Wendy

Gus Gordon (author/illustrator)

Viking, Penguin: Australia: 2008

ISBN: 9780670070916

Genres: animal stories, adventure, picture book

Issues: belonging, differences, identity

Never quite the same as her fellow hatchlings, Wendy is a chicken of unusual abilities and it's not long before the excitement of the wider world draws her far beyond the sedate life of the farmyard. Danger, excitement, the chance to be a star - all this is a possibility when Wendy joins ‘Monty McFloo's Mostly Spectacular Travelling Circus'. Finally she's with like-minded people; others who like drama, magic and mystery. Wendy's fame grows until it seems as if her fans will never be satisfied. She plans her biggest trick yet - but will it be enough?

This is Gus Gordon's first picture book and the experienced illustrator has created a wonderfully whimsical tale that will appeal to readers of all ages. The cartoon-style illustrations capture perfectly the madcap nature of Wendy's adventures and Gordon has packed the pages with funny details that will appeal to attentive readers, such as articles from the Pecking Order Post, or Wendy's copy of ‘Find Your Inner Chicken'. With a gentle subtext about the fickle nature of fame, Wendy reminds us that the happiest life is achieved by balance in all things - even for flying chickens!