A Few Reviews For:
“Most Engaging Story of the Year. Being involved in a “cross-cultural” marriage can be challenging, and Ms. Chennamchetty describes the ups and downs in the most delightful way. Her writing is clear, unadorned, yet remarkably poignant. The story creeps up on you and before you are aware, you are completely immersed in the mood. While there are some heartbreaking moments, at the end of the day, the message is one of hope and deep faith in humanity. Thank you Ms. Chennamchetty for sharing your story. ” -David Naimark MD, Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, UCSD
“This book is both laugh out loud funny (I kept reading parts to my husband) and heartbreakingly sad (not so easy to read out loud.) Bangles, Bindis and Babies is an incredibly open and honest look at navigating cultural differences, coping with loss, and building a marriage. (Wow, this is such a vaguely, general recommendation for an intensely personal memoir.) THERE IS SO MUCH MORE I WANT TO SAY about this compelling read, but I don’t want to spoil the emotional impact for the reader!” -Cathy Brew
“I received my copy from Amazon on a Friday afternoon and in between chasing my 3 year old son and various commitments, I finished every chapter by Sunday night! The author kept my attention with her many tales of a life as real as it can get. While not everyone has to navigate international family matters, they are family matters, nonetheless. She made me feel as if I were in the middle of each milestone moment. As I devoured each page, I found myself wanting to share particular parts with my friends and family…instead I’ll just share copies of this book. There is a relatable truth in this book. As humans we all wish to love, be loved, have a roof over our heads, enjoy family and create a future. She captured every one of these in a witty and loving way.” -The Wood Family
“Bangles Bindis and Babies is an engaging story told with honesty, humor, and insight about the challenges of building a multicultural-adoptive family. A truly American tale, it follows a mixed race couple who navigate eye-opening cultural clashes, tragedy and the foster care system with determination, humor, and love.” -Carol Schnaubelt
“This first time author lets us into her life in a touching, deeply personal way. I laughed and cried with her. I felt privileged to be welcomed into her world. There are lessons to be learned about marriage, child rearing and determination. I couldn’t put it down!” -Melissa Malesh
“At a time when the imposed mix of cultures across the globe raises extraordinary conflicts and so many in the USA try to resist the health and wisdom of this new society, an American couple succeeds in forming a cross-cultural family through marriage and adoptions. A must read to find meaning, hope and joy about a theme considered threatening for too many. It is serious, funny, a mind- and heart-opening experience.” -Ghislain Labonte, www.traductiongaston.com, Author of Love in the Present
A Few Reviews for:
“Missy, the Mister is a charming story with a surprising twist. Its smooth cadence and lovable character will engage readers young and old. Throw on a crown and follow this sweet chick to a marvelous life!” – Sarah Sine, Librarian, San Diego Unified School District
“An adorable book!” -Chris Carter
“An adorable urban chicken story with a surprising twist. A rooster you just gotta love.” -Scott McEachern
“Loved this cute chicken story. I bought this for my adult niece who has chickens and teaches elementary students about them. Now she has a book to share with them.” – Crystal
A Few Reviews for:
Isabella Forever
“A wonderful, true story. Isabella Forever will either inspire you to act or move you to tears. This heartwarming and spirited book is unique in that it shares the real-life perspective of a young homeless child who finds a family who will love her forever. True connections have little to do with DNA and everything to do with love.” -Georgette Todd, author of Foster Girl, A Memoir, www.georgettetodd.com
“Isabella Forever is a charming story about a brave and brilliant little girl who navigates the joys and complexities of becoming part of a new family. We LOVE this book!” -Mrs. Lisa Johnson, kindergarten and first grade teacher
“My clients and I love this book! While helping little ones better understand their unique experiences, this story also does the important work of educating parents how to welcome the full range of feelings their adopted child may have. I highly recommend this book for anyone who works with or cares for adopted children.” -Megan McKellogg-Guajardo, Psyd, Child Psychologist
“Isabella Forever is a beautiful, true story of a foster child finding her ‘forever’ family, and this family falling in love with their adopted daughter. They help her come to terms with being adopted and their love and understanding grows as Bella herself gets older. It is written as a children’s book; however, it reflects the power of parental bonding throughout in an eloquent yet simple manner. I especially recommend this book for all foster children and parents, adoptive parents, and their families.” – Alejandra Postlethwaite, MD, DFAACAP, UCSD Health Sciences Assistant Clinical Professor, Staff Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist: Neighborhood Healthcare & Rady Children’s Hospital, President, San Diego American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
“This children’s book is a must have for any family with young children. It is the inspiring story of a family formed by adoption and it gives brilliant and inspirational insight into the journey from foster care to forever family. You can hear Isabella’s voice and see her joyful and reflective spirit on every beautiful and rhyme- filled page. Thank you Isabella and Elizabeth for sharing your gift with us!” – Ilene Tibbitts, Program Manager, San Diego Youth Services, Adoptions Support Services Program
“An excellent resource for teachers! Isabella Forever is a heart touching tale that beautifully captures and illustrates a story that can be found in any neighborhood, classroom, and family yet is so often left out of the family stories we tell our children. It is the story of a young girl’s path from birth, through the foster care system, to her forever home told in a way that is honest, real, and relatable for children from all walks of life. The author depicts Isabella’s experiences with compassion and truth in a way that honors the harsh realities of starting life in this way, the challenges that come with navigating these truths as one grows up, all while creating space to explore the man family dynamics that children experience in our times. Highly recommended for teachers, parents, and anyone who works with or raises children from the foster community. -Amazon Review from M.R.
Inclusive Books That Give Back
