Book review: ‘Animal Listeners’
Animal Listeners: The Awakening of Quinby Clark by R. Aveen. Animal Listeners Press, 2024. Softcover, 478 pages.
Quinby Clark, the heroine of R. Aveen’s engaging young adult fantasy novel, was not happy at home or school. Her family was not kind to her, and she fared no better at school where she was seen as disorganized and disruptive. That all changed the day a magpie spoke to her.
So begins Quinby’s journey into the world of Animal Listeners, a secret society of people who can also converse with many types of creatures. When Mr. Magpie arranges for Quinby’s scholarship to a boarding school to expand her abilities with animals, her prospects become brighter as she falls into the school’s routines and studies. She is quick to form close friendships, despite the malicious gossip spread by her jealous roommate.
Yes, there is a hint of Harry Potter in Aveen’s work. But the plot similarities fade as Quinby becomes absorbed in discovering her talents and uses them for the good of animals and saves the day when crisis strikes. Part of the delight of this tale is encountering all the animals with whom Quinby talks. From cats and dogs to the more exotic kangaroos and bats, readers learn how humans and animals work together for the good of all Earth’s creatures and the environment.
An Australia native now residing in the United States, Aveen brings a sense of authenticity to the novel with her language and descriptions of nature. The title and subtitle suggest that this book might be the first in a series, and I know I would not be alone in looking forward to more adventures with Quinby and her friends.
Are you the author or publisher of a book about animals that you would like considered for review? Please send the details to editor@bestfriends.org.
Let's make every shelter and every community no-kill
Our goal at Best Friends is to support all animal shelters in the U.S. in reaching no-kill. No-kill means saving every dog and cat in a shelter who can be saved, accounting for community safety and good quality of life for pets.
Shelter staff can’t do it alone. Saving animals in shelters is everyone’s responsibility, and it takes support and participation from the community. No-kill is possible when we work together thoughtfully, honestly, and collaboratively.
You can help save homeless pets
You can help end the killing in shelters and save the lives of homeless pets when you foster, adopt, and advocate for the dogs and cats who need it most.
Saving lives around the country
Together, we're creating compassionate no-kill communities nationwide for pets and the people who care for them.
Get inspiring animal rescue stories delivered straight to your inbox
Never miss a feel-good animal story. When you give us your email, we’ll send you inspiring animal rescue stories each week, along with tips on different ways you can help save homeless pets in your community and beyond.