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The Song that Sings Us
When animals talk, it’s time humans listened: Harlon has been raised to protect her younger siblings, twins Ash and Xeno, and their outlawed power of communicating with animals. But when the sinister Automators attack their mountain home they must flee for their lives. Xeno is kidnapped and Harlon and Ash are separated.
In a thrilling and dangerous adventure they must all journey alone through the ice fields, forests and oceans of Rumyc to try to rescue each other and fulfil a mysterious promise about a lost island made to their mother.
A stunning environmental epic with cover and chapter illustrations by award-winning illustrator Jackie Morris.
In a thrilling and dangerous adventure they must all journey alone through the ice fields, forests and oceans of Rumyc to try to rescue each other and fulfil a mysterious promise about a lost island made to their mother.
A stunning environmental epic with cover and chapter illustrations by award-winning illustrator Jackie Morris.
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About the author
Nicola Davies
166 books182 followers"I was very small when I saw my first dolphin," says zoologist Nicola Davies, recalling a seminal visit with her father to a dolphin show at the zoo. Enchanted at the sight of what she called the "big fish" jumping so high and swimming so fast, she determined right then that she would meet the amazing creatures again "in the wild, where they belonged." And indeed she did--as part of a pair of scientific expeditions, one to Newfoundland at the age of eighteen and another to the Indian Ocean a year later. In WILD ABOUT DOLPHINS, Nicola Davies describes her voyages in a firsthand account filled with fascinating facts and captivating photographs of seven species of dolphins in action.
Nicola Davies's seemingly boundless enthusiasm for studying animals of all kinds has led her around the world--and fortunately for young readers, she is just as excited about sharing her interests through picture books. The zoologist's latest offering puts a decidedly quirky twist on her years of experience: POOP: A NATURAL HISTORY OF THE UNMENTIONABLE is a fun, fact-filled guide to the fascinating world of poop across species. "As a zoologist, you are never far from poop!" the writer explains. "I've baked goose poop in an oven with my dinner, looked at bat poop under the microscope, and had my T-shirt stained pink with blue-whale poop. I was obviously fated to write this book."
The exceptional combination of Nicola Davies's zoological expertise and her first-rate children's writing is apparent in her remarkable catalog of award-winning titles. Her first book with Candlewick Press, BIG BLUE WHALE, was hailed by American Bookseller as an "artfully composed study" offering "language exactly appropriate for four- to seven-year-olds and precisely the right amount of information." In ONE TINY TURTLE, Nicola Davies's clear, compelling narrative follows the life of the rarely seen loggerhead turtle, which swims the oceans for thirty years and for thousands of miles in search of food, only to return, uncannily, to lay her eggs on the very beach where she was born. The author's next book, BAT LOVES THE NIGHT, is a tenderly written ode to a much-misunderstood flying mammal, the pipistrelle bat, while SURPRISING SHARKS--winner of a BOSTON GLOBE-HORN BOOK Honor Award--contains unexpected facts about another one of the planet's most infamous animals.
When she is not off on scientific expeditions, Nicola Davies lives in a cottage in Somerset, England, where she is lucky enough to have pipistrelle bats nesting in her roof.
Nicola Davies's seemingly boundless enthusiasm for studying animals of all kinds has led her around the world--and fortunately for young readers, she is just as excited about sharing her interests through picture books. The zoologist's latest offering puts a decidedly quirky twist on her years of experience: POOP: A NATURAL HISTORY OF THE UNMENTIONABLE is a fun, fact-filled guide to the fascinating world of poop across species. "As a zoologist, you are never far from poop!" the writer explains. "I've baked goose poop in an oven with my dinner, looked at bat poop under the microscope, and had my T-shirt stained pink with blue-whale poop. I was obviously fated to write this book."
The exceptional combination of Nicola Davies's zoological expertise and her first-rate children's writing is apparent in her remarkable catalog of award-winning titles. Her first book with Candlewick Press, BIG BLUE WHALE, was hailed by American Bookseller as an "artfully composed study" offering "language exactly appropriate for four- to seven-year-olds and precisely the right amount of information." In ONE TINY TURTLE, Nicola Davies's clear, compelling narrative follows the life of the rarely seen loggerhead turtle, which swims the oceans for thirty years and for thousands of miles in search of food, only to return, uncannily, to lay her eggs on the very beach where she was born. The author's next book, BAT LOVES THE NIGHT, is a tenderly written ode to a much-misunderstood flying mammal, the pipistrelle bat, while SURPRISING SHARKS--winner of a BOSTON GLOBE-HORN BOOK Honor Award--contains unexpected facts about another one of the planet's most infamous animals.
