This is another title with a great concept which needs some work in terms of overall execution and presentation. I'm drawn to stories about people loving and accepting the children in their lives who have differences, however they manifest themselves. So I was excited to pick up this title, especially after reading the author's backstory and the notes at the end. The illustrations are beautiful with a dark, mossy tone to them that underscores the hidden and comforting nature of the woods. I love the prologue which shows how little Fin the goldfish chose Mama and Papa Bear to be his parents, and their unwavering excitement about having someone to love as part of their family. Zanotti shows the instant bond that the parents and child have with each other. The other forest creatures exhibit a myriad of reactions upon seeing the new baby, from similarly elated to skeptical, but the Bear family gently reaffirms their love for little Fin. I can see this as a reassuring read for children who may wonder about their own place, one that makes them feel confident in the gift that they are, as all children are.

In terms of the execution mentioned above, the main concern I have with the book is that I wanted more. More of the bear family's daily life and activities with their new fishy "cub," more reactions from their forest friends as they grow to love and support Fin, more of Fin's own thoughts and ways of experiencing the world around him, including interacting with other new arrivals like himself. (Are there other bear neighbors or extended family nearby, for example.) I loved the message, and was touched by the ending with the entire forest community gathering to do something that Fin enjoys in his natural environment, supporting and loving him in the process. But the book feels more like a series of vignettes across a few pages versus one coherent story, and the ending was a bit abrupt for me. There's a lot of potential here and I'd like to see the story develop further.

3.5 stars.


Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Red Comet Press (Publisher Spotlight) for this DRC in exchange for a fair and honest review. The thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

I was disappointed with this story as the idea is very sweet, but not well executed.
The plot is riddled with holes disjointing the story. I kept flipping my phone all around trying to make sure I wasn't missing any pages or words on one side of the page since the digital copy didn't work well to interact with and read. It felt like there were pages missing to connect the action as things progressed without moving smoothly.
It would be pretty simple to add the necessary action and pages to bring the story together, and hopefully they do update this book in the future.
As it currently is I cannot recommend this book.

This book was absolutely adorable! The first thing I really enjoyed about this book was the simplicity of it. Sentences are short and straightforward, which makes this a great book for younger young kids. Adding onto that, nothing about the story is lost due to the minimalism, which is a delicate balance that the author appeared to have found effortlessly. As for the central idea, it was awesome! This book is really one-of-a-kind, and it is something fresh and different in the best and most beautiful way possible. What makes this book even more in-depth in the varying reactions from the side characters; it helps build a richer world and packs the book with emotion. The way that all of the characters came together in the end was so heartwarming and a perfect way to finish the story. I literally have nothing bad to say about this book. Bravo!!

What an absolutely lovely book with a brilliant light (yet deep) story and beautiful illustrations. The theme opens discussion for people or animals that are different and how we can adjust, be accepting, and open to new things. Loved this book. Thank you for the opportunity to read in exchange for an honest review.

A Surprise in the Wood is a charming story about two bears who decide to adopt a child and are quite surprised when their new addition turns out to be a young goldfish. However, this baby is their own and Fin knows that as soon as he saw them, he wanted them as his very own parents. This story teaches the important values of love and family inclusivity.

A Surprise in the Wood is a very sweet book about accepting the surprises of life and the differences of others, loving them and their differences unconditionally, and modeling, teaching, and encouraging others to do the same. The book follows mama and papa bear who are blessed with a cub that is far different from the cub they, or their forest friends, expected. Mama and papa bear see the many positives about their newly adopted cub, while their friends point out all of the negatives. The opinions of others don't stop mama and papa bear from loving their cub and making adaptations to their own lives in order for their new family to all be together. Overall a beautiful story with a great message!

What a sweet book. The art style was perfect for a woodsy tale. I appreciate this book showing how wonderful it is to accept and include your adoptive child - and adapt for them as well.

This book was unlike any children's book I've ever seen or read but I thoroughly enjoyed it! It tells the tale of two parents being blessed with a "cub" who looks a bit differently than everyone thought he may. Mama & Papa Bear love their cub unconditionally and go out of their way to help their new cub thrive despite his "differences." My favorite character was frog honestly, everyone needs a friend like them! The illustrations were super unique as well!

A special delivery comes to 29 Wood Lane. Mama Bear and Papa Bear had been expecting a bear cub, but, instead, a fish they name Fin. Other animals see only what Fin CAN'T do, but Mama and Papa Bear see all the things Fin can. A wonderful, wonderful fable about special-needs children. I wish this could be required reading for elementary classes!

In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley, Publisher Spotlight and Red Comet Press in exchange for an honest review.