by Dave Eggers
First published 2023
Johannes runs free through an urban park beside the sea. The three ancient Bison who govern this place have given him a crucial job: serve as their Eyes. He must watch everything that happens and report back to them. A seagull, raccoon, squirrel, and pelican help him as Assistant Eyes. Together they monitor the humans and animals who visit the park. Their mission is to keep the Equilibrium balanced. Then everything starts shifting. More humans arrive, including the dangerous ones Johannes calls Trouble Travelers. Workers construct a new building filled with strange, mesmerizing rectangles. Most shocking of all, a boat delivers an entire herd of goats to the park. With these goats comes a revelation that transforms how Johannes sees his world. As his friends rally around him, Johannes discovers what friendship, beauty, and freedom really mean. Sometimes the most important thing is simply running as fast as you can.
Genres: nature, adventure, fantasy, magical-realism
Vibes: lyrical, thought-provoking, whimsical
Tropes: chosen-one, found-family
Setting: Urban Park, Sea
256 pages · Library Binding · Knopf Books for Young Readers