Once

Morris Gleitzman

Formats & editions

Paperback

Pre-order from…

Mighty Ape

The poignant story of survival and hope as a beautiful clothbound hardback, part of the Penguin Modern Australian Classics series

Winner - Australian Book Industry Awards 2011
Winner - YABBA Children's Choice Awards 2007
Winner - KOALA Children's Choice Awards 2007
Honour Award - CBCA Book of the Year 2006
Honour Award - Sydney Taylor (Jewish) Award 2011

'Haunting . . . dangerous and desperate, but also full of courage and hope.' The Guardian
Once I escaped from an orphanage to find Mum and Dad.

Once I saved a girl called Zelda from a burning house.

Once I made a Nazi with toothache laugh.

My name is Felix.

This is my story.
'Tension builds swiftly in this wrenching tale . . . poignant.'
Publishers Weekly, starred review

'Extols the power of storytelling in the face of tragedy.'
The Horn Book, starred review

'Brilliant in its realism.'
Kirkus Reviews, starred review

Other books in the series:
Once
Then
Now
After
Soon
Maybe
Always

Published: 8 September 2026
ISBN: 9781761621482
Imprint: Penguin
Format: Hardback
Pages: 160
RRP: $40.00

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About the author

Morris Gleitzman

Morris Gleitzman grew up in England and came to Australia when he was sixteen. After university he worked for ten years as a screenwriter. Then he had a wonderful experience. He wrote a novel for young people. Now, after 45 books, he’s one of Australia’s most popular authors. He was appointed the Australian Children’s Laureate for 2018–2019.