While Bradley is an “island” (10) at school without friends, he has a community at home, and the little animals symbolize his community. About Bradley’s collection of around 20 little animals, the narrator states, “They were all friends. And they all liked Bradley” (16). Bradley personifies them, turning them into humans. He gives them personalities and agency. They can talk. The lion screams, “Let’s hear it for Bradley” (17). Since Bradley isn’t ready to enter a real community—a group of other young people—he maintains his community of objects. Through the animals, Bradley reveals that he has the potential to be a compassionate person. He feeds them (bits of paper) and watches out for them.

At school, Bradley is mean and repellent. With his animals, he is teacherly and thoughtful. After Ronnie the Rabbit almost drowns in the pond (a grape juice stain), Bradley reminds her, “You shouldn’t have gone swimming right after eating” (18). The animals support Bradley too. Distraught over his mom’s meeting with Mrs. Ebbel, Ronnie comforts him, “Don’t cry. Everything will be all right” (23). Around the animals, Bradley can display emotion. He can be vulnerable. They’re a part of him—they’re his community.

Communities don’t always get along, and the animals also symbolize the conflicts groups can have.