Phil Earle – författare

"Faces flashed before my eyes.And for every face there was a time that they had let me down.Each punch that landed was revenge, my chance to tell them I hadn't forgotten what they did."Eight years in a care home makes Billy Finn a professional lifer. And Billy's angry - with the system, the social workers, and the mother that gave him away.As far as Billy's concerned, he's on his own. His little brother and sister keep him going, though they can't keep him out of trouble.But he isn't being difficult on purpose. Billy's just being Billy. He can't be anything else.Can he?'Phil Earle writes starkly but sensitively about damaged children in this brilliant page-turning novel. It moved me to tears' - Jacqueline Wilson'Being Billy was a total page-turner - authentic and gritty. Billy's voice doesn't falter . . . spiky, brave and compassionate' - Jenny Downham, author of Before I Die'Moving and powerful, I loved it' - Sophie McKenziePhil Earle was born, raised and schooled in Hull. His first job was as a care worker in a children's home, an experience that influenced the ideas behind Being Billy. He then trained as a drama therapist and worked in a therapeutic community in south London, caring for traumatized and abused adolescents.After a couple of years in the care sector, Phil chose the more sedate lifestyle of a bookseller, and now works in children's publishing. Phil lives in south-east London with his wife and children, but Hull will always be home.

Daisy's mum is gone. Her dad refuses to talk about it. As far as Daisy's concerned, it's all her fault. As her life starts to spiral out of control, panic leads to tragedy and Daisy's left alone.But sometimes the kindness of a stranger can turn things around. A stranger who desperately wants to save Daisy - if she'll only let herself be saved . . .A powerful and moving story linked to Phil Earle's critically acclaimed debut book, Being Billy.Praise for Being Billy:'A wonderful book' - Morris Gleitzman'Phil Earle writes starkly but sensitively in this brilliant page-turning novel. It moved me to tears' - Jacqueline Wilson'This may be the most authoritative, honest and moving account of children trapped in the care system to date' - Keith Gray, Scotsman'life-affirming, redemptive, and really just rather good' - Marcus Sedgwick, Guardian'Moving and powerful, I loved it' - Sophie McKenzie'Being Billy was a total page-turner - authentic and gritty. Billy's voice doesn't falter . . . spiky, brave and compassionate - Jenny Downham

'For the past five weeks I'd prayed that I'd never see my brother's name spelt out in poppies. In the weeks that followed I often wished I had.'Jammy and Sonny McGann are brothers, but that's where the similarities end. One is calm when the other is angry; one has a plan while the other lives purely in the moment.When Jammy returns from Afghanistan a very different man to the one who left, it's Sonny who is left to hold things together. But just how far will he go to save the brother who always put him first?Inspired by S.E. Hinton's The Outsiders and by the battles facing young soldiers all over the world, this is a devastating novel about brotherhood and sacrifice, from the award-winning author of Being Billy and Saving Daisy.

How do you stay on the board when your world is turned upside down?Charlie's found his secret talent: skateboarding. It's his one-way ticket to popularity. All he's got to do is practice, and nothing's going to stop him - not his clumsiness, not his overprotective mum, nothing.Except Charlie isn't the only one in his family hiding a massive secret, and his next discovery will change everything.'Have finished The Bubble Wrap Boy. If happy tears/snot smeared across face were legal currency, Phil Earle would be rich. So warm, and so funny' - Katherine Rundell, author of Rooftoppers and Impossible Creatures"A story about staying true to yourself and following your passion." - Kirkus Reviews

When he inherits a special football badge, German teenager Adi sets off on a mission to fulfil his grandfather's dying wish and return the badge to its rightful owner, former England footballer, Edgar Kail.After tracking Edgar down, Adi gets the chance to learn more about the achievements of his grandfather, Adolf Jager, and the story unfolds of a special friendship that spanned twenty years and survived the horror of the Second World War.Edgar Kail and Adolf Jager played for their respective clubs in the early twentieth century and they remain folk heroes even now. Perfect for less-confident readers, this is a fictional tale of two real-life footballing heroes, and the moving story of a friendship forged by the beautiful game.

