Picture books about adoption

Adoption, fostering and residential care are part of many children's lives in the UK. In 2025 there were over 81,000 children who had been adopted, or in foster or residential care in England alone.

This carefully curated list of inclusive picture books about adoption, fostering and residential care explores the different ways families are formed, from welcoming a new adopted child into a family home to the experience of life within a children’s home. These sensitive stories also explore the deeper questions look-after children may have about identity and belonging.

Most titles on this list centre adoption in a child-friendly way, both directly and indirectly, with one of the books focusing specifically on residential care. Together, they reflect the breadth of what children in care and their families may encounter, and offer thoughtful and supportive ways in to these conversations.

Told through warm illustration and careful storytelling, these books are a valuable resource for looked-after children and their families, as well as for those who want to better understand the lives of the people around them.