The Kangaroo Pouch
The Kangaroo Pouch introduces young children to the concept of surrogacy. Narrated by a young kangaroo character whose mother has decided to help another family in their efforts to have a child, the story gently guides the reader through the surrogate’s decision-making process, the pregnancy, and the resulting baby that is then given back to the biological / intended parents. The Kangaroo Pouch is not meant to be an in-depth explaination of surrogacy, rather, it is meant as a conversation starter, an introduction, a "what to tell the kids" book. The illustrations are designed in such a way that non-verbal children will be able to work out the story's message, making it an ideal book for young children, ages 3-8. It is also "gender-neutral" with regards to the Intended Parents to reflect all the different types of families in our society.
I originally wrote The Kangaroo Pouch because I was about to become a surrogate on behalf of my sister-in-law and brother-in-law. I needed to tell my kids what was happening - then ages 4 and 8 - and at the time (2004), I couldn't find a book that was appropriate for them. I often use books as conversation spring-boards with my children when dealing with complex subjects and I desperately needed one for this conversation! Since I couldn't find a book, I decided to write one on my computer and I hand-illustrated it with stick figures. My husband and I read the book to each of our boys and that was how they learned that I would be giving birth to their cousins. Original Version of The Kangaroo Pouch Professional Version of The Kangaroo Pouch  I discovered that my children would often refer the book throughout the pregnancy and afterwards. They would discuss the various stages with each other and would bring the book over to me to ask questions. I realized that they were using it like a "What To Expect" manual and that's when I thought that perhaps other surrogate families would get some benefit out of it too and sought to have the book published and professionally illustrated.
The Kangaroo Pouch has been reviewed by child psychologists and a communications specialist to ensure that the story answers questions that a typical young child would have and that it is illustrated effectively. The book addresses another aspect of how families are created through In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and Assisted Reproduction. |  The Kangaroo Pouch, A Surrogacy Story by Sarah Phillips Pellet, Illustrated by Laurie A. Faust. Published by Trafford Publishing, 2007. ISBN 1-4251-0557-2 $14.95 US
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What the Book is About ...
