Recs if you like Chomp...

One of several Non-Humans & Empathy -themed lists by @Myth.Ink (See also: Fiction, GNs/Manga+, Non-Fiction, Creature Feature, & the Official @Myth.Ink Curation) | This list is the YOUTH TITLES edition, including fictional and real, visually depicted, interactions and considerations of interactions between non-human beings of all types (trees, robots, animals, ai, aliens, creatures, monsters, etc) and humans, empathy and lack thereof. | Includes titles aimed at audiences up through MG | Suggestions more than welcome!

The works of Carl Hiaasen.

Early 2000s coded humorous novels. Probably vaguely (or explicitly) politically incorrect, focused more on zany one-liners and witticisms than the plot--but not always! Character heavy, typically with an ensemble cast. Fun and feisty. (This list is currently male heavy, so please recommend female authors to add!)