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Gary and Ray
Gary the gorilla is the only animal in the jungle who is lonely — all the other animals seem to have companions — and even the people of the village are frightened of him so they stay well away. But Gary has nightmares that hunters catch him, and he wishes that everyone could see how lonely and afraid he is. Then one day a tiny sunbird hamed Ray thinks he looks so sad that he ventures to talk to him. Soon this unlikely pair are best of friends, but Ray has a family and Gary can't help wishing for one too. Then one day Ray doesn't show up as usual, only to return days later with a wonderful surprise for Gary. In this delightful story of friendship, Ray's resourcefulness in support of his fearsome friend has a touching and satisfying ending.
36 pages, Hardcover
First published May 25, 2010
About the author
Sarah Adams
5 booksMultiple authors with the same name, this author is entered with 2 spaces.
Sarah was raised in Southport, a very genteel and Victorian seaside town and now lives in Hoxton, London, which is her home and her inspiration, because it’s multicultural, multi-ethnic and forever changing. She enjoys drawing her surroundings and the local children. For several years she's been involved in her local TMO (Tenant Management Organisation) and has worked with other volunteers who want to make a difference to their area through better housing and services.
She loves animals, but living on the 8th floor of a tower block means that a cat-flap isn’t very practical! Still, even inner-city London affords a wide range of wildlife including foxes, squirrels, kestrels and a crow she's named Colin who visits the tree outside her window.
Sarah did her illustration degree at Hull School of Art; a post-grad in Illustration at Central St Martins and an MA in Children's Book Illustration at Cambridge School of Art. Ever since her degree she's had a love for drawing and printmaking both figurative and landscape and enjoys staging shows in London selling her prints. Her first two picturebooks, Gary and Ray and Dave and Violet, have been published by Frances Lincoln.
Sarah was raised in Southport, a very genteel and Victorian seaside town and now lives in Hoxton, London, which is her home and her inspiration, because it’s multicultural, multi-ethnic and forever changing. She enjoys drawing her surroundings and the local children. For several years she's been involved in her local TMO (Tenant Management Organisation) and has worked with other volunteers who want to make a difference to their area through better housing and services.
She loves animals, but living on the 8th floor of a tower block means that a cat-flap isn’t very practical! Still, even inner-city London affords a wide range of wildlife including foxes, squirrels, kestrels and a crow she's named Colin who visits the tree outside her window.
Sarah did her illustration degree at Hull School of Art; a post-grad in Illustration at Central St Martins and an MA in Children's Book Illustration at Cambridge School of Art. Ever since her degree she's had a love for drawing and printmaking both figurative and landscape and enjoys staging shows in London selling her prints. Her first two picturebooks, Gary and Ray and Dave and Violet, have been published by Frances Lincoln.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
February 16, 2011
The illustrations in Gary and Ray are tremendous—somewhere between traditional African art and retro-1970s design. I loved them, especially one very striking image of a pair of owls perching on a branch.
The story started strong, too: It’s the story of a very large gorilla who befriends a very small bird, and find they have much in common—despite their outward appearances. I typically like any story of an “odd couple” friendship, especially if animal characters are involved.
What disappointed me about this story was the ending. When Ray goes off to find a mate and build a nest, Gary is left sad and lonely. So Ray goes off to find Gary a female gorilla, and the ending is of course predictable. I didn’t particularly enjoy the message that this conveys: that it’s ok to ditch your friends once you start a family, and that the nuclear family life script is the answer to happiness for everyone. I had similar complaints about And Tango Makes Three, but at least you knew what to expect from the outset with that one. Gary sort of blindsided me. The life script—it’s everywhere.
The story started strong, too: It’s the story of a very large gorilla who befriends a very small bird, and find they have much in common—despite their outward appearances. I typically like any story of an “odd couple” friendship, especially if animal characters are involved.
What disappointed me about this story was the ending. When Ray goes off to find a mate and build a nest, Gary is left sad and lonely. So Ray goes off to find Gary a female gorilla, and the ending is of course predictable. I didn’t particularly enjoy the message that this conveys: that it’s ok to ditch your friends once you start a family, and that the nuclear family life script is the answer to happiness for everyone. I had similar complaints about And Tango Makes Three, but at least you knew what to expect from the outset with that one. Gary sort of blindsided me. The life script—it’s everywhere.
June 27, 2023
Talk about the odd couple! Who would have thought that Gary the gorilla would become besties with a tiny sunbird named Ray.
That clever Ray turns out to be a really good friend, and wait until you see who-or-what he found for his friend Gary!
FIVE STARS for Sarah Adams, both author and artist.
That clever Ray turns out to be a really good friend, and wait until you see who-or-what he found for his friend Gary!
FIVE STARS for Sarah Adams, both author and artist.
December 25, 2017
This whimsical story of love & friendship is elevated by Adams’ beautiful artwork! What fun!
February 18, 2018
The illustrations make this book. Absolutely gorgeous and literally brought a smile to my face.
September 12, 2018
I mean, the illustrations (linocuts) are gorgeous and colorful, and the story is sweet, but the ending (the instant romance, the happy ending through marriage/mating) is disappointingly conventional.
July 27, 2021
Awww...very sweet.
December 19, 2022
This was a fun one. I appreciate that Gary got a happy ending he deserved.
July 4, 2024
The kids and I really said ??? At the end.
May 16, 2011
This was a nice book. I really enjoyed the illustrations, and my daughter loved the gorilla, Gary. The story was pretty good. The gorilla is lonely and is looking for a friend (AKA mate) like the other animals have. However, he is without, so a nice little bird, Ray befriends him.
A nice story with a lovely ending. Kids will like it!
A nice story with a lovely ending. Kids will like it!
December 22, 2010
The title makes you think it could share similarities with Uncle Bobby's wedding. But this charming tale about finding a friend and a lady friend , does not.
March 16, 2011
A very sweet story of a gorilla and his friend. Perfect for a toddler and/or preschool story time and would be great paired with Anthony Browne's Little Beauty.
Read
May 3, 2012Even King Kong needs love
June 29, 2013
Liked the story, but felt that it was missing something.
June 29, 2022
Gary the gorilla is lonely, until he meets Ray. Ray introduces him to Susan and they have a baby together. Gary isn't lonely anymore he has a family.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 20, 2013
Beautiful and colorful lino prints; nice friendship story.
April 27, 2011
Tired little story but nice pictures.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews