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.