Phil Earle – When The Sky Falls

Description

Winner of the British Book Award 2022 for Children’s Fiction Book of the Year.

Shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal 2022

Winner of the Books Are My Bag Readers Award for Children’s Fiction

The Times Children’s Book of the Year

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, bonds deepen and secrets are revealed, but if the bombers set Adonis rampaging free, will either of them be able to end the life of the one thing they truly love?

Inspired by a true story.

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

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

About the Author

Phil Earle was born and raised in the great city of Hull. His first job was as a care worker in a children’s home, which inspired him to train as a drama therapist. After a couple of years in the care sector, Phil chose the more sedate lifestyle of a bookseller and now spends his time writing children’s books as well as selling them for a publisher. Phil lives on a hill in south-east London with his family, and writes on the bus to work. No one has used this as an excuse to pinch his laptop. Yet.

Litfest 2025 Big Read

Every year, we encourage children and schools from across the region to read the same book and to join us in events to explore and talk about it. Follow the link here to our Big Read page to pledge to read the book and take up the challenge. By doing so, you will automatically be entered for a prize draw on 30 April, when Phil will pick three names out of a hat, who will win three paperback books of their choice! There are also some fun downloadable resources, including a certificate of completion for anyone who manages to complete the challenge. Good luck!