No Matter What
A Foster Care Tale
By Josh Shipp with David Tieche
Illustrations by Yuliya Pankratova
Familius, 2020, ISBN: 978-1641702539, 32 pages, $16.99
Written by former foster youth Josh Shipp, “No Matter What” shares the tale of a squirrel named Josh who doesn’t have a family. Josh searches for a family amongst the pelicans, porcupines, kangaroos and other animals. As he continues his search, Josh struggles to fit in and find a family who will love and accept him. Finally, with the help of his friend Grace, the pelican, he finds a home with Rodney and Christine Elephant. While Josh still doesn’t feel like he fits in, his elephant family never gives up on him, even as Josh plots to get ejected from their home. But when those efforts fail, Josh realizes he’s actually found the home for him.
“No Matter What” is a cute children’s book that is a reflection of Shipp’s own journey through foster care. Other children in foster care or those who’ve been adopted may be able to relate to the little squirrel’s search for a place to call home. The beautifully illustrated book could easily become a favorite bedtime story for kids who can see their own journey reflected in Josh’s tale.
— Reviewed by Kim Phagan-Hansel
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