The Carnival of Animals is an "eclectic recounting of personal experiences with animals we will never forget." More than an account of cute animals, this is a book that explores the value of life itself. Over their many years together, the Smiths have learned from their animal friends to distinguish what is truly important in a life well lived. They’ve been taught lessons about patience, loyalty, affection, bravery, humor, and tenacity from a revolving menagerie of animals both domestic and wild. In addition to numerous cats and dogs, the Smith back yard in the Berkeley, California hills is regularly visited by raccoons, skunks, opossums, deer, even a coyote—a veritable carnival of animals.