When she is not off on scientific expeditions, Nicola Davies lives in a cottage in Somerset, England, where she is lucky enough to have pipistrelle bats nesting in her roof.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
October 21, 2021
Wow, this is truly a special book and unlike anything I have ever read before and likely ever will again. The sheer amount of passion and love for nature shines through ever page of this book and the author has done a wonderful job at creating such a moving story that is nestled somewhere between dystopian fiction and magical realism/ fantasy.
In truth, I think this book is quite niche in terms of its marketability however I urge you to pick it up if it sounds at all interesting to you. It has some really important messages and learnable lessons amounts the action and adventure of the story.
The characters are unique and have such charismatic and individual voices that they are instantly recognisable, and there is some queer representation in it as well.
I loved the strong messages of empathy, self development and family and thought the story itself was well paced and engaging without feeling rushed.
Definitely a pleasant experience.
In truth, I think this book is quite niche in terms of its marketability however I urge you to pick it up if it sounds at all interesting to you. It has some really important messages and learnable lessons amounts the action and adventure of the story.
The characters are unique and have such charismatic and individual voices that they are instantly recognisable, and there is some queer representation in it as well.
I loved the strong messages of empathy, self development and family and thought the story itself was well paced and engaging without feeling rushed.
Definitely a pleasant experience.
October 24, 2022
I enjoyed it, but looking at other reviews I think I enjoyed it on a different level. Stories with a subtext often pass me by and I suspect this is the case here as well. I liked it on a surface level, but all the things that others rave about totally passed me by.
I’m okay with that. I liked it for what it was.
I read the book and listened to the audiobook when I couldn’t read, and the narration was excellent - when played at 1.2x. It was a little too slow otherwise, but the narrator did a cracking job. Probably because she’s also the author. :)
I’m okay with that. I liked it for what it was.
I read the book and listened to the audiobook when I couldn’t read, and the narration was excellent - when played at 1.2x. It was a little too slow otherwise, but the narrator did a cracking job. Probably because she’s also the author. :)
September 19, 2021
Harlon lives with her mother and two siblings, Ash and Xeno, in an isolated cottage in the mountains. They live in a society ruled by the Automators, people who hate nature and only want to subdue and use it for their own devices. Ash and Xeno are listeners, they can hear the thoughts of animals and this skill has been outlawed by the Automators. The story opens with a force of Automators coming for the family and the three children have to escape. Their mother stays to fight off the attackers and there follows a thrilling account of the children’s escape down the mountain on snowboards.
Very soon, the siblings get separated and they end up trying to bring down the automators in very different ways as they meet different groups of people who are rebelling against their rule. As they join the rebellion, the children also find that there are a lot of unanswered questions about their mother. Who was she really?
This is a fantasy adventure story with a very strong environmental message. The three children each have very distinct personalities and story lines which all combine at the end for the climax of the story. The novel is fast paced with lots of action as the siblings get involved with the different forces in opposition to the Automators. There is quite a lot of violence as the Automators are ruthless and don’t care who or what they destroy although this is not too graphic. I liked the different points of view throughout the story and the way the animals are given importance including a ship being captained by a tiger. Nicola Davies portrays the world of Rumyc vividly and it is easy to picture the oceans and landscapes where the story takes place.
This is a great teenage or YA read and I’m grateful to Net Galley and Firefly Press for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for this review.
Very soon, the siblings get separated and they end up trying to bring down the automators in very different ways as they meet different groups of people who are rebelling against their rule. As they join the rebellion, the children also find that there are a lot of unanswered questions about their mother. Who was she really?
