Ava and Arlo Find Their Forever Family

Ava and Arlo Find Their Forever Family Written by Maria Maldanado A heartwarming story about adoption, belonging, and love Page 1 — Title Page Ava and Arlo Find Their Forever Family Written by Maria Maldanado Illustration: Ava and Arlo holding paws in a flower-filled woodland garden, with Mama and Papa Alligator, Felix, Bella, and Oliver in the background. Match the approved cover's watercolor style. Page 2 — Copyright Copyright © 2026 Maria Maldanado All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission from the copyright holder, except as permitted by law. Illustration: A small watercolor cluster of woodland flowers, maple leaves, and tiny acorns. Page 3 — Dedication For every child waiting to find their place in the world, and every family whose love makes room for one more. Illustration: Two little armadillo pawprints winding toward a cozy woodland cottage. Page 4 — Two Little Armadillos Deep in a peaceful woodland lived two little armadillos named Ava and Arlo. Ava loved flowers, stories, and asking big questions. Arlo loved adventures, climbing over rocks, and discovering new things. They were twins, and they shared almost everything. Most of all, they shared a dream. Illustration: Ava with her lavender bow and Arlo with his sage-green neckerchief playing beneath a great oak tree. Page 5 — A Big Question Sometimes Ava watched families playing together in the meadow. She saw foxes cuddling, rabbits hopping beside their parents, and little bears holding paws with their grown-ups. “Arlo,” she asked one evening, “what do you think it feels like to have a family of your own?” Arlo thought for a moment. “I think it feels like having somewhere you belong.” Ava smiled. “I hope we find that someday.” Illustration: The twins looking across a sunny meadow at different woodland families. Page 6 — Oliver Has News At the woodland children's home, Oliver the Owl looked after the little animals. Oliver wore round spectacles and a blue vest, and he always listened carefully. One morning, he called Ava and Arlo into his office. “I have some wonderful news,” he said. “A kind alligator couple would like to meet you both.” Ava's eyes grew wide. “Both of us?” “Both of you,” Oliver promised. Illustration: Oliver speaking gently to the twins in his cozy office, filled with books and leafy decorations. Page 7 — Excited and Nervous Ava fluttered with excitement. Arlo bounced up and down. But then Ava grew quiet. “What if they don't like us?” she whispered. Arlo's smile faded. “What if we don't know how to be their children?” Oliver leaned closer. “You don't have to know everything today. You only have to take one little step at a time.” Illustration: The twins sitting beside Oliver, showing a mixture of excitement and worry. Page 8 — The Journey The next morning, Oliver walked with the twins along a winding garden path. They passed tall sunflowers, tiny bluebells, and trees that whispered in the breeze. At the end of the path stood a charming cottage. Two friendly alligators waited beside the gate. “Welcome, Ava and Arlo!” they called. The twins held paws. Their new story was about to begin. Illustration: The cottage and garden, with Mama and Papa Alligator waiting at the gate. Page 9 — Mama and Papa Alligator Mama Alligator wore a lavender cardigan and a flower-print dress. Papa Alligator wore a blue shirt and warm brown suspenders. They both had gentle smiles. “We're so happy to meet you,” Mama said. Papa knelt down. “You can take your time getting to know us,” he told them. “We want you to feel safe and comfortable here.” Ava looked at Arlo. Maybe this place could become home. Illustration: The alligator parents greeting the twins at their eye level. Page 10 — Two New Siblings Suddenly, an orange fox came bounding around the cottage. “I'm Felix!” he announced. “Want to see my collection of shiny stones?” Behind him peeked a cream-colored bunny. “I'm Bella,” she said softly. “I planted flowers in the garden. Would you like to see?” Ava smiled at Bella. Arlo grinned at Felix. Then Bella added, “Mama and Papa adopted us, too.” The twins looked at each other in surprise. Illustration: Felix energetically introducing himself while Bella smiles shyly beside him. Page 11 — A New Kind of Family At lunchtime, everyone gathered around the kitchen table. Mama served vegetable soup, and Papa brought out warm bread. Felix told a funny story about falling into a pile of leaves. Bella showed Ava a tiny drawing of the garden. Ava and Arlo began to laugh. Their family looked different from the families they had seen before. But around that table, everyone had a place. Illustration: All six family members sharing a meal in a cozy cottage kitchen. Page 12 — A Room of Their Own After lunch, Mama showed Ava her new bedroom. There was a little bed with a lavender quilt and a shelf for her favorite things. Papa showed