Age Group: 6 - 9 Years, 9 - 12 Years

Description:

Armand is an old hobo who treasures his footloose life on the streets of Paris. With no responsibilities and no one to answer to, he's perfectly content begging, scavenging, and dodging anything that might tie him down—especially children, who he insists are like pesky starlings, best avoided altogether. Then, one cold day just before Christmas, he returns to his favourite spot beneath a bridge over the Seine to find three hungry children—Suzy, Paul, and little Evelyne—and their hardworking mother sheltering there. Gruff and unwilling at first, Armand slowly finds his crusty heart melting. Before long, this ready-made family has claimed him completely, and he sets out to do whatever it takes to find them a real home.

A tender, funny Newbery Honor classic about kindness, belonging, and the families we choose, beautifully illustrated by Garth Williams. Ages 8+.