Gary, a grounded racing pigeon, dreams of exploring the world - until the day he falls into an adventure of his very own.
Gary is just like all the other racing pigeons, save for one difference: he can’t fly. It doesn’t stop him taking part in the other pigeons’ adventures though, and he keeps track of their journeys in his scrapbook. So when he’s accidently dropped off miles from home, he uses his book to find his way back to the loft, inspiring the other pigeons to copy him on special days out. In his stripey bobble hat, Gary is contrasted with the sporty racing pigeons, but the story shows he’s just as much a champion; it’s a message that can’t be repeated enough. The illustrations echo Gary’s scrapbook and could encourage young readers to have fun plotting their own neighbourhood too. Andrea Reece
A story of perseverance and being comfortable in your own skin, perfect for anyone who has ever felt like the odd one out, this is the story one pigeon's big adventure. Most of the time, Gary is just like the other racing pigeons, eating and sleeping and dreaming of adventure. There's just one thing that separates him from the ordinary pigeons: he can't fly. When his friends set off in their travel basket, Gary expects to stay at home, organizing his scrapbook of travel mementos and imagining far-off places. But when he accidentally falls into the travel basket and ends up a very long way from home, he discovers that flying might not be the only way to have adventures...
Leila Rudge was born in England and grew up making mud pies with six siblings and Jeni from number 15. After completing an Illustration Degree at Bath Spa University, Leila headed to Australia to seek her fortune (and the sunshine). Her picture books include Mum Goes to Work, written by Libby Gleeson, and No Bears, written by Meg McKinlay, which was shortlisted for the 2012 CBCA Picture Book of the Year Award. Creating tiny characters for books is her favourite part of illustrating. Find Leila online at www.leilarudge.com and on Instagram as @leilarudge.
