Go back in time with No. 1 bestselling author David Walliams for a whizz-bang epic adventure of action, laughter and secret plots � and the extraordinary friendship between a little boy and a huge gorilla that just might save the day�
1940. Britain is at war with Nazi Germany.
Eleven-year-old Eric spends his days at the place that makes him most happy: London Zoo. And there’s one animal in particular he loves: Gertrude the gorilla.
With bombs falling all over London, Eric must rescue Gertrude.
Together with his Uncle Sid, a keeper at the zoo, the three go on the run. But while hiding out at the seaside they uncover a top-secret Nazi plot�
Join David Walliams on this action-packed, laugh-out-loud adventure for all the family!
Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the ŷ database.
David Walliams is an actor and writer best known for his work with Matt Lucas in the multi-award-winning sketch show Little Britain. His debut children's novel, The Boy in the Dress, was published in 2008 to unanimous critical acclaim and he has since developed a reputation as a natural successor to Roald Dahl.
What is the colour of pissedoffness? Yellow, like the bananas of this book. I do not have an ARC of this unreleased book, I have advance stock that I am not allowed to sell until 5 November. There are only 3 substantial freebie reviews, and ALL of them give the majority of the plot away. Why would they do that? I know, better than anyone, that you can write whatever you like in the review space, so long as it isn't anything negative about the author (unwarranted gushing praise is more than acceptable). But why would you give the plot away? Why not use spoilers?
Making our way through my youngest sons David Walliams Christmas present books - and he never disappoints does he?! Our very own modern Roald Dahl, I just love, love, love him! He is a (children’s) literary genius!
This book is brilliant! Just like the other David Walliams books it has the same adventure, engaging text and a super storyline with surprising twists. And just when you think that it can't get any more crazy and brilliant, it skyrockets.
Eric is an 11-year old boy in 1940, during the first world war. Eric was short for his age, and had sticky-out ears. Both his parents were destroyed by the war. And soon his granny also becomes a victim. But, as the story continues suspension grows. Eric learns about some astonishing things. He, Gertrude and his mum's uncle, Uncle Sid become an unlikely rescue team. With the amount of emotion, suspense and thrill all balanced, the story takes a wild ride. From making friends and breaking out a gorilla to disguising and wandering in enemy territory, to even escape a bomb submarine, The trio are always ready for more chaos.
I really liked this book and I rate it 5 out of 5 as I do for all DW books. I wonder what the next David Walliams book will be? Do you have an idea of what it might be about?
Familiar script now, daft and over-the-top characters and situations.
Working in a library this morning, I was talking about Walliams with a 9-year-old customer. He was surprised when I told him I hadn't really enjoyed the latest from the author, as he'd loved it. And maybe I'm doing the books a disservice, because, yes, his target audience DOES tend to love them. But that doesn't mean I need to gush and heap praise on them when I don't think it's deserved. Does it?
They've felt phoned-in and rushed-out for a while now. I was pleased to see another period piece here (after The Ice Monster), especially as my eldest is studying World War II at school. And there are some great war details included, so that was a positive.
It was the story though, the usual over-the-top stereotypes, the zany and overdone last act, and as an audiobook listener, some annoying voices that grated.
Orphaned by the war, Eric has few friends but Gertrude, a gorilla at London Zoo, and her keeper, his uncle Sid. The German bombs end up causing Gertrude to escape her cage, which in turns means the owner of the zoo determines to have her put down (yep, it's a bit forced), so the three of them decide the best course of action is to run away. Cue a big country-wide chase, and lots of female clothing. And a final act involving two not-at-all suspicious old ladies in a dilapidated seaside boarding house.
Madcap. Zany. Quirky. Hmm. It didn't hit the spot for me at all. The woman voicing Eric didn't help, yet another grating stereotype that didn't fit. An actual child's voice would have been nice.
It was all just a bit much. Gertrude could have been more sympathetic, it almost felt exploitative even though it is literally words on a page.
I think I just miss the heart of Walliams' earliest novels. The ones that felt personal and could actually bring a tear to your eye. And the amount of celebrity authors now following in his footsteps jades me as well.
My eldest (nearly 10) hasn't read this yet but I'll be very interested in his opinion. Don't listen to drained little me, this is just the opinion of a very-much-not-the-target-audience mum and librarian.
For fans aged 7-11. With thanks to Nudge Books for providing a sample Audible copy.
