by Seattle Author Amanda Lorenzo by Seattle Author Amanda Lorenzo “The Runt Farm books are filled with hope and humor, showing children a family of characters who don't "match" but who take each other into their hearts and make a fine life together. The stories are a good counterbalance to the idea that there are only limited templates dictating who we can love and take care of.” Runt Farm is a place where all animals are welcome, even weasels (as long as they don’t eat mice). About the Runt Farm Series Published by BooktiMookti Press, the Runt Farm books are a series of illustrated middle readers for ages 6 – 10 that feature a non-traditional family of animals. The story begins with a couple of orphans who adopt each other: a young, tough-guy cat and his duckling sidekick who take over an old abandoned barn. Two extra-smart Mom and Pop mice named Tooth and Cletus soon arrive, having recently escaped from the evil NAARF laboratory. In Book 2, a brave, bossy bunny and a squirrel with an impeccable flair join the family ranks. The mice engage in delightful, vocabulary-building banter as they seek to provide stability and safety for their adopted multi-species brood. Strange inventions emerge from Cletus’ workshop as the animals pull together in rescues and close calls involving wily weasels and nefarious NAARFers, giving readers a good look at a healthy example of “found family.” Adoptive, foster, and other families celebrating diversity will appreciate how this close-knit group gets through tough times, solves their differences, encourages the underdog, and grows ever closer with each new adventure.
