Gus and Button

I have been collecting children's books for almost 20 years and this is one of my all time favorites. Lucky for me my three year old loves it as well. What a feast for the imagination and heart alike.

My son received this book when he was not quite three, and two years later we still love reading this book together. It is charming and original. One of our favorite storybooks... I would highly recommend it.

My son, who's just turned 5, loved this book. So did my 50 year old brother-in-law when he read it to my son. It had us all laughing looking at the pictures made of fruits and vegetables. The characters are charming, Belle the red pepper, Pip the Apple, and Cecil the Orange, as well as Gus and Button, the mushroom child and his dog. Many hours of reading and re-reading the story and going back and finding all the different fruits and vegetables that made up the pictures.

Another great collaborative effort between Saxton Freymann and Joost Elffers. The wonderful pictures, made entirely from vegetables and fruits, show the transition from Gus's home of dull, brown mushrooms to the bright and colorful city of "Cornucopia". During a storm, Gus--a mushroom, sees something green fly through the air. He and his dog, Buttons, head off into the forrest of artichokes to find from where something so beautiful has come. During his adventure, Gus discovers the identity of the green "thing" (a baby pea), and returns him to his mother. Upon his return home, Gus reveals what he learned on his journey, "...to really see what's our there, you need more than open eyes. When I keep my wits about me and I keep an open mind, EVERYWHERE I look I am surprised by what I find!" Everyone will enjoy the story of Gus and Buttons, but the pictures will be the most entertaining. A good book to share, but be cautious when sharing with too many, because everyone will want to sit close to see the details of the fruits and vegetables in the pictures!

For sheer creativity and color, "Gus and Button" is a genuine joy to behold. Each page offers a wealth of sub-plots and story possibilities, allowing young minds free rein in blazing their own trails through the forest. As a doting grandpa, I have found the story a marvellous catalyst for interacting with my five little ones. "Gus and Button" is one of those rare books that challenges the mind and fires the imagination, bringing young readers back again and again. Bravo!