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Screenwise Verdict
This is the kind of middle-grade book that doesn't talk down to kids. Yes, it's about a boy who talks to animals, but it's also about extinction, isolation, and finding the courage to act when everything feels hopeless. The opening—Kester locked away, unable to speak—is heavy, and the environmental themes are genuinely grim. But it's balanced with genuine invention (ninety-nine pigeons! a bossy cockroach!) and characters who are funny, flawed, and brave.
Parents consistently note it's darker than expected but worth it for the emotional and environmental lessons. It's not a breezy read, but it's the kind of book that sticks with kids and builds real empathy for the natural world. If your kid is ready for something with stakes and heart, this delivers.
Age Fit
Best for ages 9-12. The environmental stakes and opening scenes (locked facility, grim extinction themes) need a reader mature enough to handle darkness, but the adventure, humor, and talking animals keep it squarely middle-grade. Confident readers on the younger end can handle it; older kids will appreciate the depth.
WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
82
Models loyalty, bravery, and cooperation between diverse, imperfect characters. The tone balances grim environmental themes with humor and hope. Parent reviews consistently note the heroes are 'vulnerable, funny, loyal and very brave.' The protagonist's muteness and isolation are handled sensitively, showing growth through connection.
Imaginative
88
A boy who can only speak to animals, rescued by ninety-nine pigeons crashing through windows, aided by a bossy cockroach—this is genuinely inventive stuff. Eoin Colfer calls it 'hugely inventive,' and The Times compares it to James and the Giant Peach for thrilling originality. The premise invites kids to imagine a world where animals are fading and only one child can hear them.
Safe
78
Parent reviews note 'a lot in the book that is grim'—extinction, disease threatening animals, a child locked in a facility for troubled children. These are heavy themes but handled appropriately for middle-grade readers. No graphic violence, sexual content, or surprise traumatic elements. The darkness is thematic (environmental collapse) rather than gratuitous. Recommended for Year 5-6 (ages 9-11) by BookTrust.
Enriching
86
Tackles environmental extinction, animal welfare, and human responsibility in an accessible way. Builds empathy for the natural world while exploring themes of communication, belonging, and finding your voice (literally and metaphorically). The diversity and vulnerability of characters offer emotional growth opportunities. Publishers Weekly and Kirkus note the 'tender yet peculiar view of animals' and alternating tones that challenge young readers.
Parent Info
✓
Why It Might Be Great
Genuinely original premise—talking animals, environmental stakes, and a hero who finds his voice through connection
Balances serious themes (extinction, isolation) with humor and oddball characters like a bossy cockroach
Heroes are diverse, imperfect, funny, and brave—great modeling without being preachy
Builds real empathy for animals and environmental responsibility without feeling like a lecture
Strong 4.5 Amazon rating and endorsements from Eoin Colfer and major reviewers
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What to Watch For
The book opens with Kester locked in a facility for troubled children—could be intense for sensitive kids
Environmental themes are genuinely grim (mass extinction, disease wiping out animals)
Not a light read—alternates between thrilling, somber, and silly tones
Best for kids ready to handle darker subject matter wrapped in adventure
Conversation Starters
"If you could talk to animals like Kester, which one would you want to have a conversation with first?"
"The book shows animals going extinct because of a disease—what do you think we can do in real life to protect animals?"
"Kester couldn't speak to humans at first. Have you ever felt like no one was listening to you? How did you find your voice?"
"Why do you think the author made the cockroach bossy instead of, say, a majestic eagle?"
"If the last animals needed your help, what would you be willing to risk to save them?"
