Gus Gordon
Gus Gordon is an internationally acclaimed illustrator and author. He has illustrated and written over 80 books for children.
Gus’s stories are typically character orientated and appeal to both children and adults alike. His illustrations are known for their loose and energetic line work, mixed media and humour; however, collage is the medium he is widely recognised for. Much of his work contains old ephemeral paper items such as catalogue engravings, postcards, advertisements, receipts, stamps, theatre programs and maps.
His writing is always anthropomorphic – where animals take the place of humans in the narrative. He attributes this to an early love of Kenneth Grahame's Wind in The Willows and Richard Scarry’s 'Busy' stories.
Gus’ books which include Wendy, Herman and Rosie (a 2013 CBCA 'Honour Award' for best picture 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 awards 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. In 2023 he was a judge for the NSW Premier’s Literature Awards (Patricia Wrightson Prize).
Over the past 30 years, Gus has visited well over a thousand schools and festivals around Australia and internationally, speaking to children about illustration, writing, character design and visual literacy.
He also enjoys talking specifically about the process of writing and illustrating picture books, dispelling the illusions about their creation, believing that it is important for children to understand what happens behind the scenes so they can better appreciate how words and pictures work together to tell story.
Gus is about to finish his first graphic novel. Into the Bewilderness is an existential story about a bear called Luis and a mole called Pablo who live deep in the wilderness, far from culture and civility. It is due for a simultaneous release in Australia and the US in 2025.
Gus is represented by Charlie Olsen of InkWell Management in New York and is an ambassador for Room to Read and Storybox Library. Gus also loves cheese.
Testimonials
Gus Gordon delivered an engaging presentation that walked us through his passion and inspiration for creating artwork and telling stories — from his childhood on the farm to his current creative process. Many teachers smiled as they related to Gus’s childhood idols and favourite children’s books. The children especially enjoyed seeing Gus’s own childhood drawings and hearing his encouragement to keep drawing in their very own style.
One of the great highlights of Gus’s visit was when he drew a character live for the students. It was incredible to watch a character emerge, beginning with just a nose and a few simple lines, and becoming a full illustration in minutes. We are treasuring these pictures. Throughout the weeks following Gus Gordon’s visit, these drawings have become a springboard for creative writing and drawing in our library lessons. Each child has created a unique character profile for the illustrations.
It was inspiring to see Gus’s example of his scrapbook and learn how some characters live inside it for many years before they find their place in a story. It was amazing to witness the amount of work, research, and detail that goes into each page of his picture books.
Teachers noted that the author’s warm and relatable approach encouraged even hesitant readers and writers to participate. Many students expressed renewed motivation to read more widely and experiment with their own creative writing.
The visit has already had a noticeable impact on library borrowing, with increased interest in the author’s titles and related genres. Overall, the event was a highly successful addition to our literacy program, strengthening students’ connection to reading and creative expression.
Shearwater, the Mullumbimby Steiner School - September, 2026Gus was very easy to work with, generous with his time, and engaged the children and adults who attended his presentations.
Inverell Shire Library/Ross Hill School - March, 2026Gus was inspiring in his passion for stories and his encouragement to students that they can all create their own stories from their own lives. He was warm and friendly with staff and students and welcomed student's questions and input.
Queensland School Library Association - May 2023Gus provided wonderful examples of how his story ideas come from his life experiences and made the concept of becoming an author an idea the students could really understand.
Newtown State School - May 2023It was a valuable experience for the students to hear about the writing process and how Gus approaches his work. We would happily recommend him to others.
Mount Cotton State School - August, 2017
Finding François
Somewhere Else
The Last Peach
Wendy
Herman and Rosie
Queensland
Speaker type
- Author
- Illustrator / Designer
- Graphic novels
Audience
- Prep - Year 2
- Year 3-6
- Year 7-9
- Adult