While You Were Sleeping, written by Stephanie Burks, is a story that lovingly describes the day that two women learn that a birthmother has chosen them to adopt a newborn baby boy. While their future son sleeps through his first hours of life, his new mothers experience all of the joy and anticipation of their new life together. It shows the excitement of the new parents as they hear of their son's birth and drive to the hospital to meet him for the first time. Charming and colorful illustrations by Kelli Bienvenu convey the warmth of this story from beginning to end, showing the moments that the adoptive parents meet their newborn son, sing him lullabies and arrive home, where the family pets are introduced to the newest member of their family.

This book will speak to the hearts of all who cherish the true love of parents for their child and in the process, validate non-traditional families of all sorts.

About the Author:

Stephanie Burks is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, and a children's writer who lives in Southern Indiana. Growing up gay in the 1970s, she long believed that motherhood was not an option for her. Thanks to a supreme act of generosity, one birth mother allowed Stephanie and her partner to realize their ultimate dream. A computer specialist by training, she became interested in writing soon after she and her partner co-adopted their son. This is her first book.

About the Illustrator

Kelli Bienvenu graduated from Sam Houston State University in 1999 with a Bachelors Degree in Fine Art. Since then she has been working as a graphic designer and illustrator for various companies. She has won several awards for her illustrations including the APEX (Awards for Publication Excellence) and the Matrix Awards Competition.

Currently she and her partner reside in Austin, TX and own two companies. Kelshaw Design is a freelance graphic and web design company, and Grrl Greetings creates greeting cards for women. This is the first children's book she has illustrated.