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2023 USBBY Outstanding International Books
"As in George Orwell’s “Animal Farm,” the dynamics of oppression and resistance that play out between animals mirror those between humans." The New York Times
"The best animal adventure since Watership Down" — The Times (The Times Children's Book of the Week, July 3rd 2021
"Gripping and profound" — New Statesman
"A hugely original tale" — The Irish Times
"A thrilling adventure" — Meg Rosoff,author of How I Live Now
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.
Inspired by his own experience of having a son with speech difficulties, Wolfstongue is Sam Thompson's first novel for children.
Silas is a young boy who 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?
A The Times children's book of the week in 2021
'Thompson's writing vividly conveys the force with which nature and wildness strike an introverted city boy.' – The New York Times Book Review
'Sober, stirring fantasy.' The Wall Street Journal
‘Gripping and profound.’ – The New Statesman
‘Wolfstongue is a hugely original tale with classic influences and infrastructure.’ – The Irish Times
‘A startling entrance into children’s fiction.’ – The Echo
‘A stunning fantasy adventure.’ – Mayo News
‘One of the most extraordinary children’s books I’ve ever read.’ –Anthony McGowan, author of The Fall
‘An unforgettable fable. Raw, devastating and brilliantly written.’ – Lucy Strange, author of The Ghost of Midnight Lake
‘An edge-of-the-seat adventure.’ – Meg Rosoff, author of How I Live Now
‘Wolfstongue has classic written all over it.’ – Patricia Forde, author of The List
‘Thompson is a superb writer. There is a dreamlike quality to his prose.’ – Literary Review
‘Every now and again, a remarkable new children’s book comes along which is a pleasure to read, isn’t too long, and is filled with a sense of profound meaning and significance without ever feeling preachy. Wolfstongue is precisely this.’ – BookTrust
‘Brilliantly compelling whilst at the same time making profound comments about the way language and expression help to define us and, when limited, can equally confine us, really powerful.’ – Youth Libraries Group
‘This heart felt and exciting adventure has plenty to interest and reflect on.’ – Readers that Care
‘This is a wonderful story that will have you on the edge of your seat.’ – Addicted to Books
‘Children – and adults! – everywhere will certainly find comfort and magic within Wolfstongue’s pages.’ – Buzz Magazine
‘Lyrical, fierce, thoughtful, brave, emotional…a story of facing your fears and finding your voice. What a stunning book!’ – Fallen Star Stories
‘This is a wonderful book, it is heart warming, and full of adventure.’ – Bookbound
‘Wolfstongue is an absorbing read and perfect for fans of the natural world, intrigue and adventure.’ This Book is Brilliant!
‘A powerful story about standing up to bullies, doing what’s right and the power of language, this is a lyrical, beautiful children’s-book debut.’ – What I Read
‘Heady, lyrical and earthy.’ – Lily and the Fae