The Animal Family

Randall Jarrell's Newbery Honor book, "The Animal Family," illustrated by Maurice Sendak, tells the enchanting story of a man, a mermaid, a boy, a bear, and a lynx, all of whom are orphans, who come together to form a unique and loving family in a log cabin by the sea. Through shared experiences and the creation of their own origin myths, they forge deep bonds, exploring what it truly means to belong. Praised for its poetic language and profound emotional depth, this book offers a contemplative and heartwarming look at found family, identity, and the beauty of unconventional connections. It's a story that resonates with both children and adults, inviting readers into a world of gentle wonder and profound feeling.

A mermaid, a hunter, a bear and a lynx all live together. One day the bear and lynx find a boy in a rowboat on the beach and bring him home too.