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kjahewitt's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
desjay98's review against another edition
4.0
More like 4.5 stars.
This was a fantastic book to read with my brother. It talks about homelessness and the importance of family. Most of the book is centered around a family struggling to stick together in the streets of Paris, and a hobo named Armand taking them under his wing when they wormed their way into his heart.
Although this was one of my favorite books when I was younger I feel like there was something missing. I can't tell you what is, I guess I wanted more of the story.
This was a fantastic book to read with my brother. It talks about homelessness and the importance of family. Most of the book is centered around a family struggling to stick together in the streets of Paris, and a hobo named Armand taking them under his wing when they wormed their way into his heart.
Although this was one of my favorite books when I was younger I feel like there was something missing. I can't tell you what is, I guess I wanted more of the story.
crayolabird's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars rounded up
The curmudgeonly Armand is happy with his simple life. He rambles the streets of Paris during the day, gathering bits of food and scraps of goods then stays cozy under a bridge along the Seine at night. He doesn't need work or a home to make his life feel complete. Well, he DIDN'T, until those three little children showed up under HIS bridge in HIS spot. Soon Armand finds he can't help himself from caring about these little ones and their mom which makes this Christmas season one that will change everything for him.
I read this book outloud to my two eleven year old sons. We appreciated Armand's gruffness and how he softens as he starts to create a relationship with this little family in need. The ending made my kids so happy, it was very cool to see them be invested in a story about homelessness and family-you-choose. For myself, it definitely feels dated and we actually had a conversation about the term "Gypsy" to describe people (it was written in the 1950s) and we decided together that we'd use the term "traveller" instead because sometimes that word is used as a slur and I couldn't actually tell if this group in the book is Roma or not. So I just substituted when I read but this did lead to some interesting discussion about people who live a nomadic lifestyle and they are definitely shown in a positive light in the book.
I'm not sure I could get away with reading it to my boys if they were much older but I'm glad we tried this little story. Both of my sons gave it five stars at the end. I'm probably more of three or three and a half so we'll round to four.
The curmudgeonly Armand is happy with his simple life. He rambles the streets of Paris during the day, gathering bits of food and scraps of goods then stays cozy under a bridge along the Seine at night. He doesn't need work or a home to make his life feel complete. Well, he DIDN'T, until those three little children showed up under HIS bridge in HIS spot. Soon Armand finds he can't help himself from caring about these little ones and their mom which makes this Christmas season one that will change everything for him.
I read this book outloud to my two eleven year old sons. We appreciated Armand's gruffness and how he softens as he starts to create a relationship with this little family in need. The ending made my kids so happy, it was very cool to see them be invested in a story about homelessness and family-you-choose. For myself, it definitely feels dated and we actually had a conversation about the term "Gypsy" to describe people (it was written in the 1950s) and we decided together that we'd use the term "traveller" instead because sometimes that word is used as a slur and I couldn't actually tell if this group in the book is Roma or not. So I just substituted when I read but this did lead to some interesting discussion about people who live a nomadic lifestyle and they are definitely shown in a positive light in the book.
I'm not sure I could get away with reading it to my boys if they were much older but I'm glad we tried this little story. Both of my sons gave it five stars at the end. I'm probably more of three or three and a half so we'll round to four.
cinnamonsweetpotatofries's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
stephanieshepherd's review against another edition
3.0
I've seen this book listed on lots of favorite books lists, but I guess I just wasn't as wowed by it as others. It was a sweet story of a French hobo who takes a little family under his wings as they are forced to live on the streets (and under a bridge) after the father/husband's death. Through the course of the book, the crusty hobo learns to care for the family and helps them out.
A sweet story ... not my favorite I've ever read, but still sweet.
A sweet story ... not my favorite I've ever read, but still sweet.
hldavids's review against another edition
3.0
Armand lives the carefree life of a hobo (even though he doesn't necessarily consider himself one). He loves the unattached life and avoids children (starlings as he calls them) at all costs - knowing how they can tie you down. Then one day, he comes upon a ready-made family in his spot under the bridge. He tries to avoid them, but sure enough - they steal his heart.
Ties in well with the character counts pillar of Responsibility.
Ties in well with the character counts pillar of Responsibility.
beckybo's review against another edition
4.0
I decided to pick up a classic. It was a delightful story about an old hobo on the streets of Paris who comes across a family of homeless children. A sobering book, but not too heartwrenching - you can still laugh with this one. A good book for these hard economic times.
mn_nikki's review against another edition
4.0
Despite some outdated/inappropriate words (like gypsy, which I used as a learning opportunity) I thought this was a good story about the ups & downs of life and community and friendship. Also, how we can change when our circumstances change - even if it's to help someone other than ourselves.
marissa_atherton's review against another edition
5.0
A heartwarming story of a man who decides to let love into his heart as he befriends a family of young children whose father has just died (their mother is working during the day, but doesn’t make enough to pay their rent anymore). Their journey toward becoming a family of their own and overcoming pride in the process.
Takes place in Paris in the time surrounding Christmas.
Takes place in Paris in the time surrounding Christmas.
lovememybooks's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0