Love's Complete: A Russian Adoption Journey

by Teresa Travous Hull

Many American families are created through adoption. In December 1991, the USSR dissolved into fifteen states. When Russia became independent in 1992, Americans began their adoption journey to Russia. Since Russia opened its borders to international adoption, more than 60,000 children were adopted into American families. More than 19,900 children from Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, and Moldova came home to American families. This story depicts the complicated process these families go through, filled with highs and lows along the way, in order to bring their children home.

Genres: Childrens

32 pages, Paperback

First published August 15, 2012

Reviews

[Laura Murray · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a delight to read! I read it with my seven year old daughter. She was able to read most of it, with some help and she asked if I could print it out for her because she really liked it! So, that is a win right there!!

I liked this book because it shows the adoption journey in a way that a child can understand. It expresses the emotions, but not in an overwhelming way. It shows the logistics and complications of adoption, but in a way that children comprehend. My daughter understood what was going on the entire time. She would comment about how sad the parents were, how frustrating they had to wait, and how happy it was to have a family.

This book really touched my daughter, which made me happy. As an adult, I was pretty neutral on the book. However, the interest of my daughter made me recognize the value of it.

I recommend this book for those that want to share the idea of adoption to their children.

(Laura is a trusted reviewer for WestBow Press. In exchange for her unbiased reviews, she is supplied a copy for free. )

[Lynnea (Juv) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this book on my nook from BookSneeze in exchange for an honest review. Even though this was a children's book, I was interested in reading it since I have many friends who have adopted internationally - several from Russia.
The book is written in rhyming verse, just four lines per illustrated page. After observing the adoption process through my friends, the poem is very accurate - including the frustration and paperwork. However, as a children's book, I would assume it was created to be read to the child as a way to explain their adoption. It just seemed to have a negative tone to it. Yes, there is a lot of waiting but I would prefer to focus on the excitement and expectation in that waiting.
Also, the illustrations were very outdated. I mean, how many American women wear hats with veils?
Two stars.

[Sydney Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know I’ve said it before, but one of God’s commands always lays heavy on my heart — that of taking care of orphans and widows. And now I’ve had the opportunity to read another book geared toward children which depicts the beautiful act of adoption.

Love’s Complete is written in poetic, rhyming form and tells the story of a barren couple who seeks adoption in Russia. (On a personal disclosing note, I also have extra love for Russia having lived and studied there, so that potentially skews my review.) The book walks through the steps this couple went through (sadness, hope, paperwork, travels, waiting, etc.) and eventually the bringing home of their sweet new child. It’s more of an informative, “be ready for the lengthy trial of the adoption process” book rather than one that focuses on the actual adopted child and after he or she comes home, so just be aware of that.

There are obviously stories behind the photos and I wish I could ask the author to hear all about it! For instance, what in the world happened to that man while standing in the rain at the train station? :)

The rhymes perhaps could use a little more perfecting, but I did enjoy the overall unique style in which the book was written. The artwork is also uncommon and, in my opinion, very thoughtfully drawn. I get shivers each time I see the “adoption call” page when the parents drop everything (literally) and jump for joy. The Russian components built into the details of each page add the realness to the story (not to mention familiarity to me).

Overall, I think this is a good little book to both read to children and for adults, as well. The more we can encourage the world to take care of these precious little innocent souls, the better. Thanks for writing this, Teresa Travous Hull.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love’s Complete by Teresa Travous Hull and illustrated by Astrid Tarkovski shows the journey of one family’s adoption of a child from Russia. This children's book highlights the ups and downs of the process of international adoption. From the excitement of the couple's initial decision, to the long wait to bring their baby home, this story captures the emotion of the couple in simple rhyming format.

While I liked the concept behind the story, I found the illustrations and the rhymes a little awkward. I was prepared to write my review, but I decided to read it to my daughter (nine) and get her thoughts. Unlike me, she really liked the book. She thought the drawings were creative and descriptive, especially the husband on the train, soaking wet and looking tired. However, she was a little disturbed by the “evil looking” man who worked at the ministry. She also liked the rhymes and understood the struggle families go through to adopt. Overall, I give this book three stars. It has a cute message, but I don’t know if I could recommend someone spending money on the book.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Tima · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author has written this book to tell the story of her child's adoption from Russia. The words are in a rhyming style and are accompanied by pictures. The book gives a little history of adoption through Russia and then talks about the steps to finally having the child home forever.

I had hoped, when I picked this book, to read a sweet story about adoption. But the rhyming words are not really a story, so much as a narrative or list of the steps. The pictures aren't very good and don't always fit with the words. Some of the illustrations and explanations might be a bit over the target age range for this book. Overall, I think the concept is sweet, but I'm sure there are better books out there for parents wanting to explain adoption to their children.

I received this book free of charge from BookLook Blogger in exchange for my honest review.

[Denise DiFalco · Rating 3 out of 5]

Teresa Hull presents this beautiful story, "Loves Complete A Russian Journey", in simplistic terms for children who are preparing to be adopted. In terms they could understand she breaks down the process so that they will be ready for their journey. She does a wonderful job and covers everything. A much needed book that will prove to be beneficial for many. I was given the opportunity to review this book for Harper Collins Book Look Club.

[Raya Whitehouse · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute book, with nicely illustrated pictures to go with the words, that form a poem. This is such a nice story to read to the little ones. It shows how parents who are adopting a Russian baby, and their long journey to do so. It is not a long story, but still nice to read.