Somewhere Else: A Picture Book

by Gus Gordon

George has absolutely no interest in exploring the world. None at all.

He's far too busy enjoying his home life and baking delicious pastries. Or so he tells all his friends when they invite him along on their wonderful adventures.

But when George's friend Pascal digs a little deeper, the real reason George refuses to travel away from home is finally revealed . . . From the children's book author of the acclaimed Herman and Rosie comes Gus Gordon's Somewhere Else.

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Friendship, Childrens, Birds, Adventure, Travel

40 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 5, 2017

About the author

Gus 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.

Reviews

[RhiannaH · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely book that illustrates how help from our friends can encourage us to be braver and to live outside our comfort zone.

[La Coccinelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute story about a bird (a duck?) named George Laurent who likes to bake, so much so that he's always too busy to fly anywhere like all the other birds. The story was simple, but sweet, and I liked the secondary character, Pascal Lombard. He's a bear, so he doesn't fly anywhere, but he still yearns to travel.

The artwork is really neat in this one. It's a combination of illustration and collage, with much of the material seeming to have come from old catalogues.

The writing is okay... until about 3/4 of the way through, and then the author--for some reason--thought it would be a good idea to have a character "smile" their dialogue. Not only is this incorrect (and impossible, as a smile is silent), but it's also one of my biggest pet peeves. I hate seeing this sort of thing in children's books especially; the last thing we need is yet another generation thinking this error is acceptable.

Overall, though, this was a cute story with unique artwork, and I quite enjoyed it.

Quotable moment:

As the seasons passed by, everyone stopped asking
George if he wanted to go somewhere else with them.
He was far too busy, it seemed.

[Rebekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the concept of this book, the idea of being too afraid to go anywhere but then making friends with someone new that then encourages you to go out and try new things. A lot of children could probably relate to this, particularly if they are young they may be nervous of trying new things and then through their time at school and all the friends they will make, they will be able to come out of their shell and explore new experiences.

The illustrations are a mixture of collage, drawings and real life images which creates a variety of different dimensions that the children can explore through art lessons. They could make their own hot air balloons out of collage or they could create their own page for the story using similar illustration styles about a new place that George and Pascal visit together.
The element of travel in the story could link itself well to map work as the children could plot all the different places that George was invited to and then all the places that he visited with Pascal.

Overall, a lovely story about building confidence through friendship and exploration of the not-so-scary outside world.

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

George was a homebody bird. Every time his avian friends would visit, hoping to enjoy some of his famous baked treats, and tempt him to wander off with them, he always seemed to have something else to do. Then one winter day, when Pascal the bear came for a stay, the truth came out: George had never learned to fly! Determined to help, Pascal hatched every sort of plan to teach George to fly, only to watch them fail, one by one. Then one day George spied a picture of a hot-air balloon...

Having greatly enjoyed Australian author/artist Gus Gordon's earlier picture-book, Herman and Rosie , about two strangers who find one another in the big city, I was eager to pick up this new story. I was not disappointed, finding Somewhere Else a charming little book, one which spins an engaging tale of coming to terms with our own weaknesses, and not allowing them to prevent us from following our dreams. The mixed media artwork is likewise appealing, utilizing cut-paper collage elements that often contain interesting snippets of text in their own right. The decorative end-papers, for instance, are created with cuttings of newspaper and magazine advertisements for luggage - a suitable visual theme for a story about finding a way to travel. Recommended to fans of Gus Gordon's artwork, and to anyone looking for children's stories about learning to admit when we don't know something, and finding a way to overcome our ignorance.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

George, a duck, stays home baking pastries as year after year, his friends fly to other wonderful places, “somewhere else”. They’ve tried to get George to go, but he always has an excuse to say “no”. He has more baking to do, yoga lessons, tv watching. When Pascal, George’s bear friend, needs a place for the winter, Pascal admits that he’s sad he hasn’t gone anywhere, and finally admits the real reason. What happens after that shows the freedom rewarded when one is finally honest about shortcomings. It’s a great book about risk-taking and friendship. The collage/mixed-media illustrations are hard to describe, but they are wonderful to see, filled with details everywhere.

[Earl · Rating 3 out of 5]

A charming story of avoiding one's shortcomings and facing one's fear of trying anything new with the aide of friends.

[Dimity Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A simple story about a duck with a secret failing who goes to great lengths to avoid admitting it to himself or his friends until Pascal's kindness and patience gently draws it from him, told intricately so that this picture book becomes a visual feast. Beguiling characters and consuming artwork allows this Gus Gordon's latest offering to truly take readers, somewhere else. Top marks.

[Gerard · Rating 5 out of 5]

My little one and I love Gus Gordan's books and this is our favourite story. His illustrations are distinctive, cute and nostalgic. His stories are about animals but stem from an authentic human experience with a dash of humour. It makes me think of home made pie. 5 stars from both a little and older reader.

