Description Share Post When the Sky Falls: The Graphic Novel Written by Phil Earle, adapted and illustrated by Fred Fordham (Andersen Press) When the Sky Falls: The Graphic Novel is set in 1941, amidst the chaos of World War II. 12-year-old Joseph from rural Yorkshire is thrust into an unfamiliar world. Instead of seeking evacuation and refuge in the countryside like many others, he is sent to stay with Mrs. F in the heart of London. She is a stern and distant acquaintance of his grandmother’s. Feeling abandoned and simmering with anger, Joseph struggles to adapt to this new reality. As the Blitz ravages the city with nightly bomb raids, it seems Mrs. F’s sole concern remains her dilapidated zoo. It is home to a dwindling set of animals. Among them is a majestic silverback gorilla named Adonis. Initially at odds, Joseph and Adonis gradually form an unexpected and profound bond amid the turmoil of war. Joseph faces his own battles, contending with school hardships and the attention of bullies. It’s clear is also has challenges posed by his undiagnosed dyslexia. Following an incident at the zoo with one of the bullies, Adonis comes to Joseph’s aid, but with dreadful consequences. The local council decide to have Adonis put down. Mrs F and Joseph now face an agonising decision about Adonis’s future. Phil Earle’s poignant historical adventure unfolds as a gripping narrative, while Fred Fordham’s utterly magnificent graphic novel adaptation enhances this modern classic. The artwork is moving and impactful, making this graphic interpretation essential.