Florrie has two of everything.Two lovely brothers . . .Two smashing parents . . .Two very cuddled pets.But two isn't always a magic number, as Florrie now has to live in TWO different houses:one with her mum . . . and one with her dad.An uplifting picture book that helps young readers discuss their feelings around divorce and embrace change.Praise for Two Places to Call Home:'Phil Earle's reassuring and hopeful picture book suggests imaginative ways to find courage and to tackle a child's anxiety about parents who separate.' Sunday Times'Heartfelt, honest and positive - a much needed, wonderful picture book!' Jim Field'A gentle and beautiful book filled with comfort and imagination.' Katya Balen, Carnegie Medal winner'Warm and wise and sweet.' Ross Montgomery'Perfect example of how picture books can be a powerful tool when helping children to make sense of their lives. Just lovely.' Rob Biddulph'A soothing and positive tale for those feeling split down the middle after a parental breakup.' Benji Davies

Florrie now lives in two different houses:One with her mum.One with her dad.And everything finally feels just right. Until Florrie's dad gets a new girlfriend... who's not her mum!Will having two families be too much for Florrie?A comforting picture book tackling the tricky emotions that surface when blending families after a separation, while celebrating new connections. Brought to you by best-selling and award-winning author, of When the Sky Falls and Two Places To Call Home, Phil Earle.Praise for Two Places to Call Home:'Phil Earle's reassuring and hopeful picture book suggests imaginative ways to find courage and to tackle a child's anxiety about parents who separate.' Sunday Times'Heartfelt, honest and positive - a much needed, wonderful picture book!' Jim Field'A gentle and beautiful book filled with comfort and imagination.' Katya Balen, Carnegie Medal winner'Warm and wise and sweet.' Ross Montgomery'Perfect example of how picture books can be a powerful tool when helping children to make sense of their lives. Just lovely.' Rob Biddulph'A soothing and positive tale for those feeling split down the middle after a parental breakup.' Benji Davies

A hilarious new series by award-winning author Phil Earle which introduces Finn N. O. Hope and his life of epic failure! Perfect for readers of Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Loki and Tom Gates. ​Finn just wants to survive Year 7, but his life is destined to be a series of epic fails. It's only Tuesday and his scheming, unicorn-obsessed little sister has already stuck a horn to his head (with superglue) and his properly evil older brother has wedgied him 278 times. And don't even ask what happened at swimming, in front of the WHOLE CLASS. At least he has best friends Laszlo (a hopeless romantic) and Google (ask her anything) by his side as he attempts to turn failure into victory in his very own book that is definitely not a diary. ‘A comedy classic and hilarious page-turner from a genuinely brilliant writer.’ Liz Pichon, author of Tom Gates series ‘Pure comedy genius – Finn's Epic Fails will have you howling with laughter and cheering for more! This book belongs on every kid's bookshelf!’ – Jenny Pearson, author of The Super Miraculous Journey of Freddie Yates‘Failure has never been this funny. Finn is my new hero!’ – Rob Biddulph, author of Draw With Rob WHAT TO EXPECT:Illustrations by the brilliant and hilarious AL MUPRHYMortifying momentsLaughter guaranteedDisastrous supply teachersA stinky stray dog who may just be the PERFECT best friendPRANKS!Mates who save the dayOFF THE SCALE FAILOMETERS!!!And much more…!When the Sky Falls by Phil Earle won the 2022 British Book Award for Children's Fiction Book of the Year, the Books Are My Bag Readers Award and the Times Children's Book of the Year.

Finn N. O. Hope, ultimate fail-magnet, is back in this second instalment of the hilarious middle-grade series by Phil Earle. Perfect for readers of Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Loki and Tom Gates. Finn’s Gran is treating the family to a summer vacation in Tenerife – what could possibly go wrong? How about lost luggage, a hotel with guest rats, an army of dads in tiny mankinis (shudder) and an unexpected encounter with the Mothership and her new boyfriend… Suddenly it’s feeling less like paradise and more like the HOLIDAY FROM HELL. Finn’s going to need some serious good luck to turn this festival of fails into a week of wins!'Failure has never been this funny. Finn is my new hero!' - Rob BiddulphWhat to expect:Illustrations by the brilliant and hilarious AL MUPRHYLaughter guaranteedHoliday humiliationsCringe karaokePoolside pranksOff the scale Fail-o-meters!!!And MUCH MORE…!'Absolutely captures how mortifying school can be! Painfully accurate, like Adrian Mole with smartphones.' - Louie Stowell'Pure comedy genius. This book belongs on every kid's bookshelf!' - Jenny Pearson

