The Times Children's Book of the Week
"The best animal adventure since Watership Down... I predict howls of approval—and prizes." —The Times
"Gripping and profound." —New Statesman
"Astonishing. One of the most extraordinary children's books I've ever read." —Anthony McGowan
"A hugely original tale with classic influences." —The Irish Times
The children's debut by Booker-longlisted author Sam Thompson is an engrossing, thoughtful, beautifully written story about humans and animals, voice and power, neurodiversity and acceptance.
Silas is bullied at school because his words will not come. He wishes he could live in silence as animals do.
Deep in the Forest, the foxes live in an underground city built by their wolf slaves. The foxes' leader Reynard controls everything with his clever talk.
One day, Silas helps an injured wolf. Then he enters the secret world of the Forest, where the last remaining wolves fight to survive. But even there, language is power.
Can Silas find his voice in time to help his wolf friends – can he become the Wolfstongue?