Quirky characters make this a truly unusual coming-of-age tale.
The Ape Star
In this awardwinning chapter book about prejudice and justice, an orphan girl is adopted by a gorilla who lives in a junkyard and a surprising friendship grows between them.
Jonna sleeps in a hammock, and in the evenings the gorilla reads Dickens in her worn armchair. It turns out Jonna and the gorilla have a lot in common. But just when they’ve started to get along, a man from the council threatens to send Jonna back to the orphanage.
The Ape Star is a heartwarming and unconventional chapter book about love, adoption, friendship, and seeing from different perspectives.
An animated adaption starring Stellan Skarsgård (Thor: Ragnarok, Mamma Mia) is now showing worldwide.
Written by Frida Nilsson, with images from the feature film by LEE Films. Translated by Julia Marshall.
Read the first chapter | Look inside video | Film trailer | Author Q&A
Ebook available wherever you buy your ebooks
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Book Details
Country of Origin Sweden Reader Age 6-8 year, 8-12 year Book Size 20.4 × 14.4 mm
(paperback)20.4 × 14.4 mm
(preorder-paperback)ISBN 9781776574223
(paperback)
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Reviews
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Kāpiti News –
The book is easy to read and Nilsson’s writing is sincere and funny. Highly recommended.
The Listener, Top 50 Kids Books –
This explosion of the classic orphan adoption trope is laugh-out-loud funny while making plenty of points about outsiders and standing up for yourself.
The Irish Times Children’s books of the year –
Quirky characters make this a truly unusual coming-of-age tale.
Kristen, Netgalley –
A book that will delight readers of all ages.
School Reading List –
Highly original and memorable
Book-marked –
This enchanting chapter book – ideal for reading aloud of new readers – tackles contemporary issues of economic hardship, marginalisation and justice with warmth, wit, compassion and insight. A triumph of storytelling by an exciting Swedish writer.
Just Imagine –
This unconventional story is absorbing, poignant and funny with themes of prejudice, family love, loyalty and acceptance ensuring that it is an affecting read.
Jo Bowers –
Just read this in one sitting, I can’t recommend it enough. It’s heartwarming, different, life-affirming and a story you want to be in!