Gus

by Liz Murray, Walid Serageldine (Illustrator)

Gus is the star of the reptile house. He enjoys putting on a show for visitors, and no one adores seeing Gus more than Edward. They don't just share a bond; they share a birthday. So, Edward decides to become a zookeeper, looking after all of the reptiles, but especially Gus. Over the years, they spend every birthday together, but one day Edward doesn't show up for their shared celebration. Naturally, Gus decides to leave the zoo and find him. Don't worry, readers. Edward is okay, and Gus is determined to make sure he stays that way. Birthday buddies and true friends stick together.

Genres: Picture Books, Friendship

30 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 2024

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.

Reviews

[Mary Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a funny, lovely story about a lifelong friendship. So delightful! Brought a tear to my eye.

[Catriona Lovett · Rating 5 out of 5]

After While, Friendly Crocodile

Gus is a story about a friendship between a crocodile and his friend. I like how they shared a lifetime of friendship, in a world where people move around so much, it's great to show kids that friendship can be lasting. It's also good that the book showed that friendship takes a little work and patience. The illustrations were sweet and colorful, and they helped in telling the story.

Thank you so much to Liz Murray and NetGalley for my free advance reader's copy. I have no obligation because of the gift, this review is inspired only by how much my grandson and I really enjoyed it!

[Anna Pence | Positivity & Pages · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun read with my two year old! Gus was such a fun character and this book really shows the fun and importance of building a friendship. The illustrations are great and my little guy was focused throughout the whole story.

This would be excellent as a birthday present or a great book for any child who love reptiles or the zoo! 🐊 🎉

[Melki · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a charming story about old friends growing old together! Every year Edward and Gus get together to celebrate their shared birthday. But . . . will old age, and the problems that come with it, keep these pals apart?

Heartwarming and touching, this one is a treat for all ages.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Berbay Publishing for sharing.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is nice but also sad. A little boy and an alligator named Gus grow up together because they share a birthday. This book follows them through all their lives all the way to a retirement home when life gets hard for the friends to visit. Stories a tad bit long but it is lovely. It’s just sad.

[Marsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

A simple, poignant picture book that deals with aging and friendship. Kids with elderly loved ones will be entertained by the story, but will also gain perspective about the ever-evolving nature of lifelong bonds.

[Brittany Crum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute story, gave me a laugh on a couple pages. So sweet how they were best friends even at an older age.

[Joel Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this story. I've never had a crocodile for a friend, but I know the feeling of worrying about a friend and whether they still value your friendship as much as you do. Apparently I relate more with the reptile than the human character.
It's well written and the illustrations are very cute, but hugely expressive. There are also some very funny moments, both in the text and the pictures.