Sentimental as the basic situation is [in Alan and the Animal Kingdom], Alan's urban milieu and its population are drawn with reasonable verity, and his devotion to his kingdom is understandable, even to those who don't list keeping animals alive as a high priority value. For most kids, of course, Alan's is an eminently sympathetic cause, and the added interest of coping alone enhances his likely appeal.

"Younger Fiction: 'Alan and the Animal Kingdom'," in Kirkus Reviews (copyright © 1977 The Kirkus Service, Inc.), Vol. XLV, No. 6, March 15, 1977, p. 285.