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Wendy
Wendy doesn't want to be just any old chicken.
She wants ADVENTURE.
She wants EXCITEMENT.
She wants TO BE A STAR!
And then a travelling circus comes to town . . . .
She wants ADVENTURE.
She wants EXCITEMENT.
She wants TO BE A STAR!
And then a travelling circus comes to town . . . .
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 4, 2011
1 person is currently reading
43 people want to read
About the author
Gus Gordon
45 books74 followersGus Gordon is an internationally acclaimed illustrator and author. He has illustrated and written over 80 books for children.
Gus’s stories are typically character orientated and appeal to both children and adults alike. His illustrations are known for their loose and energetic line work, mixed media and humour, however, collage is the medium he is widely recognised for. Much of his work contains old ephemeral paper items such as catalogue engravings, postcards, advertisements, receipts, stamps, theatre programs and maps.
His writing is always anthropomorphic – where animals take the place of humans in the narrative. He attributes this to an early love of Kenneth Grahame's Wind in The Willows and Richard Scarry’s 'Busy' stories.
Gus’ books which include Wendy, Herman and Rosie (a 2013 CBCA 'Honour Award' for best picture book), Somewhere Else and The Last Peach, have sold in over 20 countries worldwide and have received wide international recognition. He has been shortlisted for the German Youth Literature Award, the Sakura Medal in Japan, the Kirico book awards in Spain, the Les Incorruptibles prize in France, the Premio Anderson Children's Book awards in Italy and has twice been nominated for the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, the world's largest award for children's and young adult literature.
Gus is represented by Charlie Olsen of InkWell Management in New York. He lives with his wife and three kids (and a dog called Biggles) in Sydney, Australia.
Gus’s stories are typically character orientated and appeal to both children and adults alike. His illustrations are known for their loose and energetic line work, mixed media and humour, however, collage is the medium he is widely recognised for. Much of his work contains old ephemeral paper items such as catalogue engravings, postcards, advertisements, receipts, stamps, theatre programs and maps.
His writing is always anthropomorphic – where animals take the place of humans in the narrative. He attributes this to an early love of Kenneth Grahame's Wind in The Willows and Richard Scarry’s 'Busy' stories.
Gus’ books which include Wendy, Herman and Rosie (a 2013 CBCA 'Honour Award' for best picture book), Somewhere Else and The Last Peach, have sold in over 20 countries worldwide and have received wide international recognition. He has been shortlisted for the German Youth Literature Award, the Sakura Medal in Japan, the Kirico book awards in Spain, the Les Incorruptibles prize in France, the Premio Anderson Children's Book awards in Italy and has twice been nominated for the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, the world's largest award for children's and young adult literature.
Gus is represented by Charlie Olsen of InkWell Management in New York. He lives with his wife and three kids (and a dog called Biggles) in Sydney, Australia.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
December 1, 2015
5 year-old girl & 4 year-old boy both enjoyed this one. We have two chooks in our backyard and they are not nearly as exciting as Wendy - although our girl Betty gives it a red hot go. My son has requested a sequel about "when Wendy goes to the Moon".
October 31, 2011
I am Wendy except I can't fly, I don't like heights and I don't lay eggs (square or round) but I'm not normal....lol. The genius of this book is in the detail. You explore the whole page and there is always something interesting and funny.
October 10, 2014
Chooks - what can I say.
February 19, 2019
Wendy is just your average chicken... although she does seem to like a bit of excitement! She ends up working for Monty McFloods Mostly Spectacular Travelling Circus, and has a very exciting time, but eventually she is reminded of her home on the farm. Will she keep up the stunt-chicken life, or will she go back?
A fun and colourful story, with a gentle reminder about appreciating the simple pleasures of home.
A fun and colourful story, with a gentle reminder about appreciating the simple pleasures of home.
August 25, 2023
An hilarious tale of a chicken that craves excitement and adventure, and becomes a motorcycle stunt rider at a travelling circus! Wendy's ever amazing feats bring her fame and fortune, but she soon realises that there is no place like home(as long as she can continue with her madcap ideas). Well received by Years 0-4.
February 1, 2018
This is the most gorgeous book. Wendy is an adorable story and so funny. Make sure you have a ood look at each page, some of the best stuff is in the details.
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November 5, 2019Not Found
July 10, 2020
I have fallen in love with this little death-defying chicken! Absolutely brilliant.
May 31, 2014
Wendy's no ordinary chicken. She comes out of her egg with a party whistle in her mouth and is always looking for interesting things to do around the farm. When she's offered a job as a Motorcycle Stunt Chicken at a travelling circus, it's her big break. As she jumps over more and more double-decker buses, people come from everywhere to admire her. She's courted by TV hosts and autograph hunters and plans her biggest stunt ever. But will she ever return to the farm and those she holds dear?
I loved this book. Gus Gordon has also done the illustrations and there are lots of extra things in there for adults to enjoy. For example, when Wendy's in hospital, the chart at the bottom of her bed reads "Condition: Broken wishbone, ruffled feathers, slightly fried" and the signs around the circus stadium advertise such things as Miss McGinty's tinned roaches (They really stink). The illustration on the last page made me smile. Wendy is definitely not destined for an ordinary life.
Have fun reading this to the child in your life and then sneak another peek when they're not looking.
I loved this book. Gus Gordon has also done the illustrations and there are lots of extra things in there for adults to enjoy. For example, when Wendy's in hospital, the chart at the bottom of her bed reads "Condition: Broken wishbone, ruffled feathers, slightly fried" and the signs around the circus stadium advertise such things as Miss McGinty's tinned roaches (They really stink). The illustration on the last page made me smile. Wendy is definitely not destined for an ordinary life.
Have fun reading this to the child in your life and then sneak another peek when they're not looking.
July 9, 2011
What a great little book. There is a great relationship between the illustrations and the text. Wendy is a chicken who has a vision
November 11, 2013
So cuuuuute!
September 3, 2014
The illustrations are bright and fun and the story is that lovely story of life - where grass isn't always greener over there in excitement central. Family is home.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews