An unforgettable story about conservation, ageing and legacy that will leave an imprint on your heart.
This is the moving story of an old gargoyle, forced off his rooftop to make way for a new development in a barren cityscape, and the child who encounters him on an overcrowded train.
When the gargoyle is ordered off the train, he leaves his suitcase behind. The child opens the case and unleashes the gargoyle’s many memories of the city and its inhabitants. When the case crumbles, leaving nothing but a small seed, the child decides to find a place to bring the gargoyle, and the soul of the city, back.
Zana Fraillon has quickly become one of Australia’s most beloved children’s authors, with award-winning titles such as The Lost Soul Atlas and The Bone Sparrow. Her latest is The Gargoyle, a captivating picture book of kindness, courage and imagination that’s sure to inspire young readers.
Ultimately, this is about a young boy’s dream to bring heart back to a lifeless city. Moving and meaningful, Fraillon explores themes of legacies and ageing through the Gargoyle and the young boy’s relationship. When the ticket inspector kicks the Gargoyle off the train, we sense a loss of hope about how younger people treat older generations. But it was heartwarming to see the young boy stand up for the Gargoyle, allowing the Gargoyle’s legacy to live on.
Fraillon’s prose is complemented by Ross Morgan’s illustrations, which are rich in detail and colour. From run-down train carriages to enchanting gardens, Morgan visually creates vivid contrast between the dark and light aspects of the story. All the characters, including the boy and Gargoyle, are expressive and engaging, with their emotions and motives conveyed with clarity.
The picture book medium is poignant and impactful, allowing young readers to absorb this story’s big topics in a digestible way. The short and punchy text is lyrical, weaving a warm and inspiring tale that will keep you turning the pages.
The Gargoyle is a picture book that deserves a place on every child’s bookshelf, whether that be at home, their school, or library. It is a book that will spark imagination and curiosity, as well as empathy and compassion. It would make the perfect read for children aged 6+.
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