i don't really understand all the wondefull critic of this novel. It is not a bad book but I can't say it is a really good one neither. I remember the 1993 movie from my younger years in a very good way, but this book, maybe I'm too old, feel a bit repetitive. The animal find themself in a problem, they solved it, a predator, they beat him, then they encounter humans, great, and repeat these three in different order again. The animal don't talk wich is different from the movie, more realistic sure, but it feel less interesting to me. I though about giving two stars, but I gave three because of the good message of hope, friendship and the importance of standing together and helping each other. That message his demonstrate time and time again by the animal's action. I don't dislike it, but can't say it will be remember as a classic for me, the story is just too repetitive and we see it coming from a mile away (maybe not so for the kids) and the narrative as a little something that keep me from falling into it. I kind of feel bad, because it look like I'm the only one who think that way but well... it is what it is!