Code Name Bananas by David Walliams is an adventure story book for Children . Unlike most books it is filled with lots of illustrations.I must say that the book was funny somehow . There where many twists that younger readers will enjoy . This book is best for children aged 7 and up . The illustrations has an important part in making the story beautiful. But I didn't Enjoy it as much as thought it to be . Anyway people interested in reading funny and satisfying stories will love it. I am a booktuber so do visit my booktube channel JP Kid Studio for Children's book Reccomentations and book review. .
~SUMMARY~
The story is set in world war two on 1940 in London .The main character is a boy named Eric who has lost both his parents in the war . His only existing relative is his granny and uncle Sid who is a zoo keeper. Eric didn't like School because there he is picked out for his sticking out ears . But he likes to go to the zoo where he has some animal friends. Especially Gertrude The GORRILA .The are many characters who makes unexpected entries throughout the story.
Happy reading !
Please don't forget to visit my Booktube Channel J.P Kid Studio for more book reviews . I have a lot of book - related videos in my channel, Hope you enjoy.
This book was good and definitely one of David Walliams better ones. I recommend it because it will make you laugh.
This book is about a young boy called Eric and his great uncle Sid trying to recuse Eric's best friend, Gertrude the gorilla, from the zoo. This book was set 8n World War 2 time and bombs were being dropped all over London and they are scaring Gertrude. The question is, will Eric recuse his best friend before it is too late..?
#KodenaamPiesangs � David Walliams #ProteaBoekhuis
Londen, 1940. Brittanje is in oorlog met Nazi-Duitsland gewikkel. Die 11-jarige Eric woon by sy ouma nadat hy beide ouers in die oorlog verloor het; sy pa het gesterf toe ‘n torpedo die skip, HMS Grafton, getref het, en sy ma toe ‘n bom haar werksplek verwoes het. Ouma is streng en effe doof en maak gebruik van ‘n gehoortrompet, maar Eric, ‘n kort seuntjie met bakore en ‘n gekraakte bril, is nietemin baie lief vir haar. Sy gunsteling plek is egter die dieretuin waar sy grootoom, Sid, die opsigter is. Oom Sid het in die Eerste Wêreldoorlog albei bene verloor en moet nou oor die weg kom met ‘n geroeste paar blikbene wat aardige geluide maak. Hy en Eric deel ‘n groot liefde vir diere, veral vir Gertrude, die gorilla. Wanneer haar lewe in gevaar is, huiwer hulle dus vir geen oomblik om haar te probeer red nie. Hulle avonture met Gertrude van Londen tot by ‘n verlate kusdorpie, agtervolg deur polisie en gekonfronteer deur Nazi-spioene, al die pad tot by Downingstraat 10, word op ‘n skreeusnaakse wyse in hierdie heerlike dik boek (amper 500 bladsye) vir lesers van ses jaar en ouer vertel.
Alhoewel humor ‘n kardinale rol in al Walliams se werk speel, sypel daar tog deernis en empatie deur wanneer hy Eric se gevoelens aangaande die verlies van sy ouers beskryf: ‘Dit het gevoel asof hy in ‘n droom is, of eerder ‘n nagmerrie, waarin hy onder water vasgekeer is en niemand hom sou hoor as hy gil nie.� (64) Verskeie tegnieke om trae lesers te prikkel, word aangewend: nagtonele is wit op swart in plaas van swart op wit gedruk; geluide word in groter lettertipes aangedui en skep bykans die indruk van ‘n klankbaan wanneer woorde soos pah, woesjjj, hôôôh, grrr, krrr, doink, klonk, auuu, whuhh, ratataa en oef gelees word; die skrywer spreek die leser direk aan deur middel van voetnotas, en die illustrasies deur Tony Ross is so gedetailleerd en gepas dat dit bykans die effek van ‘n grafiese roman skep.
Bonus materiaal sluit in: ‘n dramatis personae; feitelike notas oor Brittanje in die oorlogtyd; kaarte, en fiktiewe gidse tot dierebollie en grade van stink � met kool onderaan die lys en bobbejaanboude heel bo. Die formaat verseker ook addisionele vermaak: die roman word aan die leser deurgegee as ‘n gedeklassifiseerde geheime oorlogsdokument: ‘Hierdie storie sal vir tagtig jaar in die Britse Intelligensiediens se kluis bly, soos baie nasionale geheime, en dan, eers dan, sal die lêer uiteindelik openbaar gemaak word.� (456) en ‘Die lêer is nou pas openbaar gemaak en…dit is die boek wat jy nou net gelees het.� (475)
Die Telegraph verwys na Walliams as ‘n waardige opvolger vir Dahl en sy wonderlike verhale kan ook nou in Afrikaans geniet word. Die oorspronklike titel was ‘Code name Banana� en die Afrikaanse vertaling is deur Kobus Geldenhuys.
