Thank you to Ventorros Press for sending me an advanced copy of "Gross George," written by Chris Gamble and illustrated by Chris White.
From the very first page, this is a story jam-packed with anarchy that many children will adore. They'll love George Grubbington: a modern-day antihero who'll make children laugh out loud and shriek, "YUK!" in equal measure (and pleasure). George is an old-school punk who can't help being disgusting. George doesn't like rules, at least not where mean Mr Walsh is concerned. Who can blame George for his rebelliousness?. As I always tell my class: adults, just like children, have to earn respect. Being older doesn't give you a golden ticket to "Respect-Land."
The illustrations by Chris White are fabulous: full of energy, charm and humour. They bring to life this high-octane, often surreal and wonderfully wild story perfectly.
I really like how we see the stream of consciousness evolving inside George's unique brain. And even though he breaks the rules and is bogie-obsessed, it's hard not to like him. Having a naughty streak doesn't mean you're cruel. The best people I know, including the adults, have a strong sense of naughtiness running through their core.
George's Gross-fest reaches new levels as the story comes to its conclusion.
Is George Grubbington too gross?
You decide ...