Mr. William Wilmer is 29 and works at the Safe, Sane and Colossal Insurance Company. Life is a dull routine with the only high point being a hello and a smile from red-haired Miss Sweeney, who works in the same department.

But things took a drastic change on his birthday, Saturday April 19th! While walking to work as usual, Mr. Wilmer stopped to give a Peppermint Patootie to the patrol man's horse. On this day the patrol man told him he wasn't allowed to due to a new rule. Surprised, Mr. Wilmer stood and looked. During this short time he heard a voice refer to the patrol man as a "big, bull-necked, ham-faced, overbearing brute!"

After work, Mr. Wilmer went to the zoo. A place he enjoyed. While there he confirmed that he could hear what animals said. He also discovered he could also talk to them! Needless to say this was life changing!

Written in 1945, this is enjoyable and a simple read. The rise and celebrity that Mr. Wilmer achieves and the outcome of his relationship with various characters is fun to read. It could also be read to children. And there are some illustrations in the book. Their style may look familiar, as the author did them himself and he was the illustrator for "Mr. Popper's Penguins." ( )