This is a fantasy adventure story with a very strong environmental message. The three children each have very distinct personalities and story lines which all combine at the end for the climax of the story. The novel is fast paced with lots of action as the siblings get involved with the different forces in opposition to the Automators. There is quite a lot of violence as the Automators are ruthless and don’t care who or what they destroy although this is not too graphic. I liked the different points of view throughout the story and the way the animals are given importance including a ship being captained by a tiger. Nicola Davies portrays the world of Rumyc vividly and it is easy to picture the oceans and landscapes where the story takes place.
This is a great teenage or YA read and I’m grateful to Net Galley and Firefly Press for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for this review.
May 3, 2023
I read this book to my daughter and found it fairly engaging. My main criticism is that the hardbook version has loads of typos, in some cases a few on a single page. I've never read a book with so many glaring spelling errors.
November 13, 2021
Wow what can I say about this book. From the opening chapter your in the story completely. It’s action all the way, with tension, sadness, adventure. Harlon the oldest has been brought up to protect her brother and sister Ash and Xeno. Ash and Xeno are listeners who the automators are trying to destroy. There ma tells them to find an island lost in the deepest ocean and so the adventure begins. This is such a beautiful story about the threads that bind us together and the song that we should all sing together in harmony to save our fragile planet. This is a must read book for now and the future if we want all of natures living things including humans to survive on this green and pleasant world. I would say where this book sits in regards what age range, i say all ages but there are some frightening scenes for younger readers that might require some talking through but all in all a wonderful book with an important theme along with a wonderful cover by Jackie Morris who I hope will do the next cover for the next book by this author. I myself cannot wait for the Skrimsli’s story. Thank you Nicola Davies for writing a book that we can all relate to that sings to all of us.
November 5, 2022
The most perfect book I have read in a long time.
This book has everything: a wonderful, wide ranging adventurous narrative with authentic, well-rounded characters, lots of excitement and suspense, and at its heart a clear, thoughtful and yet hopeful message about the future of our planet and our species. I loved it.
This book has everything: a wonderful, wide ranging adventurous narrative with authentic, well-rounded characters, lots of excitement and suspense, and at its heart a clear, thoughtful and yet hopeful message about the future of our planet and our species. I loved it.
August 7, 2023
I picked this up whilst on vacation in Wales, as it was advertised by Waterstones as the "Welsh Book of the Month" for July 2023. I don't normally go for YA above all else, but this novel was beautiful and engaging. It's a classic battle between the folks who want to preserve and thus save the world, and those who want to destroy it - and the focus is entirely environmental. The Automators (the bad guys) work hard to convince people that humans should dominate nature and extract all resources, while some humans (led by the activist warrior sect Green Thorn) know that only balance and respect will lead to sustainability and thus preservation of all life forms. It's also a classic coming-of-age tale about three siblings who learn about their destiny and their past through a harrowing adventure.
If you've been following the news about the orca "attacks" and wonder if the animals are starting to fight back, this book explores that idea. It is also a fantasy book, so you get sentient characters beyond animals.
The cover art is gorgeous, the plot is imaginative, the pace is thrilling, and I quite enjoyed this book. Ultimately the message is "Being is what matters" (eloquently expressed by Ash, 345) and that's a message most 21st-century humans would benefit from unpacking.
If you're local and want to borrow my paperback, be in touch!
If you've been following the news about the orca "attacks" and wonder if the animals are starting to fight back, this book explores that idea. It is also a fantasy book, so you get sentient characters beyond animals.
The cover art is gorgeous, the plot is imaginative, the pace is thrilling, and I quite enjoyed this book. Ultimately the message is "Being is what matters" (eloquently expressed by Ash, 345) and that's a message most 21st-century humans would benefit from unpacking.
If you're local and want to borrow my paperback, be in touch!
September 8, 2025
It was okay. 2 or 3 stars.
Very obviously social commentary, with a thin veil of a story, like a belly dancer wears.
I'm glad this exists in the world, to shout it louder for those at the back who don't get that we need to change how we treat the Earth if we want it to continue to support us. I'm just not sure I needed to be thwapped over the head so insistently with the message I already understand.
That said, I did finish the book. The story picks up in the last third, especially, and you do want to know what happens. Just mostly slow before that.
Very obviously social commentary, with a thin veil of a story, like a belly dancer wears.
