SOLVED. SF/fantasy: at the end find out all characters are actually animals [s]

[Kelly (Maybedog)]

I was sure this book was by Sheri Tepper, but none of her books sound right. I'm pretty sure it was a standalone book because the whole point is to deceive the reader until the very end when you find out that all along these characters have been animals. (There are no humans.) I don't remember the plot but basically something requires some of the characters to take a long journey. They ride their "mounts" (turn out to be raccoons or beavers or something). The characters are rodents and birds, etc. Any thoughts? Thanks!

[Amanda]

Is it The Family Tree by Sheri Tepper?

"This novel captivated me from first to last page. I hadn't read Tepper before and recall being very anxious to read more of her works. However, two novels later, this one remained my favorite for its ingenuity, its characters, plots and subplots. This book combines a little of everything, trees and plants which seek revenge, talking and conspiring animals on a mission to save themselves from extinction, a cast of quirky and memorable characters who spin the tale along. It's definitely a must read for any fantasy fan."

[Dawn]

There are two sections of Family Tree..one is the animals (that you don't realize are animals) and the other is people. I can see only remembering part of it.The Family Tree

[Nancy]

Life of pi / Yann Martel

This is the first one to come to my mind.

[Lucy]

I think it must be The Family Tree by Sheri Tepper. The animals' mounts actually turn out to be humans. They are in the future.

[Kelly (Maybedog)]

That's it! Thank you so much!