Early Readers are stepping stones from picture books to reading books. A blue Early Reader is perfect for sharing and reading together. A red Early Reader is the next step on your reading journey.Albert LOVES football. But he HATES the Garden of Doom next door. He's always kicking his footballs into it, and he can't go and get them back - Mr Creaky lives next door, and Albert is terrified of him. But when he kicks his friend Errol's ball into the Garden of Doom, Albert knows that he has to be brave. Could there be more to Mr Creaky than meets the eye? Could he be a jewel thief? A wizard? A secret agent?Albert doesn't know... but he's about to find out!The first Early Reader story from a talented and unique voice in children's fiction. Phil Earle is a CARNEGIE MEDAL shortlisted author whose hard-hitting YA novels have been widely acclaimed.

Perfect for Father's Day!From the author of Finn's Epic Fails, this is a hilarious and warm-hearted story about family, friends and wrestling by multi-award-shortlisted Phil Earle, illustrated by award-winning artist, Sara Ogilvie. Perfect for fans of Roald Dahl and Liz Pichon, each book in this laugh-out-loud series focuses on a different neighbour.'One funny, fabulous, pile driving BLAST of a book.' ― LIZ PICHON'A wonderful mix of heart, wit and wrestling Lycra' ― KATHERINE RUNDELL'Warm, funny and heartfelt ... A phenomenal book' ― ROBIN STEVENSThis is the story of Jake Biggs and his dad, George. George spends all week knocking down buildings ... and all weekend knocking down wrestlers! He's the Demolition Man, and Jake couldn't be prouder. But when Jake hears about a pro-wrestling competition in the USA, and persuades his beloved dad to apply, things don't quite turn out the way he expected ...DEMOLITION DAD is DANNY THE CHAMPION OF THE WORLD in Spandex, a book bursting with humour and heart.

From the author of Finn's Epic Fails, this is the second book in multi-award-shortlisted author Phil Earle's Storey Street series, illustrated by award-winning artist, Sara Ogilvie. Perfect for fans of Roald Dahl and Liz Pichon, each book in this laugh-out-loud series focuses on a different neighbour.'A laugh-out-loud read full of capes and japes! If you like Superheroes this is right down your Street!' - DANNY WALLACEMouse is desperate to be a superhero. To find that power that will make him stand out in the crowd. But his every attempt ends in failure. He can't even get any attention at home as his five brothers (triplets AND twins) take every second of mum and dad's attention. When mum foils a bank robbery while on duty as a lollipop lady, she and Mouse are lauded as superheroes. Joining forces with Mouse are The Z List - a group of unlikely crime-fighters. But in their midst is a traitor hell-bent on revenge. Will Mouse be super enough to spot this danger, and is he brave enough to do anything about it?Praise for Storey Street Book 1 - Demolition Dad:'One funny, fabulous, pile driving BLAST of a book.' ― LIZ PICHON'A wonderful mix of heart, wit and wrestling Lycra' ― KATHERINE RUNDELL'Warm, funny and heartfelt ... A phenomenal book' ― ROBIN STEVENS

From the author of Finn's Epic Fails, this is the third book in multi-award-shortlisted author Phil Earle's Storey Street series, illustrated by award-winning artist, Sara Ogilvie. Perfect for fans of Roald Dahl and Liz Pichon, each book in this laugh-out-loud series focuses on a different neighbour. Winner of the Hull Children's Book AwardMasher is the bully of Storey Street. No one ever dares stand up to him and that's the way he likes it. But then Jemima and her family move into the plot of land next door. Jemima isn't afraid of him at all, and she's making him look like a bit of a wimp. To Masher, that just means one thing: war. (At least until teatime...)Praise for Storey Street Book 1 - Demolition Dad:'One funny, fabulous, pile driving BLAST of a book.' ― LIZ PICHON'A wonderful mix of heart, wit and wrestling Lycra' ― KATHERINE RUNDELL'Warm, funny and heartfelt ... A phenomenal book' ― ROBIN STEVENS

