Our family just finished listening to the audio CD on car rides (to/from school, lessons, etc). Our 9 year old thoroughly enjoyed it, as have my husband and I. Our 7 year old fell asleep a couple of times - some of the descriptive paragraphs drag a bit. I was worried it would be too adult for the kids, but was mostly relieved. There were two references to drunkenness (once as a part of the circus act & once a police officer was drunk). The premise in general carries a lingering threat of violence (Charlie's parents are kidnapped and there is a bad man that is chasing Charlie...and, of course, lions are wild animals), but that threat never comes to anything that caused a problem or concern. Charlie and many of the people he interacts with are smart and clever. Fascinating & entertaining information about circus life and the futuristic state of the world, with most beings (cats & humans) that Charlie encounters being supportive and good. All in all, a great tale. We can't wait to listen to the sequel.