Additional information
by Chaitra Wirta-Leiker (Author), Penny Weber (Illustrator)
Casey doesn't like bedtime. His parents introduce him to Dr. Chaitra, a transracial adoptee just like Casey, who explains how going to sleep and even waking up can bring up scary feelings for adopted kids. She helps Casey think about bedtime differently and combines a special story with his love of musical instruments to teach his brain and body that sleep is safe. Will Casey finally be able to conquer bedtime?
Dr. Chaitra Wirta-Leiker is an international and transracial adoptee from India. She traveled to the United States as a tiny baby, escorted in a basket with three other babies, and she's pretty sure that's why she likes her space when she sleeps now. She loves spending time with other adoptees of all ages, including her own child, because she knows about all the remarkable things that can happen when adoptees connect with each other.
Dr. Chaitra wishes that every single adopted person in the world could visit her therapy office and talk with her about what it's like to be an adoptee, but because that's not possible, she decided to invite everyone into her therapy room by creating the "Adoptees Like Me" illustrated book series to reach early readers at an age when school is relatively new and children are keenly attuned to differences, which can raise a host of challenges for young adoptees. In each story, we learn what it's like to be in therapy with a professional who understands how it feels to be adopted, and readers gain insights and tools they can use in their daily lives. The diverse set of characters, family situations, and topics in the series give every young adoptee a chance to see themselves represented, find their voice, and feel understood.
CASEY CONQUERS BEDTIME is the second book in Dr. Chaitra's "Adoptees Like Me" series, joining MARIE DISCOVERS HER SUPERPOWERS (2022). Learn more at AdopteesLikeMe.com.
EDITORIAL REVIEWS
"Every child who has experienced early trauma or loss needs this book. It is a gentle and clear guide not only for navigating bedtime, but for understanding trauma and how to overcome the messages it leaves in the body."-ELI HARWOOD, LPC, Founder of Attachment Nerd
"There are so many reasons bedtime battles have been an issue in my work as a therapist (and a mom). For kids who have experienced loss or trauma, there is often an extra layer! Find language, tools, and more in this honest, uplifting story. I especially love that the author shares her lived experience, helping adoptees both tap into their inner strength and know they are not alone."-JESSICA SINARSKI, author of Riley the Brave series and My Magic Backpack series
