable option.
A Mother for Choco is a great children’s book for any child. It’s colorful pictures and heart-warming storyline can fit into any family, and can especially be used in intercultural adoptions. Any child would enjoy this charming story!