Grace for Gus by Harry Bliss
Published by Katherine Tegen Books on February 6th 2018
ISBN: 0062644106
Pages: 40
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads

Grace for Gus by Harry Bliss (author of Bailey) is a wordless graphic novel for ages 6-9. A young girl’s teacher encourages the class to contribute to the fund for a second pet guinea pig. Our young heroine does just that. Set in New York City, the girl sneaks out of her apartment after dinner and spends the night playing a violin in the subway station, sketching caricatures in the park, and performing acrobatic tricks in the subway train. All these creative efforts earn lots of cash that the girl proudly brings to class in the morning. All through the night, the girl’s pet cat keeps follows her; the city is friendly and full of people. There are famous characters and people dotted throughout the book, some of whom adults will recognize more than children such as Woody Allen, Trump, and Andy Warhol. Bliss’ comic panel illustrations are full of other details that young careful viewers can enjoy discovering. Youngsters will get a glimpse of big city life as they follow the all night adventures of one creative, caring girl. Recommended by Margy Soule, Coffin Elementary School in Brunswick.