At only 11 years old, Eric is a WWII orphan. His dad was lost as he evacuated from Dunkirk, and his mum in the Blitz among the constant bombing of London by German planes.

He now lives with his granny who looks after him but is bossy and not inclined to give the hugs that Eric misses from his parents. Eric doesn’t enjoy school, and is used to escaping to the air raid shelters when the incoming bomber sirens go off most nights.

His favourite thing in the world is to visit the London Zoo. His best friend in the world lives there. Gertrude the Gorilla. They might not be able to speak the same language, but they cheer each other up every day when he visits. Eric doesn’t have any money to get into the Zoo, but his Great Uncle Sid is a zookeeper, who lets him in the back way. They have to be careful because the Zoo boss and the security guard are often watching for this very thing.

Eric is worried about Gertrude, because the bombing has upset her terribly. One night it is so bad, he sneaks out to comfort her. There is no calming her and her cage is damaged. Eric and Sid are suddenly faced with a frightened, full grown gorilla on the loose!

The security guard has orders to shoot escaped animals on sight and Eric and Sid are determined to save her. Little does Eric know that he will soon discover Great Uncle Sid has a wonderful secret, they’ll be flying through the air above London in the middle of a bomb raid, will need multiple disguises, meet Nazi spies and nearly drown. Not to mention a mission to save the entire British Government!

Another rollicking adventure by the master of mirth, Code Name Bananas is exactly that – Bananas! Young animal lovers will enjoy this race to save a furry friend, which turns into a race to save the entire British government including Winston Churchill himself.

Danger, disguises and lots of gorilla spit, readers will laugh and also learn lots about life in the London Blitz. The characters are equal parts zany and authentic, and the varied fonts and fun illustrations by Tony Ross will delight.

Author – David Walliams

Illustrator – Tony Ross

Age – 7+

Quick Read

11 yr old orphan Eric is determined to save his best friend who also happens to be a gorilla at the zoo. It is 1942 and London is being bombed every night by German planes. Gertrude is at risk and a plan to save her turns into a rollicking venture and a quest to save the entire British government, including Churchill himself!

(Humour, Funny, Silly, Animals, Gorilla, Zoo, Blitz, Nazi, German, WWII, World War 2, London, Family, Orphan, Submarine, Plot, Morse code, Churchill, Bombing, War, Ticking clock, Running out of time)