Horace

by Holly Keller

"Horace is adopted. He is also spotted, and he is loved and cared for by his new mother and father--who are striped. But...Horace feels the need to search out his roots...Keller deals with a sensitive subject in a way that is perceptive but not sentimental."--Publishers Weekly. "A first choice for those families seeking a low-key, reassuring book about adoption--and one that is fun to share as well."--Horn Book.

Genres: Adoption, Picture Books, Family, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published April 26, 1991

Reviews

[Meredith]

Horace feels out of place because he is the only leopard in a family of tigers.

The morals are the classic home is where is the heart is, it’s love that makes a family, and home is where the heart is.

This picture book is very clearly a metaphor for interracial adoption. It sends the positive message that adopted children are wanted and chosen even though they don’t “look like” their other family members. The ending shows the adopted child deciding to “choose” his adoptive parents right back rather than to continue longing for a different family from his same ethnic group among whom he would not physically stand out.

Horace’s parents are very open about the fact that he is adopted. They acknowledge that he looks different from them but try to help him develop positive feelings about his appearance. They are supportive when Horace cuts pictures of leopards out of magazines and hangs them up in his bedroom to feel less alone.

As an adult reader who has been repeatedly exposed to the viewpoint that interracial adoptive is always harmful to the child regardless of whether it meets the child’s needs for stability and permanency in a safe and emotionally supportive environment, I don’t know how to feel about this book. Young children who have been adopted by a family from a different ethnic or cultural background may find the story reassuring, or they may feel further alienated by the main character’s choice to make peace with being part of a family who is different. Reader discretion is advised.

[Melanie Hetrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Horace was adopted by the tiger family because they wanted a child and they liked his spots. But Horace doesn't like not looking like everyone else. One day he decides to run away and find a family that looks more like him. He manages to find one having a picnic in the park. He is immediately invited to play hide and seek. He is the last one to be found and by that time, he misses his family and ends up going home.

[Emily Beese · Rating 5 out of 5]

Horace is a little leopard who gets adopted by two lions. The book can help connect with children who were adopted by a family who is a different race. It also can help parents of these children understand that they need to know about their own culture.

[Irina H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet little story that gently introduces the subject of adoption to small children. This would be a great resource for parents who want to explain things in an age appropriate way to their children.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story about a child with spots feeling out of place in a family of stripes.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Horace, an adopted child, realizes that being part of a family depends on how you feel, not how you look.

[Alicia Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is just amazing on so many different levels. Horace is adopted and he feels like he stands out far too much with his spots in a family of stripes. His family loves him very much but he has a hard time feeling like he fits in. One day he runs away to find a family like him but he finds out what true family is instead. This book is perfect for kids who are dealing with being adopted or for kids who feel different from others in their family or others around them.

[Terry]

The story simply illustrates the idea that love and family go far beyond looks. I was surprised at the statement to Horace that he "lost" his family when he was little.

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[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet story about adoption

[Lesley Looper · Rating 3 out of 5]

Old story, cute twist.

[C.c. Claybrook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it!! About inter-racial adoption.

[Adam Hardesty · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a good kids book. I would say its for a little bit older of an elementary age.

[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Endearing portrayal of adoptee and his adoptive parents.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute picture book for young adopted children on the topic of looking different.

[Xiaojing(alison) · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a good book, especially for those who are adopted. There is repetition in this book,good for younger children.

[Alfajirikali · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet story about an adopted family.