A SURPRISE IN THE WOOD

Two bears adopt an unusual cub.

One night, “a fine thread descend[s] from a star” and deposits Mama and Papa Bear’s child at 29 Wood Lane. Though initially startled to discover their “cub” is a goldfish, the parents welcome Fin warmly. Other forest dwellers are skeptical (“Since when do two bears adopt a fish?”), though kindly Frog praises Fin’s bubble-blowing skills. At sunrise, the family moves to Lakeside Lane, where they’ll be able to swim with Fin. Finding the bears’ abode empty, the animals troop to Lakeside Lane, and all join Fin for a swim, negative remarks forgotten. The backmatter explains that the story was inspired by Rosita and Giorgio Boniotti, whose adopted son, Davide, has Allan–Herndon–Dudley syndrome; the Boniottis founded Una Vita Rara, an organization dedicated to raising awareness of this rare congenital disease. Scuderi’s lush paintings deftly blend realistic animal depictions and subtle emotional expressions. Sadly, Zanotti’s text, translated from Italian, is somewhat muddled. Though the bears’ acceptance of Fin is stirring, the other animals’ change of heart feels abrupt. The assertions that Fin “[chose] his parents” and “before he was born, he knew they were waiting” may comfort some readers but will alienate others, particularly since the dedication from the Boniottis mentions Davide’s “choice to live in silence in this immobile body.” Those who don’t share the belief that babies choose their lots in life may find the suggestion problematic enough to overshadow the story’s inclusive message.

A well-meaning but uneven exploration of adoption.