Gus the
Asparagus by Kaylene Hobson illustrated by
Ann-Marie Finn (Dragon Tales Publishing)
PB RRP: $19.95
ISBN 9780992523992
Reviewed by Yvonne Mes
The Green family (made up of a selection of
adorable vegetables) love their peculiar little Gus the Asparagus just the way
he is. But when Gus starts school it becomes clear that Gus doesn’t quite fit
in and doesn’t understand the rules. And now Gus no longer wants to go to
school.
Mum takes Gus to the Doctor who diagnoses him with
‘Asparagus Syndrome’. There is relief when everyone finally understands why Gus
is different, and how they are able to support him.
This is an attractive book; the illustrations by
Ann-Marie Finn, featuring vegetables with googly eyes are fun and strangely
endearing.
The page where the vegetables at school are having
a rolling competition and Gus tries to roll lengthways made me laugh and it
illustrates perfectly just how differently Gus thinks.
This short picture book has relatable characters
for those families who live with a child with Asperger’s syndrome, and
especially for the child itself.
The story, inspired Kaylene Hobson’s own
experiences, however, is not a story of woe, instead it uplifts and recognises
and accepts the eccentricities of the asparaguses’ around us.
Yvonne Mes is a children's writer and illustrator.
Her picture books, Meet Sidney Nolan (Random House)
and Oliver’s Grumbles (Dragon Tales
Publishing) are scheduled for release in October 2015. www.yvonnemes.com
