I was at a book signing event last week. The best thing about it was when a child said to me, ‘I love your books so much because they make me laugh out loud, but they also help me to remember that I’m not the only adopted child in the world.’

This was amazing feedback because representing adopted children, whilst remaining entertaining, was one of the main reasons I wrote The Accidental Diary of B.U.G. series.  Because representation is the key to reading for pleasure, and I’m passionate about both.

When my son was around ten years old, I couldn’t find a single book that both represented and entertained him. This saddened me because all children deserve to see themselves represented on the pages of the types of books they enjoy.

Where were the funny books featuring happily adopted children?

Where were the silly books where the main character, incidentally, had two mums/two dads?

Where were the books that he could relate to and laugh at while being assured that his family was perfectly normal?

Enter The Accidental Diary of B.U.G.– a laugh out loud, accessible, interactive, diary-style series narrated by a happy, witty ten-year-old who just happens to have two mums who adopted her as a baby.

I was delighted to read this feedback from an adoptive parent recently: ‘…so many adoption-themed children’s books are emotionally triggering, factually incorrect and quite frankly depressing. Your description, funny, factual and honest was a tonic to read. When Billie says “it’s not a big deal to me though, it just makes me a bit different and I like being different” my daughter smiled and said “hmm, like me”. She finally came across a character she could relate to in a book.’

Inclusive and accessible for children 8+, there are now three books in The Accidental Diary of B.U.G. series by Jen Carney, available from all good book stores and online.