Alice lives in the heart of Paris with her grandmother. She is loved and cherished by those around her and seems to have a fulfilling life, but she yearns for the company of a sister or someone her own age. Alice has a plan and after some long-distance communication she befriends Francois, a young boy her own age who lives in a lighthouse on an island.
However, her grandmother’s death brings overwhelming sadness and a bleakness to Alice’s life and she neglects the things in her life that bring her joy. Eventually, through sharing her troubles and dreams, Alice makes the journey to meet Francois and it is a great success!
Upon her return to Paris, Alice resolves to approach life with more gusto, reaffirming her friendship with Francois and looking forward to happier times.
There are many ways to enjoy this book. Before I even read the words, I was drawn into the story by the delicate and delightful illustrations and collage by Gus Gordon, author and Illustrator of this wonderful new picture book. Gus has perfectly captured the details of Parisienne life. The architecture, parks, shops and streetscapes are recognisably Parisienne.
The furniture and accoutrements in Grandmother’s apartment are beautiful collage works that Gus has created from vintage notebooks, catalogues and other printed French archival papers he sources from a particular shop when he visits Paris. Gus gives these gorgeous old drawings a chance to shine again, and they add beautiful details to the story.
The watercolours, illustrations and collage works are worthy of detailed examination on every page. Gus shows us, rather than tells us, much of the characters’ lives which accumulates to create a rich picture in our imagination. Look for the Aussie connection: a koala flying a plane, an echidna playing hopscotch. Little readers will enjoy these many small details and have fun looking for them.
From an adult’s perspective, in these uncertain times with no chance of overseas travel for a very long time, it felt very refreshing to be reminded of Paris: a beautiful city where the arts and personal creativity are highly valued and imbue the everyday lives of its citizens. The themes of loneliness and loss are certainly being explored by many in our community right now – loneliness in isolation, loss of freedom and access to friends and family. At all ages this is something for us to face into, managing our emotions and looking to the things that bring us joy.
Of course, it’s pure coincidence that this book is released at such a time but how fortuitous it is that we can have something as exquisitely beautiful as Finding Francois to brighten our days. Readers of any age over 4 years old will adore this book.
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