From Publishers Weekly
Life grows very interesting indeed for British sisters Kate and Angela when Kate's beloved pet bullfinch, Mr. Bull, reveals that he and all the other local birds and beasts speak fluent English. Together, the girls and Mr. Bull set out to rescue all animals from the cruelty of blood sports. The first step, of course, is to ensure peace among the animals themselves: cats must no longer hunt birds and mice, and dogs are forbidden to chase cats (it is here that the tale's logic first grows fuzzy: readers may well wonder how carnivores will survive in this newly gentle world). Next, with the help of a handful of human and animal neighbors, the girls set about warning and hiding the potential victims of hunters and fishers. Wesley's ( Haphazard House ; A Sensible Life ) skillful, atmospheric storytelling keeps readers from dwelling on such questions as why, if the animals are so smart, they have had to wait for the children to organize them. The grisly English pastimes of badger baiting and otter hunting are likely to be unfamiliar to an American audience, but this fantasy's animal-rights message comes through loud and clear. Ages 12-up.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
Grade 6-8-Kate is quite shocked one day to discover that her pet bullfinch can speak-as can all of the domestic and wild creatures in the area. She and her sister Angela decide to team up with the boys next door to save the animals from hunters, trappers, and fishermen. The youngsters convince the creatures to form a communications network and warning system that can be set off whenever a hunt is on. No one catches any wildlife all summer, which causes a rift in the community, much to the delight of the children. In the end, the animals decide to stop speaking to humans. The plot is ill-developed and confusing, and it seems from the beginning as if readers have come in late and missed something. The girls' crusade has no foundation or explanation. Kate's first-person narration is flat and offers little insight into other characters. The ending is abrupt and leaves things unresolved. It is unclear why the animals have decided not to speak anymore or what will happen to the crusade as a result. Janet Taylor Lisle's Forest (Orchard, 1993) is a far more thoughtful choice for insight into animal/human symbiosis and conflict.
Cheri Estes, Dorchester Road Regional Library, Charleston, SCCopyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
