In this extraordinary debut novel with its deft nod to Dickensian heroes & rogues Mira Bartok tells the story of Arthur a shy fox-like foundling with only one ear & a desperate desire to belong as he seeks his destiny Welcome to the Home for Wayward & Misbegotten Creatures an institution run by evil Miss Carbunkle a cunning villainess who believes her terrified young charges exist only to serve & suffer Part animal & part human the groundlings toil in classroom & factory forbidden to enjoy anything regular children have most particularly singing & music For the Wonderling an innocent-hearted one-eared fox-like eleven-year-old with only a number rather than a proper name
- a 13 etched on a medallion around his neck
- it is the only home he has ever known But unexpected courage leads him to acquire the loyalty of a young bird groundling named Trinket who gives the Home's loneliest inhabitant two incredible gifts a real name
- Arthur like the good king in the old stories
- & a best friend Using Trinket's ingenious invention the pair escape over the wall & embark on an adventure that will take them out into the wider world & ultimately down the path of sweet Arthur's true destiny