Gus Gordon

Gus Gordon is an internationally acclaimed illustrator and author. He has illustrated and written over 80 books for children. His books which include Wendy, Herman and Rosie (2013 CBCA ‘Honour book), Somewhere Else (2017 Speech Pathology book of the year), The Last Peach and Finding François have sold in over 20 countries worldwide and have received wide international recognition.

He has been shortlisted for the German Youth Literature Award, the Sakura Medal in Japan, the Kirico book awards in Spain, the Les Incorruptibles prize in France, the Premio Anderson Children’s Book award in Italy and has twice been nominated for the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, the world’s largest award for children’s and young adult literature. He lives with his wife and three kids in Sydney, Australia.

The picture book process: How I write and illustrate a picture book. From the first idea to publication.

Writing workshop: How to tell good story and dynamic narrative

Creating characters: What it takes to invent interesting, memorable characters

Illustration workshop: Techniques and exercises to show students the various aspects of illustration simply and effectively. They learn tips and tricks, how to draw faces, expressions, heads, bodies and animals

Collage workshop: Collage is such a fun, versatile medium. I show students how to use paper in creative ways to form an illustration or part of a narrative

Specifically, I enjoy speaking about picture books to all the various age groups while engaging with the kids on a level they will understand. Generally speaking, I find grades 3 and 4 to be the most receptive in terms of their level of comprehension and interest (they still appreciate the format) and understanding of story narrative.

With all the grades I read my latest book while chatting to them along the way about storytelling, visual literacy and the picture book process. When I speak to the younger kids the sessions concentrate more on reading the book and asking questions about the story and characters. I give everyone a bit of background about me and why I do what I do – ie. write and draw stories. I also like to draw a few illustrations in front of the group and depending on the group’s size we can all do this exercise together.