By Gill Lewis (author)
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Shortlisted for the UKLA 2017 Book Award Gill Lewis writes outstanding animal stories, and Gorilla Dawn is very good indeed. The setting is the forests of the Congo, home to the great lowland gorilla but also to rebel soldiers, who hide out there after attacks on local villages. Imara is just a child, but regarded as a talisman by the Black Mambas, one of the rebel groups.
Their leader believes her to be a Spirit Child with magical powers to protect his men. It’s a frightening life and Imara has withdrawn into herself for protection. The arrival in camp of a baby gorilla taken to be sold into captivity breaks down her defences and she determines to save it. Imara’s story is terrible and Lewis chooses to reveal it in full only when Imara is safe.
She allows us to feel hope for the gorillas too while explaining to her readers all the dangers they face. Above all, this story tells children that we all share the world, that if we lose our love of it, we lose our souls. A thrilling story which will sweep readers along, this is one of the best books of the year. ~ Andrea Reece
A note from Gill Lewis: “The world is at our fingertips…or so it seems. We use our mobile phones and computers to connect with people far across the globe. And yet, they also connect our fate to that of the gorilla. The electronic devices we use every day contain rare minerals, many of which are sourced within the forests of the war-torn Democratic Republic of Congo, home of the eastern lowland gorilla.
I wanted to tell a story, through the eyes of two children who have been swept into the conflict, that questions our responsibility as consumers of electronic goods; responsibility to insist on fair trade and conflict free minerals, and to actively protect our natural world.”
The thrilling, heartbreaking, and inspirational new story from award-winning storyteller and wildlife expert Gill Lewis. Deep in the heart of the African jungle, a baby gorilla is captured by a group of rebel soldiers. Imara and Bobo are two children also imprisoned in the rebels' camp.
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When they learn that the gorilla is destined to be sold into captivity, they swear to return it to the wild before it's too late. But the consequences of getting caught are too terrible to think about. Will the bond between the gorilla and the children give them the courage they need to escape?
'I think Gill is one of the best authors ever!' Eva, age 10 'Lewis's confident, economical prose takes the reader up, up and away' The Times 'Lewis writes beautifully about nature and animals.' Daily Mail 'Gill Lewis has established herself as the principal contemporary writer of animal stories, combining a vet's knowledge of her subject with a novelist's capacity for character and plot' Telegraph
Praise for Scarlet Ibis:
“Emotional but ultimately uplifting” Mail on Sunday
“This heart-breaking story about the power of sibling love and nature’s medicinal qualities elevates Gill Lewis […] to Hines and Durrell’s status” The Times
“Perhaps the most uplifting novel I have read this year.” Daily Telegraph
“A highly original narrative.” Daily Mail
Praise for Moon Bear:
“A moving and inspirational tale” 4 stars Daily Telegraph
“An utterly convincing story of ursine – and human – behaviour... this reader was very satisfied...” Guardian
“It is so gripping that I could hardly put it down... I wonder what Gill Lewis is going to write about next? I can't wait!” Guardian - Children’s books
Praise for White Dolphin:
“A lyrical, emotive, engrossing adventure” The Sunday Times
“Another moving and inspirational tale which is also a gripping action thriller...gracefully written and intense” Daily Telegraph
“An addictive page-turner” Bliss
“Like the author's debut, this wonderfully written and unforgettable novel will pull at the heart-strings” Love Reading 4 Kids
“Uplifting” Evening Standard
Praise for Sky Hawk:
“Opens your eyes, touches your heart, and is so engaging it almost turns the pages for you” Michael Morpurgo
“A moving wildlife story about survival and friendship” Julia Donaldson
“An edge-of-your-seat wildlife adventure that tells a very human story of friendship, discovery and an incredible journey. I loved it” Kate Humble, BBC TV presenter and RSPB president
“This beautifully written, captivating book should be on everyone’s bookcase and in every library…Breathtaking. Poignant. Unforgettable” Virginia McKenna, Founder of The Born Free Foundation
Gill Lewis has adored animals for as long as she can remember. From building a mini hospital for insects in her garden as a child, to working as a vet in the wilds of Africa, her life has been full of fascinating wildlife adventures. She now lives in Somerset with her family and their pets, which include dogs, chickens, and a rescued Shetland pony. She dreams up stories in her treehouse, surrounded by squirrels and plates of biscuits. Her books have won and been shortlisted for numerous awards. A Street Dog Named Pup is the first book that she has also illustrated herself.
Gill’s writing has earned her numerous awards such as the UKLA Children’s Book Award and the Little Rebel Award, and several nominations for prestigious awards including the CILIP Carnegie Medal.
Gill lives in Somerset.
UKLA Book Awards - 2017
the best books for 9-12 year olds · the best books for teenagers
The Boy Who Met a Whale
The thrilling, heartbreaking, and inspirational new story from award-winning storyteller and wildlife expert Gill Lewis. Deep in the heart of the African jungle, a baby gorilla is captured by a group of rebel soldiers.
The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed Gorilla Dawn and determined it is suitable for children aged 9-12 years old
Gorilla Dawn features in the following genres: Featured Books for 11+ readers, Recommendations, Animal Stories, Children's and Young Adult Fiction, Children’s, Teenage and Educational, Recommended Children's eBooks, Featured Books for 9+ readers
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Gorilla Dawn was written by Gill Lewis and published by Oxford University Press
Gorilla Dawn has 320 pages
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