Gary - Hardcover

Rudge, Leila

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0763689548 ISBN 13: 9780763689544

Publisher: Candlewick, 2016

Synopsis

Gary, a grounded racing pigeon, dreams of exploring the world—until the day he falls into an adventure of his very own.

Most of the time, Gary is just like the other racing pigeons, eating and sleeping and dreaming of adventure. There’s just one thing that separates him from the ordinary pigeons: he can’t fly. When his friends set off in their travel basket, Gary expects to stay at home, organizing his scrapbook of travel mementos and imagining far-off places. But when he accidentally falls into the travel basket and ends up a very long way from home, he discovers that flying might not be the only way to have adventures. Leila Rudge, in her gentle, colorful style, is sure to charm anyone who has ever felt like the odd one out with this satisfying story of perseverance and being comfortable in your own skin.

About this title

About the Author:

Leila Rudge was born in England and received a degree in illustration from Bath University. She is the author-illustrator of A Perfect Place for Ted and the illustrator of No Bears and Duck for a Day, both written by Meg McKinlay. She now lives in Australia.

From School Library Journal:

PreS-Gr 2—Gary is a racing pigeon who cannot fly. But he has a positive attitude. While the other racing pigeons are off on their adventures, Gary keeps busy working on a travel scrapbook. It includes information that he overhears about the exploits of the other racing pigeons. The artwork is endearing. The bird wears a little blue knit cap, while the racing pigeons don jerseys. Gary's luck changes when he accidentally falls into the racing pigeons' travel basket with his scrapbook. The other pigeons end up in the basket, too. But when they fly back home, Gary is stranded in the city alone. Readers will root for Gary, the underdog. He is able to save himself thanks to his scrapbook, which he uses to navigate his way home. Illustrations work beautifully with the text, establishing a lighthearted tone. The other pigeons in their red and gray jerseys are perched on the wall, welcoming him back. The narrative ends with an explanation that life returns to normal except that sometimes the other racing pigeons go on bus rides with Gary. Although not unique, this title has broad appeal. Parents, teachers, and librarians will love the message that it's OK to be different. VERDICT A solid choice for a storytime or one-on-one sharing.—Robin Sofge, Alexandria Library, VA

About this edition

• Publisher: Candlewick
• Publication date: 2016
• ISBN 10: 0763689548
• ISBN 13: 9780763689544
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: Rudge Leila