About the Book

The multi-award-winning story about the incredible friendship between a young boy and a silverback gorilla in the Second World War, inspired by a true story.

1941. War is raging. And Joseph has been sent to live in the city, where bombers rule the skies. There, he will live with Mrs F, a gruff woman with no fondness for children. Her only loves are the rundown zoo she owns and its mighty silverback gorilla, Adonis. As the weeks pass, Joseph and Adonis become friends, but what will happen when the bombers set him rampaging free?

Other animal war stories by Phil Earle include:

While the Storm Rages

Until the Road Ends

Winner of the British Book Award for Children’s Fiction Book of the Year.

‘A magnificent story... It deserves every prize going’ Philip Pullman

‘An extraordinary story... Deeply felt, movingly written, a remarkable achievement’ Michael Morpurgo