Published November 2016 by Penguin Australia and by Neal Porter Books/Macmillan US in North America in Fall of 2017.
From award-winning author and illustrator Gus Gordon comes this irresistible story about a duck called George, the possibility of adventure, and taking risks to realise what you value most. George has no interest in exploring the world. He’s far too busy at home baking fine pastries. Or so he tells everyone when they invite him along on their wonderful adventures. But when his friend Pascal digs a little deeper, the real reason George won’t leave home is finally revealed . . .
Somewhere Else has been sold into the following countries:
Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada, France, Belgium, Germany, Holland, Korea, Taiwan, China and Japan
- 2017 Selected as a 'Notable book' in the Children's Book Council of Australia (CBCA) 2017 Book of the Year Awards - Picture Book category
- 2017 Shortlisted in the Queensland Literary Awards - Griffith University Children's Book Award
- 2017 Shortlisted in the Speech Pathology Australia Book of the Year awards
- 2017 Awarded Book of the Year (5 - 8 years) in the Speech Pathology Australia Book of the Year awards
- 2017 Junior Library Guild selection
- 2017 Selected as an international White Raven book
‘A lovely story with a conclusion that soars. Gordon’s illustrations eclectically mix wistful watercolor-and-ink drawings with vintage photos (George’s oven and tweed cap look like clippings from old catalogues), and his voice is chatty and elegant, irreverent and deeply empathic.’ Publishers Weekly
‘Gordon’s story will amuse readers with its snappy narration and dry-as-a-pizzelle wit. The illustrations, a mix of watercolor, pencil, crayon, and cut paper, are a delectable treat.’ Kirkus Reviews
‘There is so much to like in Somewhere Else. There are deft verbal twists that keep the text pulsing, while visually the book is a master class in collage. The clean, contemporary feel is edged with late 19th century Parisian flourishes. Gus Gordon has found a grammar that unites free drawing with found images and has given us a book that floats in time. The visual sophistication and rich language never overwhelm the central tale of George’s world and his place in it. Parents and children, including developing readers, will be sustained and delighted by the humour, pathos and surprises here in George’s excellent adventure.’ Mike Shuttleworth, Books + Publishing. Full review here
‘Somewhere Else is every bit as scrumptious as you knew it would be, yes it is. From its endpapers featuring clipped suitcases and valises and trunks from vintage magazines, to its delightfully collaged pages and charming storyline, this is a book for all ages to coo over.’ Full review here
‘Gus Gordon’s highly awarded illustration skills shine through in this book. Using a blend of collage, with delightful snippets of materials of plenty a pattern and image, well-defined line work, and water colour magic, Gordon has created a visual feast which will give repeat readers more to discover on each reading. And this is a book that you will want to read time and time again.’ Creative Kids Tales
‘Sydney author and illustrator Gus Gordon’s new picture book is an absolute delight, featuring quirky characters and his trademark blend of drawing and collage. Adults will love it as much as kids.’ William Yeoman, The West Australian
If the story of ‘Somewhere Else’ isn’t exquisite enough for you, then take a look at the multi-layered collage, watercolour, ink and photographic illustrations which take this picture book into the realm of contemporary classic. Gus Gordon books demand many, many re-readings, such is the depth of the visual literacy he encodes within his complex yet utterly engaging visuals. The perfect book for young travellers or their travel loving parents. Megan Daley, Children's Books Daily. Full review here