The Family Under the Bridge

Armand was happy with his life as a hobo on the streets of Paris, with no job, no responsibilities, and no family. Then one winter day he discovered the three young Calcet children—Suzy, Paul and Evelyne—and their dog Jo-Jo under the bridge where he liked to shelter during the cold season. Evicted from their home, the children were living with their mother on the streets, afraid to seek shelter lest they be separated from one another by the authorities. Slowly, Armand began to take these "starlings" under his wing, helping them and their mother evade some well-meaning busybodies, and finding them shelter with his gypsy friends. But the old man knew in his heart that this family needed a home, and that somehow, he must help them to show more find it...

Published in 1958, The Family Under the Bridge was one of four Newbery Honor Books in 1959—the others were Along Came a Dog by Meindert DeJong, Chúcaro: Wild Pony of the Pampa by Francis Kalnay, and The Perilous Road by William O. Steele—and is a brief, beginning chapter-book for the younger intermediate set. Given its reputation, and the fact that so many of my friends seem to have loved it, I fully expected to be charmed by it myself, especially as the theme of a homeless family finally finding a home is one I always find heartwarming, a Christmas setting has great appeal for me, and the artwork of illustrator Garth Williams is a nostalgic favorite. For the most part, I was not disappointed, entering into the story with sympathy for both Armand and the Calcet children, rooting for their eventual discovery that they are in fact one big family, and happily triumphant at the conclusion, in which they find their home (and Armand finds his purpose). I don't know that I was as emotionally involved in the story, as I expected to be, given all of the above, but I certainly found it very engaging, and can see why it is a childhood favorite for so many. Recommended to young readers who are just getting into longer novels, and who enjoy heartwarming family stories set at the holidays. show less

Nice little story about an old homeless man who lives on the streets of Paris. He likes his freedom from what he considers the burdens of responsibilities like a job. He’s disgruntled one day to come ‘home’ and find three children huddled in his spot under a bridge, waiting for their mother. They’ve lost the place they rented and can’t quite afford a new one yet. Our tramp (the book uses this word repeatedly) doesn’t want anything to do with someone else’s children, but finds his heart gradually softening towards them. First he takes advantage of their cuteness and sweet voices to help him panhandle, then he takes them to meet his friends in a gypsy camp (another objectionable word used in this book) and later he ends up show more helping them find a new place to live. And realizing that being a little settled down with family to care for (who also care for you) isn’t so bad after all. The story is replete with Christmas season details and some light humor. I found it quite charming, which wasn’t my expectations at all. I thought it would be stuffy and old-fashioned and it is some of that, but really I liked it better than I had anticipated. show less

I have mixed feelings about this book and I want to do a fair review. This book was published in 1958, and things were different back then. I can't imagine this happening 60 years later in France, America, or anywhere else.

There's a couple of things I can't help but sternly disapprove of. When Madame Calcet criticizes the gypsies because she's worried about her children, Armand dismisses the gypsies' tendencies (it reputation) to steal, and sounds as if he is ok with their stealing because apparently they don't know better. Also, Armand has expressed a strong dislike of bathing, which makes me wonder why the children and Madame Calcet never complain about his odor, I imagine he would be smelling pretty god-awful.

The ending is also show more really cliched. Yes, this is a children's book (for primary school-age kids) and briefly touches upon the negative aspect of homelessness but I still found the ending grating. Yes, again, this book was written 60 years ago, in a different time, so my final verdict is that this book simply has not aged well. It certainly isn't a book I would give to my children, and I'm glad I got this book for free. It was also a really quick read, I finished it in less than a hour. show less

I honestly found this book to be quite depressing. The ending was good but the whole journey to get there was quite sad. I did think that it had a good message though of not judging others, especially when it came to the gypsies. Although that part was sad too, when they just assume they're in trouble and they will never know what they missed out on. It was heartbreaking when Armand keeps promising the children a house and then keeps breaking the promise.

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.

Sweet, touching, and hopeful, "The Family under the Bridge" is a great book to read around those hectic December holidays if you want a good story that preaches peace and joy and the importance of family, regardless of how 'family' is defined.

Centered around Armand, a career hobo, the story follows how an unexpected meeting with a recently impoverished family challenges and changes the world views of both Armand and the family. Though some aspects of the book are outdated and would likely be viewed as either politically incorrect or severe wishful thinking, I admire that the author attempted to tell a story centered around groups of people largely considered undesirables by society and treating them in a humane light. I honestly can't show more think of any other children's book that teaches solid moral lessons and wherein the protagonist is a hobo. show less

Armand, an old homeless man, forms an unlikely family with three homeless children under a Paris bridge, finding joy and a sense of belonging. As they prepare for Christmas, their bond deepens, showing the power of family in the most unlikely places.This book reminded me that home is more about whom you’re with than where you are.