For Readers: Blog

A little birdie told me...

Springtime is here! Ish – we’re still in northern Illinois, of course. But the trees are budding, the birds are singing, the animals are…speaking? Talking animals are not just for picture books and animated movies anymore. Check out these titles that feature at least one chatty, furry character in stories that range from fantastical to humorous to philosophical.

Behemoth from The Master and Margarita is one of the most famous talking cats in all of literature. Wise-cracking and vodka-drinking, he is a member of Professor Woland’s entourage when he descends on Moscow. This classic satire tells the story of what happens when the devil arrives in an officially atheist state. Woland and his crew target high-ranking party officials in an attempt to create chaos in the city – with a lot of success. However, their chaos reunites The Master and Margarita, two lovers who had been estranged after The Master’s Pontius Pilate novel was rejected. Darkly funny and clever, Bulgakov’s novel remains an important read today.

Memoirs of a Polar Bear by Yoko Tawada follows three generations of a renowned family of writers. What makes them even more unique than their talent? They all happen to be polar bears. Told in three parts, the novel follows one bear in each section, diving into their lives in human society as bears and circus performers. First, the grandmother relates her time in the Soviet Union and her immigration to first Canada and then East Germany. Second, the mother’s story is told through communication with her handler at the circus, the two of them having a close friendship. Lastly, the son lives a happy life in the Berlin zoo with a caretaker who loves him – but what happens when his keeper is suddenly gone one day?

Inspired by the Hadhrami diaspora, The House of Rust by Khadija Abdalla Bajaber is a coming-of-age quest with a fantastical twist. When Aisha’s father goes missing on a fishing trip, she ventures off in a skeleton boat with a scholar – who just so happens to be a cat – in order to rescue him. The end of the journey promises a confrontation with Baba wa Papa, the father of all sharks and a terrifying sea monster. But along the way, she encounters and befriends other sea monsters and creatures that help her learn more about her father and his life story. This quietly magical story was the first ever winner of the Graywolf Press African Fiction Prize and is perfect for fans of Zeyn Joukhadar and Yaa Gyasi. 

Just because talking animals aren’t just for the kids’ movies, doesn’t mean they can’t still be fun! These next titles prove that adults can have just as much whimsy in their stories. Mimi Lee Gets a Clue by Jennifer Chow is a fresh take on a classic trope: cat-themed cozy mysteries. Marshmallow, Mimi’s sassy and spunky cat, exposes a local breeder for mistreating his pups. The day after Mimi confronts him, he’s found murdered and Mimi finds herself on the top of the suspect list. In order to clear her name, Mimi jumps into investigating with the help of her neighbor. Will she be able to solve whodunnit? 

At this year’s Academy Awards, an adaptation of The Boy, The Mole, The Fox, and The Horse won for Best Animated Short. Before this tale graced screens, it was a touching little illustrated book for anyone, whether you’re “eight or eighty” – or so says the author, Charlie Mackesy. Four friends of all different sizes and walks of life encounter each other on a journey home. As they trek throughout the springtime afternoon, they discuss what it means to love and be loved. The ink illustrations and handwritten dialogue add to the charm of the story, which is just a little bit like a warm hug. 

Three Bags Full by Leonie Swann, translated by Anthea Bell is a charming murder mystery with some unusual investigators. One morning, George, a shepherd in a tiny Irish village, is found by his flock of sheep stabbed with a spade. The sheep loved George, as he was an attentive caretaker who even read to them every night, so they vow to solve his murder. Each night they trek out into the village to look for clues, investigate suspects, and engage in philosophical conversations about crime, friendship, and books. Endearing and funny, these wooly detectives have a lot to say and are sure to delight readers of all sorts. If you like the humor and wit of Douglas Adams, this one is definitely for you. 
 

⏤Emily