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  • The Family Under the Bridge by Natalie Savage Carlson book cover
  • The Family Under the Bridge by Natalie Savage Carlson book cover
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The Family Under the Bridge

by Natalie Savage Carlson

An unexpected family beneath a Paris bridge

$11.94 USD
$19.90 USD $11.94 USD
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Awards & Recognition

  • Award recognition

    Newbery Honor book

    The book is described as Newbery Honor-winning; this is an honor, not a Newbery Medal win.

AlbakiReads Editorial

An unexpected family beneath a Paris bridge

Set in Paris just before Christmas, Natalie Savage Carlson’s story brings together Armand, an older man content with life on the streets, and three children in need of care. Their encounter unsettles Armand’s solitary routine and leads him to consider what a real home might mean for the small family. The book explores belonging, independence, and responsibility through this unlikely bond, with Santa Claus and the Christmas season woven into the premise. Garth Williams’s illustrations accompany the novel.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Middle-grade readers, especially those aged 9–12, interested in classic children’s fiction.
  • Readers drawn to stories about found family, caring for others, and making a home.
  • Readers looking for a Christmas-set story featuring a Paris setting and illustrations.

Themes

Found family and belongingCare and responsibilityIndependence and homeChristmas and Santa Claus

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

The heartwarming and memorable Newbery Honor-winning book about finding family in the unlikeliest places, featuring artwork by beloved illustrator Garth Williams. This classic middle grade novel is a welcome and meaningful read, especially at Christmastime.

Armand, an old man living on the streets of Paris, relishes his
solitary life in the beautiful city. He is happy with his carefree existence,
begging and doing odd jobs to keep himself warm and fed. With simple pleasures
and no cares, what more could he need?


Then one day just before Christmas, Armand
returns to his favorite spot beneath the bridge to find three cold and hungry
children. Although he has no interest in children, Armand soon finds himself
caring for the small family. It does not take Armand very long to realize that he
must do whatever it takes to get them a real home.

Children will treasure this warm and funny adventure of family, freedom, and Santa Claus. The book includes illustrations by Garth Williams, the acclaimed illustrator of E. B. White's Charlotte's Web and Laura Ingalls Wilder's Little House series.

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In-stock items normally dispatch within 1–2 business days. The ZIP-code estimator on this page is informational only; the final shipping method, price, and availability are confirmed at checkout for your full order.

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Eligible items can be returned within 30 days in accordance with our return policy.

Customer reviews

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AlbakiReads
Malaika Taylor

I highly recommend to for anyone looking for inner clarity

T
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Thomas DiMassa

Great service and fast service

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Ella

Great shopping experience! The book arrived quickly, was well packaged, and matched the description perfectly. I would definitely shop with you again

O
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Olivia

Smooth.