What Sheep Think About the Weather: How to listen to what animals are trying to say

Science has shown us that animals communicate constantly and elaborately amongst themselves: bees exchange directions via ‘waggle dances’; dolphins have a ‘signature whistle’ that functions like a human name; and fruit flies even have local dialects. But are they talking to us too? And could we ever learn to listen and understand what they’re trying to say?

With the doggedness of a journalist, the soul of an animal lover, and the wonder of a curious intellect, Amelia Thomas pursues the answer, determined to better listen to her own menagerie (a horse, pony, chickens, dogs, cat, mice, goat and pigs). Taking us on her journey of discovery through the scientific, practical, and spiritual ways people today are trying to listen to animals, she meets with animal behaviourists, anthrozoologists, pet psychics, animal trainers, AI experts, indigenous trackers and psychologists – all of whom are listening in vastly different ways to vastly different species.

Filled with warm wit, fascinating stories, and surprising science, What Do Sheep Think About the Weather is an illuminating, playful, and personal quest to understand animals on their own terms, rather than through a human lens. 

Praise for The Zoo on the Road to Nablus

‘Engaging, often inspiring and sometimes poignant’ Daily Mail

‘Beautifully written and entertaining’ Washington Post

‘Unique and fascinating’ Publisher’s Weekly