Gary
CBCA Book of the Year Awards, Early Childhood, Honour Book
Age 3+
Picture Books
Any bird can find adventure. Even Gary.
Gary the pigeon can't fly. When his racing pigeon friends head off in their travel basket, Gary stays at home. He organises his scrapbook of travel mementos and dreams about the adventures the other pigeons are having. But when Gary accidentally ends up a very long way from home, he discovers that flying is not the only way to have adventures. A story for birds who dare to dream.
Creators
Leila Rudge was born in England and grew up making mud pies with six siblings and Jeni from number 15. After completing an Illustration Degree at Bath Spa University, Leila headed to Australia to seek her fortune (and the sunshine). Her picture books include Mum Goes to Work, written by Libby Gleeson, and No Bears, written by Meg McKinlay, which was shortlisted for the 2012 CBCA Picture Book of the Year Award. Creating tiny characters for books is her favourite part of illustrating. Find Leila online at www.leilarudge.com and on Instagram as @leilarudge.
Reviews
Gary has a quiet, wry humour that really shines in Rudge’s depiction of the birds… Perfect for children aged two to five, this little pigeon can encourage children to look beyond limitations and embrace their differences.
Books+Publishing
The full sized illustrations are clear and colourful, and the author’s use of collage adds a fun dimension to this book.
Bookrapt
How he uses his scrapbook to find his way home again is a delightful, plausible story for young readers of about 3-6 years.
Janet Croft Reviews
A fabulous picture book for sheer at-home enjoyment, but a priceless resource for teachers and librarians, as they bridge the gap between the ‘abled’ and ‘disabled’ parts of children’s inner and outer worlds, and help harness the unlimited wonder of honing the imagination.
Kids' Book Review
The illustrations in this book were beautiful, and the muted tones really suited the story. This book is perfect for young children and I have found myself reaching for it on more than one occasion.
Creative Kids Tales
