Discover the stunning graphic-novel edition of the multi-award-winning When the Sky Falls by Phil Earle, adapted and illustrated by Fred Fordham. It is the story of an incredible friendship between a young boy and a silverback gorilla during the Second World War, inspired by a true story.
Accompanied by a dynamic discussion guide including cross-curriculum activities, this graphic novel is a gateway to reading for pleasure and learning for children aged 9 to 13 years old.
1. Based on Phil Earle’s multi-award-winning novel
Phil Earle’s novel When the Sky Falls was the winner of the Teach Primary Book Awards, the Books Are My Bag Readers Award for Children’s Fiction, and the British Book Award for Children’s Fiction and was named The Times Children’s Book of the Year. It was also shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal.
The story is set in 1941. War is raging, and Joseph has been sent to live in the city, where bombers rule the skies. There, he lives 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?
2. Highly recommended graphic novel retelling
Adapted and illustrated by Fred Fordham, who has created graphic novel versions of classics including Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird and illustrated Philip Pullman’s graphic novel The Adventures of John Blake: Mystery of the Ghost Ship. When the Sky Falls: Graphic Novel brings the story alive for new readers and fans alike.
It is already highly recommended by children’s favourite creators, including Jamie Smart, Chris Riddell, M.G. Leonard and David Almond.
“This is storytelling at its absolute finest, art and story combined into an incredible emotional journey. This new version is a brand new classic.”
Jamie Smart, author and illustrator of Bunny vs Monkey series
3. A powerful learning tool
When the Sky Falls: Graphic Novel encourages pupils of all abilities to delve into the reading experience. Pupils will learn how to decode facial expressions, body language and emotions; develop a deeper understanding of storytelling, including pacing, brevity of speech and realistic dialogue; and explore visualisation. The free discussion guide offers a variety of jumping-off points to use within your classroom.
4. Inspires all children to be readers and writers
Like many children, author Phil Earle struggled with reading ‘proper books’. He found that they were dense and impenetrable. But his bedroom floor was covered in comics and graphic novels. Without these, he would never have become a writer – or a reader!
“If all you do is read comics for the rest of your life, then it makes you a proper reader: it makes you equal (if not superior) to the mere mortals who only choose novels.”
Phil Earle
5. Free discussion guide
Download the free discussion guide. Fully aligned with the national curriculum, it includes history, poetry, art and music activities and covers topics and themes including World War II and bullying. It also promotes a range of skills, from vocabulary and sentence structure to emotional intelligence, ethics, debate and research.
- When the Sky Falls is a rip-roaring graphic retelling of Phil Earle’s multi-award-winning novel, adapted and illustrated by Fred Fordham.
- Download the FREE When the Sky Falls: Graphic Novel discussion guide.
- Order When the Sky Falls: Graphic Novel from your favourite bookshop or online.
- Find more free discussion guides for Phil Earle’s books on the Andersen Press website.