A powerful drama exploring love, loss, family and friendship from a superstar of UK children’s and YA fiction, inspired by a tremendously moving true story. When Mikey's dad died, something in Mikey died too. He loved his old man and he never stopped dreaming that one day his dad would land the role of a lifetime, prove them all wrong, and rock back up to the estate in the flashiest car anyone had ever seen. Now there's just numbness, and not caring, and really, really stupid decisions. He says the worst of it is that he can't even remember his dad's voice any more. Eventually Mikey's best mate can't bear it any more, and so he sets out to give Mikey the memories – and his dad's voice – back. Particularly suitable for readers aged 13+ with a reading age of 9.

A lovely celebration of father–son bonds and the importance of family, wrapped up in a wonderful extraordinary story that is sure to appeal to young superhero fans!Stanley is a normal little boy, whose dad just happens to be the greatest superhero on the planet. Six days a week, Dad saves the world from disasters, aliens, and bad guys. Friday is his day off and he always spends it with Stan. But one Friday, Dad and Stan meet a series of people desperately in need of Dad's help. Soon Stan finds himself saving a lion stuck up a tree, rescuing a monster truck from a ditch and taking on shark-infested floodwaters. That's right: Stan is a chip off the old (superhero) block! High quality cream paper and a special easy to read font ensure a smooth read for all.

A fun football tale for little readers packed with laughs, friendship and a spot of superstition …Ridiculous injuries … strange illnesses … cancelled games … Everything's going wrong for the Saints this season, and Stanley's team-mates believe they finally know why. Their football kit is cursed! But the team's attempts to break the curse take things from bad to worse. Soon, they're ready to call it quits. Stanley's still got some tricks up his sleeve … but will his curse-cracking ideas save the team in time for the last game of the season?

A baking nightmare makes for slapstick comedy gold in this hilarious Little Gem from a bestselling author and illustrator team. Albert’s dad needs help in the family bakery, but all his son can think about is sport. So he builds a machine like no other: the Doughmaster 5000. It seems to have solved all their problems, until one night, Dad’s miracle solution turns into a rampaging disaster. It’s up to Albert to fix the mess – but will his sporting skills save him now?

A four-legged hero risks it all to make his best friend’s dream come true in this touching adventure of family, football and beating the odds. Pickles the dog and his owner Elsie love football more than anything. And they’ve just heard the most amazing news. The World Cup is coming home to England and Elsie’s team have a chance to play in a half-time match at Wembley – with some help from Pickles, of course!But life off the pitch is tough, even when Dad works hard to provide what they need. It’s their team of three against the world and right now it feels like they’re losing. So when disaster strikes and Elsie’s dreams of playing at Wembley are shattered, it’s up to Pickles to save the world (cup) … Particularly suitable for readers aged 9+ with a reading age of 8.

From the bestselling author of Finn's Epic Fails comes the multi-award-winning story about the incredible friendship between a young boy and a silverback gorilla in the Second World War, inspired by a true story. 1941. War is raging. And Joseph has been sent to live in the city, where bombers rule the skies. There, he will live with Mrs F, a gruff woman with no fondness for children. Her only loves are the rundown zoo she owns and its mighty silverback gorilla, Adonis. As the weeks pass, Joseph and Adonis become friends, but what will happen when the bombers set him rampaging free?Other animal war stories by Phil Earle include:While the Storm RagesUntil the Road Ends Winner of the British Book Award for Children's Fiction Book of the Year.‘A magnificent story... It deserves every prize going’ Philip Pullman‘An extraordinary story... Deeply felt, movingly written, a remarkable achievement’ Michael Morpurgo

An unexpected family secret has hilarious consequences in this action-packed story from Phil Earle and illustrator Steve May — perfect for superhero fans.An unexpected family secret has hilarious consequences in this action-packed story from Phil Earle and illustrator Steve May — perfect for superhero fans.Plane crashes, robberies and fires were not what Stanley was expecting on a day out at the seaside with his nan and the other residents of her care home! Nan doesn’t know about his superpowers, so Super Stan can’t step in to help as it would blow his cover.Luckily, though, another mysterious superhero seems to be on hand, saving the day. But who could it possibly be?

