Gus Gordon

Gus's first picture book, Wendy, was a Notable Book in the 2010 Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) Picture Book of the Year Awards. His second picture book, Herman and Rosie, now published in twelve countries, has been internationally acclaimed and awarded, including the CBCA Honour award for best picture book in 2013. Somewhere Else, which was published in November 2016, is an irresistible story about a duck called George, the possibility of adventure, and taking risks to realise what you value most in life.

Where were you born?

In Sydney but we soon moved to a farm in northern NSW where we made things and were cruelly forced to use our imagination. Tough times.

What other jobs have you had?

When I left school I worked some years as a stockman on humungous cattle stations in far north Queensland and the Northern Territory. One of these stations was 16,000 square kilometres! Later, in the city, I worked on building sites banging things, making loud noises and digging really large holes.

What themes are recurring in your work?

Home is always a powerful notion in my stories, and it features heavily in many of my books, especially in Into the Bewilderness, Herman and Rosie, Somewhere Else and Wendy. Another familiar theme that has been pointed out to me by readers is the theme of loneliness. That in the end we are alone in this world, and despite the undeniable importance of family and friends, it’s up to us to make the most of our lives. I don’t really know why I keep coming back to this motif, but I do. It’s something we are all cognisant of, especially as we get older. 

What have been the highlights of your career?

One of the biggest highlights was when Herman and Rosie was sold at auction to a publisher in the US. That was very exciting. It was also wonderful seeing the book adapted in other forms including various theatre productions, The Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, and as an opera in Berlin. It’s moments like these that make the long hours and storytelling frustrations well and truly worthwhile.

Where have your works been published?

In over 20 countries worldwide.

What are you passionate about?

Making books; bringing to life an idea or character from a sketchbook. I love spending time with my family and kids and I find the beach particularly inspiring.

Anything else you’d like to share with us?

I am partial to good wine and mouldy cheese. I am also a fan of good comedy (Mitch Hedburg, Bill Bailey, Ricky Gervais) and indie music (The Blue Nile, Trashcan Sinatras, Deehunter, Fleet Foxes, Grandaddy, Orange Juice, Sparklehorse, Bill Callahan, Frightened Rabbit, Decemberists, Matt Pond PA etc etc.)