Discworld for kids, although this book is so enjoyable that I can't imagine any sensible adult disdaining it for that reason. And like the better Discworld novels, there's something so angry and human and compassionate about it, something so aware of failings. Of the capacity for failure, and for other things as well...

Maurice, who was forced out of cat-hood, who tries so hard not to be a cat (to check if his dinner has language skills and a personality), and is still at heart a cat regardless. He's wonderful. So much more enjoyable than Gaspode (another Discword animal, and one I'm almost wholly indifferent to). Maybe it's just the cats. I love Maurice and Greebo and Meep...

I like Darktan too, the trap disposal rat who learns to see more than gears and iron bars, the possibility of fire...

I wish I'd read this as a kid.