�1940. Britain is at war with Nazi Germany. Eleven-year-old Eric spends his days at the place that makes him most happy: London Zoo. And there’s one animal in particular he loves: Gertrude the gorilla. With bombs falling all over London, Eric must rescue Gertrude. Together with his Uncle Sid, a keeper at the zoo, the three go on the run. But while hiding out at the seaside they uncover a top-secret Nazi plot…� This book was awesome. I am a massive fan of David Walliams� book, so I was excited to get my hands on this book. I am happy to say that this book was just as awesome as I had hoped it would be. I loved that this book was set during World War 2. This setting added a great opportunity for a little bit of history to be sprinkled into the story. The history that was featured in this story was interesting and made for some truly funny scenes. As usual David Walliams has done a fantastic job with creating characters to love root for as well as creating funny, evil characters that you enjoy getting to see fail at the end of the story. David Walliams� book as always have a lot of heart and a wonderful message, and this book is no different. I loved see this stories heroes grow and learn throughout their journey. Watching these wonderful characters overcome hardship and evolve together made for a truly wonderful reading experience. I have said it many times before an I will say it again; Tony Ross is fantastic! The combination of Tony Ross� fabulous illustrations and David Walliams� wonderful story makes for the perfect Middle Grade book. I loved this story and I was completely engrossed from the first to the last page. I can only imaging the joy this book will bring to young readers and their families. Code Name Bananas by David Walliams is a must have for all Middle Grade readers.
I like the whole thing and I am a big fan of david walliams books 📚 he is a great author just like roald dahl I think the times is right Dahl does finally have a worthy competitor like himself Roald dahl continues to go onwards 😄.....................................
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I read this just to (again) spite ŷ for saying I hadn't finished my reading challenge but ended up loving the humour in this book even though I'm technically a bit too old to be reading this and normally don't go for this type of thing. my sister bought it a few days ago and I thought id give it a try. was definitely worth the read. 😆
Code name bananas is a really fun adventurous book! It has exciting endings of chapters that make you want to read more. Get ready for the adventure starts here!!
I didn’t enjoy this one quite as much as the other David Walliams books I’ve read. I’m not really sure why because it was a good story but I think the pace was quite slow, felt a little bit of a slog at times. I think the toilet humours got a bit old now as well cause there tends to be some kind of poo joke in his books, which I’m sure kids love but I’m at little over it haha 😂
The story is set in WW2 with the Nazi’s attacking London. There’s a little boy called Eric and he has a cute friendship with a Gorilla, Gertrude who lives in London Zoo. However because the Zoo becomes unsafe Eric, along with his Uncle Sid embark on a mission to save Gertrude and eventually Winston Churchill and the British government.
The concept of the effects war had on animals with Bombs dropping and them getting stressed out I thought was such a good point, reminded me of my dogs on bonfire night it’s awful cause they don’t understand. The thought of all the animals in the Zoo freaking out when Bombs were hitting London was really sad because that’s a true issue so that part broke my heart a little. However Eric’s empathy for Gertrude and their relationship is lovely so I’d recommend it for that alone.
La increïble història de l'operació plàtan · (Col·laboració)
DavidWalliamsés actualment autor número 1 en vendes.
La contraportada diu: ALERTA A LONDRES: campi qui pugui!
La ciutat està en perill, per això l'Eric ha de rescatar la Gertrudis, la seva millor amiga. Viu al zoo, però no n'és una treballadora... és un ésser molt més pelut:una goril·la!
Per sort, aconsegueixen tocar el dos, però s'haurande amagaren llocs ben estranys... fins i tot dins d'un submarí! Que potser s'han convertit ensuperespies?
Ha arribat el moment de passar a l'acció: és l'hora de posar en marxa l'Operació Plàtan!
Una novel·la plena d'humor i aventures que combina text i relat amb il·lustracions molt divertides. A més el text és interactiu, és a dir, paraules en majúscula per ressaltar les accions, o bé en negreta. Són molt visuals i això permet que els petits ipetites lectors/es connectin plenament amb la història. La lectura és molt dinàmica, les pàgines compten amb dinamisme, text atractiu i una història fantàstica amb girs sorprenents.
