I think this is an addable book for our library collection. Although it is not as good as Harry Potter or Charlie Bone, I think the series will improve with time (or it could go the way of Eragon, I suppose.) I think he could use a better editor because quite often the first quotation mark to signify a character speaking is nonexistent. I think the better editor could have also addressed some of the other problems expressed in the SLJ and Kirkus reviews.

It's like comfort food or a comfortable chair. You pretty much know what you're getting, you enjoy it but it's nothing shocking.

I liked this book, because it reminded me of the cultural institutions that get shattered in war zone areas. Sometimes I can't tell if the animals actually had great living conditions prior to the bombing, but the story of people's efforts to save them and give them a better life is quite touching. I think kids would really enjoy this book, and it has sidebars so you could read as much or as little as you want.

I read this really quickly to see if I could get ideas for work. The projects to do in the book are pretty interesting, if a bit complicated for a library setting. I might try a few out myself at home though!