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Watch the Trailer

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Dumplings Mean Family is available now! Order your hardcover copy here.

Schedule a Visit

Jennifer has presented Dumplings Mean Family to over 100,000 students since its release, and she would love to be with you!

As both a professional speaker and a mom of 6, Jennifer delivers a touching, funny, and captivating author visit for schools, libraries, church groups and others!

Bring Jennifer in to share her family’s story, the creation of the book, and the importance of acceptance, diversity, and culture.

Want to learn more?

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What a special day for our students! Jennifer Shaw’s presentation was a fun and informative visit highlighting the ties between culture, food, and family. Her photos and videos helped bring the story to life and our students especially enjoyed hearing about her experiences in China. We’re so glad she came!

Mary Smith, Library Media Specialist, Liberty Elementary School

Jennifer Shaw was an amazing presenter! Students were actively engaged as she explained her writing process and the similarities and differences between American and Chinese culture. She truly connected with our kids, from kindergarten all the way to fifth grade!

Colleen Kochensparger, Library Media Specialist, Slate Hill Elementary School

Help a Child

Did you know there are ways YOU can help a child right now? Here are three ways you can help vulnerable kids, all of which are personally connected with the Shaw family

1. Sponsor a child through Compassion International!

2. Adopt a child through Madison Adoption Associates!

3. Help a child come home through an adoption grant from Brittany’s Hope!

Ready to help?

Dumplings Mean Family is one of the most heartwarming books I’ve ever read. It’s so rare and refreshing to find a children’s book that discusses adoption along with the many joys and struggles it encompasses; Dumplings Mean Family did so perfectly! 非常好 (Well done!)

Carole C., adult adoptee

We have two boys adopted from China. This book does an amazing job illustrating how the small things we do as a family can celebrate and honor our children’s heritage through new family traditions.

Jaime V., adoptive mom

Dumplings Mean Family gives a voice to the experience of so many of our kids whose story isn’t always on our library shelves. It tells of the love, perseverance, and choices that transform individuals into family.

Chelsey Anglin, Media Specialist, Royal Manor Elementary School

The Author

Jennifer Shaw is an award-winning author, speaker, singer, songwriter and five-time Top 40 Billboard artist. Her work has been featured by Focus on the Family, Insight for Living, Family Life Today, Compassion International, Autism Speaks, and many more. Her book, “Life Not Typical: How Special Needs Parenting Changed My Faith and My Song,” has brought national attention to the issue of Sensory Processing Disorder. She lives in Columbus, Ohio with her husband, six busy kids, and two crazy dogs. Visit her on the web at jennifershaw.com.

The Illustrator

Rinnah Shaw is an up-and-coming illustrator and writer who was named “Illustrator of the Year’’ by Taylor University. Her art has been featured at the Metcalf Open, the McConnell Arts Center, Spring Arbor University Invitational, and the Garrett Museum of Art among others. She loves her large, busy family in Columbus, Ohio. Find more of her work on Instagram (@rinnah_draws) or on her website, rinnahshaw.com.