The Family Under the Bridge Book by Natalie Savage Carlson

The Family Under the Bridge 

by Natalie Savage Carlson

This is a heart warming story about an old man named Armand.  Armand is a hobo who lives in Paris, under a bridge. He begs and does odd jobs for money to take care of himself and buy food. One day he finds a mother and her three children in his "home", under the bridge. At first he is gruff and unhappy about sharing the bridge, but in time he begins to like and help care for this poor homeless family. As Christmas nears, the children ask for nothing except a home of their own and Armand comes up with a plan to make their wish come true. 

This is the first book that I've read by Natalie Savage Carlson.  She has written a beautiful, sensitive story full of humor, insight and wisdom. With fast paced, interesting scenes, young readers will be able to identify with the characters of the children in the story and begin to understand the meaning of family and the rewards of giving and accepting help from others. The Family Under the Bridge is a thoughtful, heartwarming story that has inspired our after school program to help homeless families.