The Dawn of Adonis
by Phil Earle
Interest age: 9 to 12
Reading age: 9+
Published by Andersen Press, 2025
About this book
It’s 1911 and a very dodgy band of thieves and ruffians led by the horrible Goliath Deeds (think Fagin from Oliver Twist) take possession of a great ape in a cage.
They hope to make a lot of money from selling the ape, but they have no idea how - or inclination - to take care of her. The ape tragically dies while giving birth, which a sensitive child may find upsetting.
But step in the lovely Nettie, daughter of a vet, and Goliath’s nephew Toff Squabble, who is a good-hearted boy trapped in a horrible situation. Can they get the baby ape to safety and away from the clutches of the evil and cunning Goliath?
The Dawn of Adonis is a thrilling, perilous adventure through the streets and underbelly of London before the NHS and welfare state. It was not a nice time to be poor. We get to meet some amazing brave people who are struggling through adversity, but who manage to keep their essential human decency - and just a few who don’t.
This is the companion book to Phil Earle’s When the Sky Falls, but although it’s a prequel in terms of the timeline, this book totally stands alone and the books can read in either order.
It’s so beautifully written and so exciting that it will capture both regular and new readers aged 9+. Any reader who has read When the Sky Falls first will find great joy in the ending.
About the author
More books like this
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When the Sky Falls
by Phil Earle
9 to 14 years
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Carrie's War
by Nina Bawden
9 to 14 years
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Finn's Epic Fails
by Phil Earle, illustrated by Al Murphy
9 to 14 years
-
Northern Soul
by Phil Earle
9 to 14 years
Lists of recommended reads
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Great Books Guide 2025-26: for 10 to 11-year-olds
Here’s a round-up of new children’s books from the last year, which we think any child aged 10 to 11 will love