Gary
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
After completing an Illustration Degree at Bath Spa University in England, Leila Rudge hopped on a plane to Australia in search of the sunshine. In 2009, she illustrated her first children’s book Duck for a Day. Since then, she has written and illustrated over 15 books. Both Gary and Winston and the Indoor Cat have been shortlisted in the Early Childhood categories of the CBCA awards. Her work is a mixture of pencil – so many coloured pencils – and watercolour paint all hand rendered onto big sheets of watercolour paper. She has two tiny people who both love books almost as much as she does!
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
This will be one of those books in the library where children will cluster around to hear it read out loud, thinking about how Gary can possibly get home, or dreaming of their own big adventure.
Read Plus
Gary, with his scrapbook and ingenuity of travel, will be much loved. Highly recommended for all, especially lovers of maps, birds, and travel.
Reading Time
A delightful fun picture storybook with lovely illustrations.
Collins Chirnside Book Chat
I loved the whole package; adored gorgeous, clever Gary, and admired his innovative ideas.
Buzzwords
Early readers and adults will be charmed by Gary
4MBS Radio
This convivial and gentle story about differences is a needed addition to collections about challenging the norm or upending physical expectations. Starred review
Kirkus Reviews
This book is such a great story to use for teaching children about difference and thinking outside the standards of the ‘social norm’.
Read Plus
This is a gorgeous little story about not fitting in, about going on unplanned adventures, and about perseverance and determination.
100% Rock Magazine
A lovely picture book that’s wonderful to read to young children.
Read3r’z Re-Vu
The artwork is a delight to look at.
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