You Were Always in My Heart

A letter to families prefacing the story explains the authors’ inspiration: “Adoption is a perfect picture of what God has done for each of us.” The Chapmans’ third Shaoey and Dot Adoption Story, written in four-line rhymed stanzas from the perspective of a ladybug named Dot, tells of Dot’s discovery and immediate attachment to a wiggling bundle in a basket and subsequent journey with the “creature.” Arriving in a room filled with “dozens of almond-shaped eyes,” Dot investigates, then tells her friend, “We are where mommies and daddies come looking/ to find special babies like you!” As the story progresses, geometric patterns on baskets, quilts, curtains, and cribs give way to rounder, softer lines in Jim Chapman’s illustrations, painted in hues of green, gold, and blue. Dot, adorned with antenna barrettes, different shoes for each foot, and a hat, makes a visually entertaining companion whose promise of lifelong devotion foreshadows the adoptive parents’ commitment. Despite occasionally awkward rhythms (“Cause if you know anything about ladybugs,/ You know they always keep their word”), the story is emotionally stirring. Ages 4–7. (June)