Simona and Her Forest Family

The extraordinary true story of scientist Simona Kossak, who lived among the animals she studied in the secluded Polish wilderness, comes to vivid life in this enchanting picture book biography.

Though she was born into a family of cosmopolitan artists, from a very young age Simona Kossak set her heart on a life studying animals and living in their world. Once she was old enough, in the 1970s, Simona moved from the city in Poland where she was born to a cabin nestled in the wilderness.

Over time, Simona grew her forest family, nursing injured animals back to health and fostering orphaned critters, all while learning their ways. Though the townsfolk accused her of being a witch, Simona remained devoted to her mission, transforming her modest house into a home for the wildlife she cared for. Her compassion and respect for the rescued animals earned her the trust of the forest animals, and their worlds became one.

This moving story brings to light Simona Kossak’s extraordinary and unconventional scientific pursuits, teaching young readers that by paying attention to the natural world and having compassion for all living things, they can find friendship in unexpected places.