I'm glad this exists in the world, to shout it louder for those at the back who don't get that we need to change how we treat the Earth if we want it to continue to support us. I'm just not sure I needed to be thwapped over the head so insistently with the message I already understand.
That said, I did finish the book. The story picks up in the last third, especially, and you do want to know what happens. Just mostly slow before that.
September 21, 2025
Well. Well.
“This is a force says poetry bigger than the sky and smaller than a grain of sand. It will not change the world forever, because that’s a work in progress. Life will always have to fight against the powers of unlife.”
“‘Who have you been?’ everyone is asking. ‘what have you been?’”
I got this book because Jackie Morris illustrations and set in wales (ok, not/but it is… rumyc is a fictional setting where the story is set) - mostly - in a world that looks very like ours.
Humans connection with nature is breaking, capitalist and violent regime is doing all it can to sever the bonds with the natural world, to burn through resources and lives in the name of ‘progress’ and those few rebels who stand up to fight are labelled violent terrorists, have the fear of neighbours handing them in, all while being horrifically aware that the world is burning.
In 2025 where governments are lying to us despite what we can see with our own eyes, where the whales have stopped singing and our insects are decimated, our water dying, this isn’t really dystopia, so much as magical realism/horror.
Amazing children’s (everyone’s) book. So glad to have it to share with my young Listeners.
“This is a force says poetry bigger than the sky and smaller than a grain of sand. It will not change the world forever, because that’s a work in progress. Life will always have to fight against the powers of unlife.”
“‘Who have you been?’ everyone is asking. ‘what have you been?’”
I got this book because Jackie Morris illustrations and set in wales (ok, not/but it is… rumyc is a fictional setting where the story is set) - mostly - in a world that looks very like ours.
Humans connection with nature is breaking, capitalist and violent regime is doing all it can to sever the bonds with the natural world, to burn through resources and lives in the name of ‘progress’ and those few rebels who stand up to fight are labelled violent terrorists, have the fear of neighbours handing them in, all while being horrifically aware that the world is burning.
In 2025 where governments are lying to us despite what we can see with our own eyes, where the whales have stopped singing and our insects are decimated, our water dying, this isn’t really dystopia, so much as magical realism/horror.
Amazing children’s (everyone’s) book. So glad to have it to share with my young Listeners.
March 1, 2022
A very sweet book! The story was a thinly veiled allegory about climate change and people destroying the earth but it worked pretty well- all of the characters were likeable and the action scenes were tense.
I wasn’t sure which ages this book is meant for because I got it from a YA section but I’ve also seen it in the 9-12 section. It did feel aimed at a younger audience, but I think that was a good thing for it because the message definitely works more for a younger audience than a YA one.
The villain didn’t really have any motivations- he just kinda seemed evil for the heck of it- and that bothered me a little bit but he was still effective and entertaining to read about.
The ending was a little confusing but I think that was intentional- it’s meant to feel mystical and wondrous.
The worldbuilding that we got was good but I wanted more!!! What I did really like was how the powers of Listening and Speaking were described- especially with Captain Skrimsli.
So, overall, this was a solid, entertaining book! It’s worth checking out if you just want a feel-good read!
I wasn’t sure which ages this book is meant for because I got it from a YA section but I’ve also seen it in the 9-12 section. It did feel aimed at a younger audience, but I think that was a good thing for it because the message definitely works more for a younger audience than a YA one.
The villain didn’t really have any motivations- he just kinda seemed evil for the heck of it- and that bothered me a little bit but he was still effective and entertaining to read about.
The ending was a little confusing but I think that was intentional- it’s meant to feel mystical and wondrous.
The worldbuilding that we got was good but I wanted more!!! What I did really like was how the powers of Listening and Speaking were described- especially with Captain Skrimsli.
So, overall, this was a solid, entertaining book! It’s worth checking out if you just want a feel-good read!
April 26, 2022
I LOVED this book. It deals with some big issues - environmental change and family dynamics - yet deals with it all in a sensitive way. It is a fantasy story set in a world where some people can communicate with animals - the Listeners - and others are trying to destroy nature as they see it as a force that needs be controlled. The book follows a family of Listeners as they battle against the forces of evil to try to save themselves and, ultimately, the whole of nature. We meet lots of great characters along the way - both human and animal! I would recommend this book for those who are concerned about the environment, and fans of Philip Pullman books.