[Ampersand Inc. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the charming story of George, a duck who can’t fly, and Pascale Lombard his bear friend who helps him out. It manages to be somehow both sentimental and hilarious, and the collage illustrations can’t be beat!

[robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Loved LOVED this book! Just loved it!!

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautiful and sweet story. I love George. He is a marvelous duck. I love the way this has been illustrated like the pictures have been cut out and stuck in the book. Just wonderful.

[Tasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

George Laurent is not like other birds. He doesn’t go anywhere, not flying south or north, just staying at home. He always had something delicious cooking in his oven and the other birds would come and visit. They would invite him on their next adventure, but George would always decline and have some kind of excuse. When winter arrived, George met Pascal, a bear, out in the cold. George tries a series of excuses to explain why he is still there and then finally admits that he doesn’t know how to fly. Pascal decides to try to help George learn but they keep failing. Then they discover the hot air balloon that just went up in France. Can a goose who loves staying home love to travel too? This picture book balances a strong story line with simple text that is very inviting for young children. The book is fast paced and yet tells a deeper story of being ashamed of not knowing how to do something and how friendship can create new opportunities to learn and grow. The illustrations are a warm mix of watercolor, pencil, crayon and collage. The collage offers vintage papers that add an additional level of interest and flair. A great book to offer alongside others about learning to fly. This one just takes a very different route! Appropriate for ages 3-5.

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gordon, Gus Somewhere Else. PICTURE BOOK. Roaring Brook Press (Macmillan), 2017. $18. 9781626723498

While most birds fly elsewhere for the winter, George stays put. He's too busy to explore -- or so he tells everyone. But when a friendly bear stops by, George finally confesses the truth behind his reluctance to leave home. Can the bear help George discover new places, or is this bird destined to be a homebody forever?

This story is adorable and filled with warmth and humor. The reveal about why George stays home is likely to amuse children, and many will probably relate to his feelings. It's the illustrations that really stand out, however. They are a quirky, colorful mixed-media experience designed to delight readers.

EL (K-3) -- ADVISABLE. Sydney G., K-6 Library Media Specialist
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...

[Mere · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tale of knowing who you are.

George is a homebody bird who is very at baking.

George’s friends who are always dropping by, to ask George to travel with them, but he always refuses by saying that he is too busy. But the real reason is that he can’t fly.

The words and pictures of Somewhere Else compliment each other beautifully.

[KC · Rating 4 out of 5]

Multi media use in this great adventure tale.

[Bella · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story is typical kids' stuff but I am a sucker for it every time. I am particularly fond of the graphic.

[Gayle · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit long, but funny and sweet with utterly charming illustrations.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

A charming book for anyone who loves travel or French or has experienced disappointment and deferred dreams.

[charlene.librarian · Rating 3 out of 5]

I do like the mashup of collage pieces in the illustration.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

That mixed media artwork is fabulously fun.

[Iqra Fiaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely book to read!

The story is about a bird who never leaves to go somewhere else because he is always doing something else. The truth however, is that he never learnt to fly. So he befriends another bird who cannot fly and together they attempt to solve their problem.

Children would really enjoy this book because of its relatable context. Most children will have experienced a problem or felt like they are unable to do something and the important message from this story is that they can always receive help from their friends. It also reminds children that they are not the only ones who may not be able to do something - an important thing to tell children!

The illustrations really bring this story to life. The illustrator uses textures and collages of real life images mixed with drawn images to create a unique effect. It makes the story seem more relatable because of these added touches and reminders of our own lives. Children could explore these techniques and their effects in art lessons.

Overall, a really enjoyable book that captures the best parts of friendship and companionship.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pascal discovers the real reason why his friend George refuses to fly anywhere. A charming, warmhearted story.

[Tony Braithwaite · Rating 5 out of 5]

The inside flaps of the children’s story picture book, ‘Somewhere Else,’ display an antique collection of travel luggage bags, cases and trunks. This artwork by Gus Gordon prepares each reader for a common trend: most birds are busy flying everywhere and exploring earth’s geography. However, this is a story of a bird (to me it is a duck) named George Laurent who isn’t a typical bird. George is a stay-at-home bird who is obsessed with baking the most scrumptious meals in his oven. Many typical birds visit George asking him why he never flies anywhere. George keeps telling them that he is always busy baking and doing housework. At least, they enjoy George’s amazing home cooked meals.

One winter when most birds migrate to warmer places, a bear named Pascal Lombard stays with George. Pascal asks George why he hasn’t followed other birds to a warmer location. As usual, George gives immediate answers which are better revealed as excuses. Finally, George reveals to Pascal the bear that ‘I would’ve gone somewhere else … if only I knew how to fly.’ George’s truth was now known. Pascal tells George that he can teach him to fly. However, success doesn’t occur. George asks Pascal what ‘bubble thing’ is shown in Pascal’s newspaper. Pascal says it’s a hot air balloon drifting in the sky. All winter they make a hot air balloon. At last they fly it. At last, George can fly. He can travel anywhere and visit many interesting countries. Illustrations in his book are simply drawn and easy to recognise. They are ‘down-to-earth’ artwork that display ‘down-to-earth’ activities of migrating birds and George Laurent, a stay-at-home bird, described by Gus Gordon in this interesting children’s book.

