When The Sky Falls: Graphic Novel is a stunning graphic-novel edition of the multi-award-winning story about the incredible friendship between a young boy and a silverback gorilla during the Second World War. It’s inspired by a true story from the bestselling author of Finn's Epic Fails, Phil Earle, wonderfully brought to life by illustrator Fred Fordham.
The 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?
The inspiration
As Phil shared in an interview published on the Waterstones blog: 'What truly inspired me...was footage of a gorilla at Jersey zoo, who stood guard over a stricken boy who had fallen into their enclosure. Instead of attacking the boy, the ape protected him from other monkeys in the cage, stroking him tenderly until the medics arrived. It’s an unexpected act of care, and one that I felt could slide beautifully into my story. I hope...that the reader will discover and love the bond between the boy and ape the same way I do. Will see the hope that they offer each other in the most challenging of times.'
