The Murderer's Ape (Hardcover)

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The Murderer's Ape By Jakob Wegelius Cover Image
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Staff Reviews


"To save a ship captain framed for murder, engineer Sally Jones (a gorilla who can read and write) joins with an accordion craftsman and a fado singer to unravel a sinister plot. Roaming from the coasts of Portugal to the opulent court of an Indian maharaja, this quirky tale offers international intrigue, terrific characters, and classic adventure in spades."

— Meghan

Description


"This may be the most charming book I’ve read all year." --The New York Times
 
"I don’t know when I last read a book with such pure and unalloyed pleasure." –Philip Pullman, internationally bestselling author of the His Dark Materials series
 
Winner of the Mildred L. Batchelder award, this is a captivating story about dark truths and heinous crimes as well as unexpected friendships, with detailed black-and-white illustrations throughout. Perfect for fans of Brian Selznick and mystery and detective stories.
 
Sally Jones is not only a loyal friend, she’s an extraordinary individual. In overalls or in a maharaja’s turban, this unique gorilla moves among humans without speaking but understanding everything. She and the Chief are devoted comrades who operate a cargo boat. A job they are offered pays big bucks, but the deal ends badly, and the Chief is falsely convicted of murder.
 
For Sally Jones this is the start of a harrowing quest for survival and to clear the Chief's name. Powerful forces are working against her, and they will do anything to protect their secrets.

About the Author


JAKOB WEGELIUS is a Swedish writer and illustrator who lives and works in the small village of Mörtfors. In Sweden, he was awarded the August Prize for Best Children’s Book and the Nordic Council Children and Young People’s Literature Prize for The Murderer’s Ape, which is also an International Youth Library White Raven selection. Visit Jakob at jakobwegelius.com.

About the Translator:
PETER GRAVES is a translator from the Scandinavian languages and has received many Swedish Academy prizes for his translations.

Praise For…


"Slyly funny and poignant . . . a thrilling adventure."--Caldecott Medal winner Paul O. Zelinsky

"This may be the most charming book I've read all year. It's a challenge to build a story around a protagonist who can't speak, and Wegelius does this skillfully, emphasizing qualities that make us human." — The New York Times Book Review

"Features a complex mystery, an intricately constructed narrative, and deep characters. Committed, careful readers will be richly rewarded." — Kirkus Reviews, Starred

"A richly imagined and thoroughly unique adventure." — Booklist, Starred

"A thrilling adventure. Prepare to meet the remarkable Sally Jones; you won't soon forget her."--PW, Starred

"A new animal heroine has arrived on the scene. An unusual and oddly charming adventure."--SLJ

"Award-winning Swedish writer and illustrator Jakob Wegelius weaves together a head-spinning story of mystery, intrigue, love and adventure, beautifully translated by Peter Graves."--Shelf Awareness

" . . . gorgeous, clever, and memorable."--The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books


Product Details
ISBN: 9781101931752
ISBN-10: 1101931752
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Publication Date: January 24th, 2017
Pages: 624
Language: English