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  • When the Sky Falls

  • By: Phil Earle
  • Narrated by: Phil Earle
  • Length: 6 hrs and 57 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (120 ratings)

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When the Sky Falls cover art

When the Sky Falls

By: Phil Earle
Narrated by: Phil Earle
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Summary

It’s 1940, and Joseph has been packed off to stay with Mrs F, a gruff woman with no great fondness for children. To Joseph’s amazement, she owns the rundown city zoo where Joseph meets Adonis, a huge silverback gorilla. Adonis is ferociously strong and dangerous, but Joseph finds he has an affinity with the lonely beast. But when the bombs begin to fall, it is up to Joseph to guard Adonis’ cage should it be damaged by a blast. Will Joseph be ready to pull the trigger if it comes to it?

©2021 Phil Earle (P)2021 Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd

Critic reviews

"An extraordinary story with historical and family truth at its heart, that tells us as much about the present as the past. Deeply felt, movingly written, a remarkable achievement." (Michael Morpurgo, best-selling author of War Horse)

"Complex, dark, intense and mysterious, When the Sky Falls is an astounding work of fiction. For years now Earle has been one of our finest writers for young people and here he is at the height of his considerable powers." (Antony McGowan)

"Phil Earle writes from the heart: a story about love and friendship and how animals can connect people in the darkest of times and allow them to heal." (Gill Lewis, author of Sky Hawk)

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What listeners say about When the Sky Falls

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A story of friendship and loss

Just wonderful. And not just for young people. It’ll stay with you for some time.

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A book that can show emotional intelligence, excitement and leave is all feeling a deeper understanding of humanity

The author reads this book in a way you can indulge and loose yourself. I felt every emotion and found myself contemplating the questions it raises eager to get back to book to see if my thoughts we right!
The humility in which its read only makes you feel it’s massive impact. Gentle voices, the right words and timing can bring a book into a movie in the mind! I cannot wait for my daughter to dive into this I am sure she will emerge more emotionally intelligent than before.

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silver back

instead of equine therapy this is ape therapy. The power of animals to make us take charge of our emotions. Good story, love Mrs F

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heart felt and raw

you could feel every feeling and emotion of every character in the book. so believable and it showed the trade that it would beeb like in the war. the friendship between Mrs F, Joseph and Adonis was just so wholesome I didn't want it to end.

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gripping until the end

easy read and listen. Gloriously gripping and heart warming! I found this story following the traction this book gain on Twitter and I'm so glad I did!

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When the Sky Falls, by Phil Earle

A heartwarming, gripping story with great characters. Really well read. I read this in two days and loved it!

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Wow!!!

absolutely wonderful story. loved listening to so much, that even if I was going to the shops. I had to listen to it walking up the road, I even walked slower so I could hear another chapter. It was even better that ,Phil Earle read it too loved his voice. So greatful that my friend passed it onto me as I could relate as I'm also dyslexic.

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When the sky falls

This is the best book I've ever read and recommend it. So sad tho.

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Absolutely brilliant

Such a unique and moving story with real heart. Loved it. Connection in all its forms. Beautiful.

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WONDERFUL

LOVED IT! THIS STORY MADE ME LAUGH AND CRY. EACH CHAPTER LEFT ME NEEDING TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENED NEXT. THE RELATIONSHIPS ARE BEAUTIFUL. THANK YOU.

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