Dumb creatures - Jeanne Willis

Tom can hear. He can think. But he just can't speak. But that doesn't mean he hasn't got anything to say . . .

Tom's favourite place is the zoo. He enjoys sharing the word-less world of animals - and, just by watching them carefully, he can tell whether they're happy or sad, hungry or hot. But, talking to animals takes on a whole new meaning for Tom when he discovers that Zanzi, the female gorilla can use sign language. So when Zanzi's baby is stolen, Tom decides to stage an animal rights protest. But with all the adults around him too busy yelling and shouting at each other to really listen, will anyone hear him?