Anyone for a home baked meal?

[Figgy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to come.

[Lee Sheppard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story with very engaging illustrations.

[Sofia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Somewhere Else is a story about a bird names George who seems to have little interest in leaving to see the world because he is too busy with things at home. Throughout the book, you see other birds flying to all different areas of the world as most birds migrate during the year. Once winter hits, George realizes that he is alone and people stopped asking him to go somewhere else with them. George admits to his find, Pascal, that he does not know how to fly and thus sets forth the journey to try and teach George to fly. Together, George and Pascal try many different techniques and none of them worked. One day, they spotted a hot air balloon and found a loophole in an alternative way to fly through the air together.

The theme of this book is friendship and bravery. George is encouraged to go beyond his comfort zone and continue to try to be brave and learn new things with the help of his friend, Pascal. Learning new things are easier when a true friend does them with you as we see in this book.

I thought this storyline was absolutely precious and the illustrations were especially captivating. I found that this book broke stereotypes of how or what a “bird” should do, which is important for children to see the potential that everything in this world has. I would recommend this book because of the intricate illustrations and the unexpected storyline.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

George loves his home and baking and entertaining his friends. Why would he want to leave and fly south? Or any direction for that matter? His friend pushes the point and discovers that George has a secret. On the day that the other ducks learned to fly, George was distracted and never learned how to take to wing. His loyal friend decides to help him. Their efforts at wing'd flight prove futile, but undeterred they build a hot air balloon and are soon wafting here and there to see the sights that George has always wanted to see. Their friendship is strengthened, they become more knowledgeable, and discover that a little determination goes a long way.

Beautiful illustrations and a strong theme make this a wonderful picture book. There is subtle humor in the drawings as George tries several different ways to fly. His friend is obviously quite loyal if not great at thinking through his ideas! The friendship is great and sustained on both sides, a good example to children of what friendship is and can be. George's love of home combines with his desire to see the world in a very positive and anchored way, making both appear welcoming and appropriate. This is just a wonderful, slightly sophisticated picture book with many warm messages waiting to be discovered.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite his friends' efforts to persuade him to travel and visit some of the world's most beautiful places, George, a duck, insists that he's quite content at home. After all, he's terribly busy and often baking something yummy to share with others. But after his friend Pascal learns the real reason for his reluctance to travel, Pascal is determined to help him conquer that problem. Nothing works until they build a hot air balloon, which allows George to make up for lost time. This picture book by an Australian author/illustrator features sly textual and visual references--even the back cover contains a small sketch with George perusing a book entitled Life of Pie. Created with watercolor, pencil, crayons, and paper, the illustrations offer all sorts of treats, even words in French. Now that George has been abroad, he decides that he will make plenty of trips to somewhere else. Still, he will always return to the comforts of his home and his baking. Although the book is amusing, it also makes readers think about what might keep someone from embracing the world around them. It would seem that we all have some secret of our own just like George does.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Omg. I *love* the endpapers, clip art of catalog advertising for luggage. When I was a child I loved reading catalogs. You know, the famous Sears wish book, and the one for which Elaine of Seinfeld wrote copy. If you too like that stuff, borrow this book from your library.

The illustrations throughout are a collage of catalog entries, crayon drawings, and much else. Just nifty and every so appealing. To savor.

But the main reason that I picked up the book is to get a perspective on my increasing yen to hermit, after years of enjoying road trips and other adventures. Does this author say anything that speaks to me?

Well, George does go out from home to a yoga class. That's more than I've managed. But it turns out that the main thing George needs to go further abroad is a friend to go with. That makes sense to me. After all, I just took a trip to my folks with my youngest son now, and the drive up with him was terrific. He and I would be happy having the kind of adventures that Pascal & George eventually do.

So, anyway, all in all a great book for me, and probably recommendable for most of you, my GR friends, too.

[Jac Money · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gus Gordon is such a wonderful storyteller and illustrator. Somewhere Else is my favourite book of his.

Somewhere Else has mixed media illustrations, using collage style vintage cut outs to add unique visuals to Gus’ illustration style. His use of speech bubbles to illustrate the far off places being described is such a clever idea too.

My favourite illustration throughout the whole book is created by only one vintage cut out and a blue pencil. Its simplicity conveys so much emotion (in this case, ennui) in context with the story, and is a truly masterful move by Gus.

I always love a picture book packed with characters who reveal so much about themselves in a single page, as Penelope Thornwhistle and George Greenburg do. But it is Pascal Lombard who has my heart, as the friend of our protagonist George. He is kind and funny and a little bit silly.

This book has a wonderful lesson on how exciting travel can be, even if it is a little scary to go somewhere unknown, and that coming home again can be just as good.