About This Book
Reach for this book when your child feels like a 'misfit' or is struggling with the pain of being different from their peers. It is a profound choice for children navigating the complexities of adoption, physical differences, or the deep-seated desire to find where they truly belong. The story follows Arthur, a one-eared fox-like 'groundling' living in a bleak orphanage, who embarks on a quest for home and identity. While the setting is a richly detailed steampunk fantasy world, the emotional core is deeply grounded in the human experience of finding one's voice through friendship and music. It is ideal for middle-grade readers (ages 8 to 12) who enjoy immersive, Dickensian adventures with high stakes. Parents will appreciate how the book validates difficult feelings while maintaining a sense of wonder and ultimate hope.
