It was a normal, hot summer day for Josh Sparkins...lazily swinging in a hammock and thinking about the upcoming school year. Then thoughts of his Gramps's Ancient Magic book pop into his head. Remembering his recent use of his time-stopping ability and aging a year in the process brings a chill to the air. When Josh's mom brings home a puppy from the Humane Society and Josh suddenly understands what the puppy is "saying," his boring summer turns into a mysterious adventure. Josh understands Gina's barking sounds and finds out pets are being kidnapped. He has an idea of who the kidnapper is, but needs to
find evidence to support his feeling. Along the way, Josh finds out how animals think about people and feel about life.