April 13, 2023
Stunningly beautiful book that brings to life the animist knowing that all things are connected, and combines it with the peril of a world on the brink of climate collapse.
This is absolutely a book that points towards the challenges we face in reality, but it is held so cleverly at a distance, through the inclusion of fantastical names, places and the speaking of animals/birds etc., that it is not a difficult or heavy read. It gently weaves the fears, anxities and realities of climate crisis into the uplifting sense of hope and faith that we all need right now!
Cannot recommend this book more. Well paced and beautifully illustrated by Jackie Morris. A treat for readers young and old.
This is absolutely a book that points towards the challenges we face in reality, but it is held so cleverly at a distance, through the inclusion of fantastical names, places and the speaking of animals/birds etc., that it is not a difficult or heavy read. It gently weaves the fears, anxities and realities of climate crisis into the uplifting sense of hope and faith that we all need right now!
Cannot recommend this book more. Well paced and beautifully illustrated by Jackie Morris. A treat for readers young and old.
June 4, 2023
This book!!!!
It’s completely different to anything I’ve read and yet utterly familiar.
It reminds me of Life of Pie, Where The Crawdads Sing (the good bits), His Dark Materials, Narnia, Lord of the Rings, Earthsea, The Dark is Rising, but mostly Mortal Engines.
It’s hugely exciting, utterly vivid and bursts with love for the natural world. The characters are a varied cast and I love the blurring of genres making it impossible to define the book. It’s a fantasy adventure that’s poetic yet thrilling and dark too.
It’s not perfect but it’s well worth reading. I enjoyed it very much and will be watching out for the prequel Skimsli
It’s completely different to anything I’ve read and yet utterly familiar.
It reminds me of Life of Pie, Where The Crawdads Sing (the good bits), His Dark Materials, Narnia, Lord of the Rings, Earthsea, The Dark is Rising, but mostly Mortal Engines.
It’s hugely exciting, utterly vivid and bursts with love for the natural world. The characters are a varied cast and I love the blurring of genres making it impossible to define the book. It’s a fantasy adventure that’s poetic yet thrilling and dark too.
It’s not perfect but it’s well worth reading. I enjoyed it very much and will be watching out for the prequel Skimsli
May 26, 2024
An incredible, heart-wrenching, fast-paced book which really got me sucked in and I finished it in just over a day. It’s absolutely beautifully written, especially how it interprets and describes nature.
It was a bit brutal for me, but I am quite delicate so it would probably be pretty mild for most, however, I feel like this brutal element really helped in conveying the very important message this book tells. I’m not one to re-read or re-watch anything unless I’m absolutely obsessed, but this book is one I can see myself re-reading.
It was a bit brutal for me, but I am quite delicate so it would probably be pretty mild for most, however, I feel like this brutal element really helped in conveying the very important message this book tells. I’m not one to re-read or re-watch anything unless I’m absolutely obsessed, but this book is one I can see myself re-reading.
August 28, 2024
An enjoyable premise, but too many things are introduced and spelled out to the reader immediately to have no emotional payoff. The book reads as an overload of information, and does not seem to pause for breath at all. It’s chaotic, and was very difficult to get into.
The second half does pick up however, and the character of Doada is a very fun inclusion in how unapologetically cruel he is. He shakes up the narrative, and provides a fun perspective about the natural elements as someone so opposed.
The second half does pick up however, and the character of Doada is a very fun inclusion in how unapologetically cruel he is. He shakes up the narrative, and provides a fun perspective about the natural elements as someone so opposed.
August 29, 2023
My first 5 star book of the last three months.
This book has me rethinking how I live my life, and how I raise my children, without preaching to me one single time.
It's truly a phenomenal book, that engrosses you at every page.
The characters are relatable, lovable and I can honestly say I shed tears (which is unusual for me as I thoroughly enjoy a good murder or crime novel).
Truly a sensational read, I highly recommend this to everyone.
This book has me rethinking how I live my life, and how I raise my children, without preaching to me one single time.
It's truly a phenomenal book, that engrosses you at every page.
