Alan faces the world alone [in Alan and the Animal Kingdom]. This causes him no dismay. What does dismay him is the certain and terrible knowledge that if adults—any adults—take over his life they will destroy his animals….

Isabelle Holland tells Alan's story the way fantasies are best told: with simplicity and convincing detail. Alan's problems are entirely credible. His journey, alas, is not a thrilling voyage on a raft. It is a trip into today's world. His crises and hair's breadth escapes involve ringing telephones, crime in the streets and above all money. How does a 12-year-old cash a check? How does he pay a vet when his cat is sick? Because of this urgent problem Alan meets a man as isolated and as proud as himself. Thereafter the story becomes both serious and touching.

As Alan's problems multiply it becomes inevitable that he will...