He's old, this gargoyle. Very old. Older than me. Older than anyone. He looks tired. If I had a seat, I would give it to him.
He shuffles past me and stands near the door and watches the city smushing past.
I think I hear him sigh. An echoey, achy, hollow sort of sigh, like the wind when it gusts down lanes and through tunnels and in and out of the big drains that stretch under the city.
This is the moving story of an old gargoyle, forced off his rooftop to make way for a new development in a barren cityscape, and the child who encounters him on an overcrowded train. When the gargoyle is ordered off the train, he leaves his suitcase behind. The child opens the case and unleashes the gargoyle's many memories of the city and its inhabitants. When the case crumbles, leaving nothing but a small seed, the child decides to find a place to bring the gargoyle, and the soul of the city, back.
An unforgettable story about conservation, ageing and legacies which will leave a forever imprint on your heart.
Praise for The Gargoyle:
'A sympathetically written and beautifully poignant story' Schooldaysmagazine.com
'Leaves a lasting impression of hope and kindness for our world and all its beings . . . Lyrically sensational . . . striking artwork . . . An exquisite legacy' Books+Publishing
'This is a heartfelt tale with lots of interesting ideas to unpack and at its core a simple plea for kindness and compassion' ReadPlus
'The Gargoyle is a picture book that deserves a place on every child's bookshelf. It is a book that will spark imagination and curiosity, as well as empathy and compassion' Better Reading
'A touching story about conservation, ageing, kindness and legacy' Readings, Best Picture Books of 2023
'An intriguing, moving story about the transformative powers of empathy' The Age
The poignant story of an old gargoyle, forced off his rooftop to make way for a new urban development in a barren cityscape, and the child who encounters him on an overcrowded train, from one of Australia's most critically acclaimed writers for children.
