1941. War is raging. And one angry boy has been sent to the city, where bombers rule the skies. There, Joseph 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?
A magnificent story ... It deserves every prize going -- Philip Pullman It's a wonderful story of hurt, kindness and what it means to be human in an inhumane world -- Children's Book of the Year - The Times
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 Very moving. I almost never cry at books - but this one had me in tears by the end -- Jacqueline Wilson A raw, heartfelt tale in the tradition of Goodnight Mister Tom - Sunday Times
Author
About Phil Earle
Phil Earle was born, raised and schooled in Hull. His first job was as a care worker in a children's home, an experience that influenced the ideas behind Being Billy. He then trained as a drama therapist and worked in a therapeutic community in south London, caring for traumatized and abused adolescents. After a couple of years in the care sector, Phil chose the more sedate lifestyle of a bookseller, and now works in children's publishing. Phil lives in south-east London with his wife and children, but Hull will always be home.
