Fraser's Voices

Set in Argyll in the West Highlands of Scotland, Fraser's Voices tells the story of a ten year old boy called Fraser who suddenly discovers that he can speak to animals. This gift is associated with a mystery illness – "tumblings of the mind" – and when this goes into remission, his unusual ability fades too.  The book is split into five sections. Each begins with the onset or recurrence of this illness and ends with a temporary cure and the loss of his gift. His voice introduces him to friends like One-eye the fox, Barook the badger and Nephesh the owl. These new friends lead him into a series of adventures. In each one, Fraser and his friends have to solve a problem – a murderous intruder, toxic pollution of burns, rabies, a forest fire – and face great danger. Fraser's Voice bridges the gap between Rudyard Kipling's Jungle Book and Richard Adams' Watership Down. It aims to be true to the psychology of animals, whilst offering the combination of a magical world and the accessible setting of a Scottish hillside with familiar animals like foxes and owls. It will appeal to children aged 10 to 12 who enjoy adventure and fantasy fiction.