Carla Gunn

I don't think I have ever felt so uncertain as to how I feel about a novel before. Sometimes I liked it but most times I just felt a little lost and maybe that was the whole point of the story. I had a hard time seeing things through the eyes of a younger child and honestly, the kid just annoyed me most of the time. I will say that I didn't read this, I listened to it which may have ruined it a bit for me. The narrator sounded more like a CBC radio host with a somewhat monotonous voice - not the voice you would expect for an 8 year old boy. I think they should have picked someone with more of a child's voice. Also, I have only ever met one child my entire life that was as smart as the main character so in a way the whole thing was a bit unbelievable for me. Now, there were a few times I caught myself feeling a little choked up so I have to give it three stars for that emotional response the story gave me. Even though this wasn't my favorite story, I am proud that a New Brunswick author has succeeded in getting published. I will be watching for Carla to release another novel since I do want to see what more she has to offer.… (mehr)

I have met a few young boys like Phin who are in love with nature and absorb information like sphagnum moss and dew. These same boys are imaginative and creative, also like Phin, and quick to create fantasy worlds that are quite perceptive. I love the satire of Phin's Ruell and the Gorachs.
I am partial to any book with a unique narrative voice, and this one sits on the shelf beside Curious Incident about the Dog in the Night-time by Mark Haddon and Come Thou Tortoise by Jessica Grant. The unconventional thought patterns that are also so logical make for a captivating read. That the book packs in so much additional content -- animal rights, environmental activism, broken family dynamics, playground bullies -- makes this book a keeper.
It's suitable for kids as young as 12, if they are voracious readers and feel passionate about animals, but is very relevant for adults, too, so that they may reconceptualize the world as a sixth grader may perceive it.… (mehr)