The characters are relatable, lovable and I can honestly say I shed tears (which is unusual for me as I thoroughly enjoy a good murder or crime novel).
Truly a sensational read, I highly recommend this to everyone.
June 27, 2022
4.0
A beautiful book. The perfect read for anyone wanting to get cozy in a cabin retreat or similar.
Took off a star for the fat shaming. It's 2022, there's no excuses for constantly referring to a man who is fat as 'Dough Boy' or referencing his 'piggy eyes'. We get it, he's a bigger man who is also a baddie. His fatness is his body, not his personality. Let's stop body shaming people yeah?
A beautiful book. The perfect read for anyone wanting to get cozy in a cabin retreat or similar.
Took off a star for the fat shaming. It's 2022, there's no excuses for constantly referring to a man who is fat as 'Dough Boy' or referencing his 'piggy eyes'. We get it, he's a bigger man who is also a baddie. His fatness is his body, not his personality. Let's stop body shaming people yeah?
October 10, 2023
I loved this environmental dystopian tale and cannot wait to read the prequel. The author manages to perfectly blend a poetic and moving narrative, a fast paced thrilling story line and a cast of believable and magical characters. It's theme is both pertinent and frightening yet gives us hope that humans can see the power of nature. A definite recommendation for my website.
October 2, 2024
Plus another bit of star but for me the author got a bit carried away with detail which didn't really advance the plot. Could have done with pruning as there was quite a bit of repetition. The plot and world building were really good and the best drawn characters were Harlon and Tolly. Song lyrics don't always work for me but the songs were central to the plot so made sense.
July 13, 2025
wow brilliant book!!
a brilliant book with brilliant representation of welsh culture and connection to nature. a very easy and quick read with a good plot I love the perspective change but can see how many of the names and olace names could be hard to read for someone who isn't familiar with welsh pronunciation. but overall loved it!!
a brilliant book with brilliant representation of welsh culture and connection to nature. a very easy and quick read with a good plot I love the perspective change but can see how many of the names and olace names could be hard to read for someone who isn't familiar with welsh pronunciation. but overall loved it!!
April 24, 2022
This book was so good I loved reading every word of it, the plot was really interesting and the book was intriguing right from the very start! I went into reading the book quite blind to what the book was about and thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
November 9, 2023
i am in awe right now. i am speechless. i am unable to form coherent thoughts. this was the most beautiful story, heartwrenching, light-inducing and passionate tale and i might just go back to the beginning and read it all over again
January 2, 2024
I loved this book, which highlights environmental issues in a new way, showing how we are linked to all creation. Another review did say about the amount of typos, and there are a lot, but the quality of the narrative meant I could see past them and still enjoy it.
March 4, 2024
I loved this book. My favourite read of this year so far.
Beautifully written. Really plays with your emotions, it's sad, makes you angry and then happy.
Lovely illustrations from Jackie Morris too.
The characters are all so believable and you really do root for the good guys.
Beautifully written. Really plays with your emotions, it's sad, makes you angry and then happy.
Lovely illustrations from Jackie Morris too.
The characters are all so believable and you really do root for the good guys.
May 9, 2024
This book is so good! A lot of unexpected plot twists that keep you hooked till the end. I loved the characters so much. It portrays animals and nature in such a way that makes me like it even more. A great adventure truly!
September 26, 2024
I like a little adventure and 'happy in the end' story to break up my macabre routine reading material.
This is a lovely little book with a nice ending, which speaks to my inner child & adventurer.
Hard to put down when you get going.
This is a lovely little book with a nice ending, which speaks to my inner child & adventurer.
Hard to put down when you get going.
August 31, 2022
Loved this book.Maked me think about our plante , wildlife and what is happening to it .l would love to be a Listener.
September 26, 2022
An amazing, thought provoking story!
November 17, 2022
Super schön. Beginnt als Märchen, sehr poetisch. Wird dann aber auch richtig spannend.
Hab das englische Hörbuch gehört. Die Autorin liest wunderbar.
Hab das englische Hörbuch gehört. Die Autorin liest wunderbar.
January 7, 2023
Absolutely beautiful. Had to read the ending twice because the images were so wonderful. An eco-activist story with a very new and wonderful point of view. Treat your soul.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews