After reading Gordon’s graphic novel Into the Bewilderness I checked out a bunch of his picture books from my local libraries. I love the way he draws expressive, anthropomorphic characters, and that his illustrations include a bit of collage. Here are my three favorites:
Somewhere Else by Gus Gordon. Neal Porter, 2017. 9781626723498.
George Laurent isn’t like most birds. He doesn’t go anywhere, ever. He likes it here. He bakes and also wears a cool hat. And he has a secret: he can’t fly. (The characters’ names in this one are the best.)
Finding François: a story about the healing power of friendship by Gus Gordon. Dial Books for Young Readers, 2020. 9780525554004.
This book is about grief, found family, and friendship, and how the people you care for can get you through the worst times. It has the greatest message-in-a-bottle exchange ever, and I found it at exactly the moment I needed to. Extraordinary.
The Perfect Seat by Minh Lê & Gus Gordon. Disney/Hyperion, 2019. 9781368020046.
The cover moose are in search of the perfect place to sit and read together, but they just can’t find it. (This would be an amazing book to read with any young reader in your life.)
