I wanted to share a new addition in our Valentines Day Gift Guide 2026: The Heart That Found You by Anna Schocket I will be receiving a physical copy of The Heart that Found You in exchange for this review.
This new Picture Book called The Heart That Found You Offers a Poignant, Inclusive Look at Adoption and the Families We Build. This children’s picture books is a debut book by author Anna Schocket who shares a heartfelt story inspired by her own journey as a single adoptive mother.
About the book:
Adoption is a journey shaped by longing, waiting, heartbreak, and—above all—love. The Heart That Found You adds a fresh, inclusive, and deeply resonant voice to the conversation, honoring the many emotional layers that define the adoption experience.
Written by debut author Anna Schocket and inspired by her personal experience as a single adoptive mother, The Heart That Found You is a tender picture book for children that delicately honors the complexities of adoption. Told through the perspective of “Heart,” a character who journeys through hope and discovery to find the child they were meant to love, this book offers a moving narrative for adoptive, two parent, blended, LGBTQ+, and single-parent families alike.
“This is the book I searched for and couldn’t find,” says Schocket. “I wanted something that reflected my experience—a solo parent choosing adoption—while also honoring the birth mother’s decision and communicating to my child how fiercely she is loved.”
With luminous illustrations by French artist Carole Chevalier, The Heart That Found You balances gravity with whimsy, creating a gentle, affirming reading experience for children and the adults who love them. Whether introducing the idea of adoption, foster care, surrogacy, or exploring the unique path of embryo adoption through IVF, this book opens the door to meaningful conversations about the many ways families are built and shares a heartfelt, enduring story.
Media, educators, and families looking to elevate diverse adoption stories during National Adoption Month, The Heart That Found You offers a unique perspective—one that is emotionally honest, inclusive, and healing.
Meet the Author:
Anna Schocket, a single adoptive mother, embarked on a heartfelt journey to pen The Heart That Found You as a way to open a dialogue about adoption with her young daughter. With a career as a senior executive in talent development, Anna leveraged her learning background and her belief in the power of teachable moments to create a meaningful resource for other adoptive and nontraditional families. Anna and her daughter thrive together in Oakland, California. For more information.
About the Illustrator:
Carole Chevalier is a French illustrator whose vibrant, heartfelt art brings warmth and magic to children’s books around the world.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