La goril·laGertrudis és un amor absolut i la història m'ha encantat!
Do you like bananas, spy missions and gorillas spitting in your face? If you do this is the book for you! Code Name Bananas is a funny book and it takes place in the second world war and the Natzi are bombing London. Eric is the main character that lost both parents in war, so now lives with his grandma. he gets bullied a lot at school so after he has a secret spot, the London Zoo! where he meets his best friend Gertrude the Gorilla! This is a great book because it has a lot humor, but the story is also very touching. I honestly don't see any bad things about this book, so I do not see a reason that people will not like it!
Me ha gustado este libro. Habla sobre Eric, un chico de 11 años que es huérfano porque la s funda guerra mundial hace que pierda a sus padres. Eric es muy amigo de Priscila, la gorila del zoo de Londres. Eric, Priscila y Sid, el tío abuelo de Eric, tienen que salir de Londres para salvar a Priscila. Pero, los nazis no se lo ponen nada fácil. Me parece una historia muy bonita e interesante. El libro es perfecto para niños y niñas los que les guste la historia y los animales. Lo recomiendo mucho
Not Walliams� worst! I could have done without the delightful mental image of a gorilla pooping out a train window... but it all came together in the end with some good old fashioned Nazi villains.
Engels jeugdboek gelezen voor Biblion. De echte recensie verschijnt daar.
Zoals gebruikelijk post ik hier ook wat over wat ik gelezen heb. Wederom een nieuwe fantastische titel van David Walliams (ik zal hem altijd voor mij zien als zijn Little Britain karakters of het feit herinneren dat hij het kanaal gezwommen heeft van de ene naar de andere kant maar dat terzijde).
Een favoriete auteur in de schappen in de bieb, want zijn stijl doet vaak denken aan Roald Dahl. Hij weet karakters als typetjes neer te zetten die voor de kinderen zeer herkenbaar zijn en zich zo in de beleveniswereld van de kinderen te begeven. Knap, en fijn.
Of je daarom alle boeken kan aanraden van zijn hand? Het is op gevoel handelen als bibliothecaresse want zijn boeken voelen vaak hit & miss aan. Dat betekent niet dat de miss echt mis is. Het betekent dat zijn stijlen en onderwerpen per boek kunnen wisselen. Zo vond ik Oma Boef prachtig maar gruwelde van de Tandarts (Die kon ik echt niet uitlezen eeks!). Knap. Maar een ouder klaagde dat Oma Boef te ver ging omdat het criminaliteit zou bejubellen. Tsja... Net als dat sommige werken nogal grof taalgebruik bevatten.
Code Name Bananas is ondanks de setting in Wereld Oorlog II vrij onschuldig qua taalgebruik en qua aard. En toch spannend. Eric is nog vrij recent een wees geworden - allemaal door de oorlog die gaande is. Hij woont nu bij zijn oma en bezoekt graag zijn oom in de dierentuin van Londen. Dat doet hij overigens stiekem - zijn oom werkt daar en zo besparen ze geld. Hij helpt zijn oom met de dieren en heeft een speciale band gekregen met Gorilla Gertrude. Wanneer er bombardementen gehouden worden, vindt Eric dat het tijd is voor actie. Wat er volgt is een spannend avontuur om Gertrude te redden en veilig te houden in oorlogstijd.
Een goed volgbaar verhaal in grote letters, met geluiden in grotere en speelse lettertypes tussendoor. Hier en daar staan illustraties en de hoofdstukken zijn ingedeeld als ware ze onderdeel van een geheim dossier. Fijn is dat er achterin een stukje staat met wat niet-fictieve feitjes over de 2de Wereldoorlog. Vrij simpel verhaal dat veel kinderen zal aanspreken, en verfrissend omdat de focus echt ligt op de avonturen met de gorilla ipv een realistischer oorlogsbeeld wat in de meeste oorlogsboeken geschetst wordt. Onthoud dus dat dit vooral een fantasie is over dieren, maar dan gezet in een historische setting.
Daarbij gezegd: "....The boy smiled. Gertrude loved to copy Eric, so she smiled back, flashing her teeth and those long fangs on each side of her mouth." (blz.90) waarna een kus volgt. ^Er was eens een dame die lachte naar een gorilla en dacht dat hij teruglachte. In het nieuws is nog wel te vinden hoe dat is afgelopen.