Two of a Kind

Two of a Kind is about foster care and adoption, family diversity, wanting to belong, friendship, sadness, loss, kindness to people and animals, and connection and love.The book tells the story of Louise who is in a foster home with other fostered children. Her best friend Marg-Anne is adopted and Louise is sad. That is when she finds Smudge, an orphaned kitten. Louise and Smudge become inseparable. When a couple looking to adopt are interested in giving Louise a forever home, it looks like Smudge won’t be able to come. Louise doesn’t want to be separated from her beloved kitten, but she wants to find her forever family.The book is about the search for identity and love. The adoptive parents are searching for a child to adopt and love, and the child is searching for the same in a forever home.The book is designed to teach children about hope.The author, Irene Fitzpatrick, was adopted when she was 18-months-old and grew up becoming more curious about who her birth family were. Her adoptive parents were very supportive in that journey. In fact, she had a positive experience with her adoptive parents, and her birth family. After her adopted dad died, she wanted to write a story to honour her adoptive parents.From the onset, Irene felt that the story should be illustrated by a child. She reached out to Mackillop Family Services and found Lindsay, an 8-year-old girl who has been growing up in the foster care system.Reviews:“Insightful, Imaginative, and inspirational.Two of a Kind is a heart-warming tale about what it means to be family.Looks don’t define where you belong, they merely represent where your story started. If you’re searching for your place in the world, know that love and acceptance is all you need to feel at home.Liam, Victoria, AustraliaTwo of a Kind is the thoroughly accomplished debut children’s book by Irene Fitzpatrick. It tells the story of Louise, a young girl in foster care, who forms a unique bond with a kitten she names Smudge. Her affinity with the stray is a catalyst [no pun intended] in her potentially being adopted or not. The array of emotions in this story are close to Irene’s heart and as such are evident in its telling. Lindsay’s illustrations beautifully compliment Irene’s words, taking the reader on its intended journey.I feel this is an enjoyable, yet important read, for children and adults alike and recommend it wholeheartedly.Lynne, Victoria, AustraliaGreat to see an easy-to-read book with great illustrations written about adoption.This book would be great to be used as a way to start discussion and help all children understand more fully what adopted children experience.In being able to understand adopted children's experiences others will hopefully be able to support them in their journey.This book would be a great resource for primary school children and any young child going through the adoption process.Louise, Primary school teacher, Victoria. Australia Read more