THE MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW, CHILDREN’S BOOKWATCH
Amy Angel and Charlie Cherub are in the waiting-to-be-born heaven. They must learn the baby ways and earn their stars so they can be born. Each time a new lesson is accomplished, “twizzle-twink!”, a shooting star lands on their halo. When the Great Guardian Angel recites a chant, Amy Angel’s future parents are revealed to her through the clouds. Amy immediately sees the Light of Love in their hearts and feels the tingle of her love for them begin to grow. Charlie’s parents are revealed also. He sees the Light of Love and also Glow of life that is the baby part of himself waiting to be born. Amy is concerned that her mother does not have the Glow, but she concentrates on her lessons and enjoys watching her parents prepare for her arrival. Young readers join Amy as she learns of God’s special plan for her and share in the delight and joy as Amy is united with her parents. The lovely and inspiring picture book story of Amy Angel Goes Home: A Heavenly Tale of Adoption is especially recommended for the children of all adoptive families who know that every child is a precious gift of love.
METAPHYSICAL REVIEWS
A good children’s book, in this reviewer’s opinion, teaches a lesson. A great children’s book says “I love you” in addition to teaching a lesson. Amy Angel Goes Home is a great children’s book! Kathleen Lathrop has written a beautiful story of adoption that is set in heaven and explains why adopted children are extra-special. Amy Angel Goes Home is the story of a baby waiting to be born and adopted by the parents with the “Light of Love” to share with her. This deeply spiritual and inspirational delight explains the difficult subject of adoption to the adopted child, and the special love held for that child. It is a truly worthwhile lesson, for parent and child alike, that is as therapeutic as it is loving. You see, Kathleen carefully explains that adoption is part of God’s special plan to unite deserving babies, and parents. Amy Angel Goes Home is a wonderful story that is enhanced by the full-color illustrations created by Eric Bakke. His drawings are soft and at the same time, almost photographic in design. They serve to capture the interest and imagination of the youngster, while mom or dad are reading them this work of love. Amy Angel Goes Home, in this reviewer’s opinion, is destined to be a classic. . .and Kathleen Lathrop, a preeminent author of children’s literature. Amy Angel Goes Home is wise, loving, insightful and profound. It is a perfect gift for anyone you know who is about to become an adopting parent!
-Richard Fuller, Senior Editor, Metaphysical Reviews
WESTMORELAND NEWS, BOOKS IN REVIEW
Kathleen Lathrop’s book AMY ANGEL GOES HOME: A Heavenly Tale of Adoption is beautifully illustrated by Eric Bakke. Lathrop wrote the volume when someone told her 6-year-old son, “She’s not your real mommy.” After reading the review copy that came to the Westmoreland News office, the staff recommends it to just about everybody…
- to folks considering adopting kids
- to folks who are considering allowing their offspring to be adopted
- to those who’ve done either of the above
- to counselors
- to both kids and adults who’ve been adopted, and
- to the many people who want to know more about the feelings of those who fall into any of the foregoing categories.
The book tells the story of how the Great Guardian Angel preps kids for birth in this world, and their parents to receive them. Amy Angel and her cherubic friend, Charlie, learn to talk baby-talk, to hiccup, to pretend to nap while riding on clouds, and the best baby trick of all – the silent squeeze which they’ll use to grab onto their soon-to-be-parents’ fingers. The Great Guardian Angel teaches both wee ones to focus on the Light of Love in their future parents’ hearts. She shows Amy how she’ll reach her parents courtesy of a birthlady who acts as God’s messenger to deliver he safely to those whom he wants to raise her.
-Lynn Norris, Editor, WESTMORELAND NEWS
RICHMOND PARENTS MONTHLY, ADOPTING ANGELS
AMY ANGEL GOES HOME A Heavenly Tale of Adoption by Kathleen Lathrop tells a story that is invaluable for parents seeking to explain the spiritual aspects of adoption. This beautifully illustrated book helps children understand the difficult question, “Why was I adopted?” Lathrop’s answer,”Because God wanted you to be exactly who you are and he wants us to be your parents.” This eloquent response explaining adoption as part of a higher plan is illustrated throughout the touching story. Parents will find this book to be a helpful way to explain the love that adoptive parents feel for their child.
“My daughter and I read AMY ANGEL GOES HOME, snuggling in bed late at night, which led to a lovely conversation about God, spirituality and a parent’s love. I’d recommend this book for families of any religion.”
-Joyce Eisenberg, Supplements Editor, JEWISH EXPONENT
“Adoption is very difficult to explain to an adopted child. Kathleen Lathrop has found a deeply moving way to do so in her book , AMY ANGEL GOES HOME … Parents will find this beautifully illustrated book a helpful way to explain the love that they, as adoptive parents, have for that young son or daughter.”
-Michael McManus, NY Times Syndicated Columnist, Ethics & Religion
“AMY ANGEL GOES HOME is an inspirational work which delivers a profound therapeutic message for children and parents alike. It’s destined to become not just a best-seller but a classic in the field!”
-Glenn Van Warrebey, Psy.D, author, Looking Up, Looking Down
” I enjoyed Amy Angel very much and think that (Kathleen Lathrop’s) idea and execution of the concept of adoption being a pre-planned event to be both sound and compassionate.”
-Michael Newton, Ph.D., author, Journey of Souls
“AMY ANGEL GOES HOME, illustrated in pretty pastels, shares the concept that babies given up for adoption (are delivered) to the parents they were meant to have.”
-Faye M. Dasen, Book Editor, THE PILOT
“This attractive book presents…another way to help couples who generously adopt children.”
-Msgr. Charles Diviney, Editor, THE TABLET