From award-winning author Phil Earle comes the hilariously agonising account of one teenage boy’s disastrous attempts to win the heart of the cool new girl at school. Marv’s fourteen and his life is simple. There’s football. And his best mate, Jimmy. Perfect.Nothing else matters until a new girl at school called Carly crashes into his life. For Marv, it’s love at first sight, his emotions flipped upside down, as he knows a girl like Carly will never notice him.He needs help – lots of it – but when it miraculously arrives in the shape of a musical idol from the past, the path to Carly’s heart proves anything but easy …First love is unforgettable, and poor Marv is about to learn this the hard way – him, and his northern soul … Particularly suitable for readers aged 11+ with a reading age of 8.

From the bestselling author of When the Sky Falls and Finn's Epic Fails comes the remarkable story of Noah's fight to save his beloved family dog following the outbreak of the Second World War. September 1939. The world is on the brink of war. As his dad marches off to fight, Noah makes him a promise, to keep their beloved family dog safe. When the government advises people to have their pets put down in readiness for the chaos of war, Noah and his two best friends go on the run to save his dog and as many animals as they can... 'A page-turning triumph to make you laugh and cry - it’s Phil Earle at his best' Jacqueline Wilson'A triumph' The Sunday Times, Children's Book of the Week'Another gritty adventure full of heart, humour and historical accuracy' Daily Mail

From the bestselling author of When the Sky Falls and Finn's Epic Fails comes the heart-rending story of evacuee Peggy, separated from her beloved dog Beau in the Second World War. Peggy and her dog Beau are inseparable: the only thing that can ever come between them is war. Peggy is evacuated to the safety of the coast, but Beau is left behind in the city. He becomes the most extraordinary and unlikely of war heroes, searching the streets after the bombs fall for survivors. Then disaster strikes when Peggy's parents are killed, leaving her and Beau alone, hundreds of miles apart. But Beau has a plan to reunite them... 'Dad's Army meets Animals of Farthing Wood. Warm, weepy, wonderful. Victory medals all round' The Times, Children's Book of the Week'A heartbreaking story of love and devotion in the midst of war' Waterstones

From the bestselling author of When the Sky Falls and Finn's Epic Fails comes the heart-wrenching story of a baby gorilla, Adonis, born into captivity, and the twelve-year-old girl who risks everything to rescue him.In 1911, before the start of World War One, London’s docks thrum with underhand deals, none so great as the arrival of a valuable, rare and exotic animal – a baby silverback gorilla. The baby gorilla stands to make one man very, very rich. Heaven help anyone who gets in his way. But then one night a twelve-year-old girl is unwittingly drawn into his criminal underworld. Can she find a way to escape and rescue the baby gorilla?The hotly anticipated follow-up to the multi-award-winning story about the incredible friendship between a young boy and a silverback gorilla in the Second World War, inspired by a true story: When the Sky Falls.‘This richly atmospheric adventure . . . confirms Earle as a master of his craft’ Daily Mail‘Nobody writes striking, heartfelt adventure like Phil Earle. I loved it!’ Ross Montgomery‘It’s a tremendous nail-biting read, tender and terrifying in equal measure’ Jacqueline WilsonPraise for When the Sky Falls:‘A magnificent story’ Philip Pullman‘Deeply felt, movingly written, a remarkable achievement’ Michael MorpurgoPerfect for fans of War Horse, I Am Rebel and The Last Bear

A stunning graphic-novel edition of the multi-award-winning story about the incredible friendship between a young boy and a silverback gorilla during the Second World War, inspired by a true story. From the bestselling author of Finn's Epic Fails. 1941. War is raging. And Joseph has been sent to live in the city, where bombers rule the skies. There, he will live with Mrs F, a gruff woman with no fondness for children. Her only loves are the rundown zoo she owns and its mighty silverback gorilla, Adonis. As the weeks pass, Joseph and Adonis become friends, but what will happen when the bombers set him rampaging free?Winner of the British Book Award for Children's Fiction Book of the Year.‘A magnificent achievement’ Chris Riddell‘A brilliant new incarnation’ David Almond'Earle and Fordham have created a masterpiece' M. G. Leonard'This is storytelling at its absolute finest, art and story combined into an incredible emotional journey' Jamie Smart