Stephan Molnar-Fenton

This is a heartwarming story about adoption told from the perspective of the little girl, An Mei, who was adopted by parents in another country. I like the vague lines and shapes of the illustrations that give them a fuzzy, dreamlike quality as if illustrating memories, because the book is told like a series of memories. It delicately captures the uncertainty and wonder from An Mei's perspective as well as the love that made this story possible. I enjoy that the author wrote a note about the nature of adoption. This would be a part to be sure not to leave out as she explains important things to understand about adoption especially for students who are adopted.… (mais)

An Mei's Strange and Wondrous Journey is a sweet story about a young girl who is adopted from China and is now living in the United States with her new family. I enjoyed this story because it is told from the point of view of An Mei, the girl who is adopted. While reading the book, you go through the "adventure" along with her. An Mei has a hard time feeling comfortable in her new family dynamic, especially around her adopted mother. There is a positively triumphant moment when An Mei finally calls her "mother," and as a reader, you just want to cheer for their family. It is such a powerful moment that is likely a universal experience for families who adopt. Adoption is such a wonderful way of building a family, but it is often a very difficult adjustment for all involved. I think this book would definitely bring up great discussion points, especially about adoption. An Mei's birth mother really does love her, but must do what is best for her daughter. And An Mei's new family loves and accepts her completely, and they are truly a family. I would definitely recommend this book, especially if there is an adopted student in the class. The illustrations are very interesting, very colorful, and have almost a painted look to them. They really add to the story and are very nice to look at.… (mais)

This book is about a girl, An Mei, who is born on a train, and then brought to an orphanage. As a young baby, she is adopted by a family who brings her to America. She recognizes that things are different in America compared to China, but her parents bring some of her culture to her. For example, they plant bamboo bushes in her backyard. An Mei grows to love this family as her own, and knows that this family will keep her safe no matter what.

This was a darling book that explains adoption in other countries, and shows expression of those who are brought into new families. The illustrations were very calming, as they used lighter colors, and they depicted the text very well. The author used a lot of imagery in the work, and it made the text very interesting. For example, the author state that "her black eyes sparkled brighter than the sun". The imagery worked well throughout the story.… (mais)

This touching picture book was inspired by Molnar-Fenton's own experience adopting a baby girl from China. An Mei, who was left by her mother "on the stone steps of the Wuhan orphanage" finds her way to a loving family in America. In prose filled with lovely images ("Ice drew pictures on the windowpanes, and snow wrapped a blanket around the branches of the bamboo tree"), Molnar-Fenton's inaugural children's book relates the story from the baby's point of view, thus tapping into readers' empathy and effectively communicating An Mei's fear and excitement. The story's delicate, tranquil mood is sustained by Flesher's graceful artwork, whose fluid lines and warm, feather-soft shadings plumb the story's emotional depths.… (mais)