Frida Nilsson, The Ape Star, Gecko Press, August 2022, 144 pp., RRP $17.99 (pbk), ISBN 9781776574223
Jonna has lived all her nine years at Renfanan orphanage, until one day a gorilla comes to the orphanage and adopts her! Initially Jonna is fearful and unhappy in her new situation however as she gets to know her new adoption mother her feelings change.
Their relationship grows and Jonna finds herself embracing Ape’s way of life; selling scrap, eating fried egg sandwiches, reading books, and even learning to drive. So, when a man from the council, wanting to buy Ape’s land and livelihood, threatens their bond they must find a way to stay together.
Frida Nilsson writes from Jonna’s perspective and convincingly captures the hopes, dreams, and fears of a nine-year-old orphan. The reader develops a real compassion for Jonna and the situation she finds herself in. A gentle message for young readers that nobody should be judged on appearance comes through as Jonna gradually comes to know, accept, and love Ape.
The story has plenty of cheekiness too that would appeal to a middle to upper primary crowd; Ape and Jonna’s dodgy selling techniques; Ape’s crazy driving and subsequent lessons for Jonna, and their dining out experience at a fancy restaurant where they deliberately display their worst manners. The unlikely and slightly bizarre combination of characters and events make for a highly imaginative and entertaining read.
This best-selling book has been made into an animated film, but I would argue the book would be a much richer experience for its attention to character and emotion.
Recommended for ages 9-12 years old.
Reviewed by Julie Bertola
