Unwrapping
Gus' Fortunate Misfortune
By Susan Pepka
Illustrated by Joseph Cowman
* Ages: 3-7
* Grade Level: PS-3
* Hardcover
* Publisher: Full Cycle Publications
* Pub. Date: November 15, 2018
* Language: English
Unwrapping the book
A sweet little mouse named Gus is smaller and slower than the other mice his age. Because of his small stature he often becomes a target by these bullies. They make fun of him, poke him with their noses and bite his tail. If that isn't bad enough, one day Gus gets chased by a big old cat who thinks he would make a nice snack. To save himself the little mouse hides inside a box. The human who owns the box transports Gus to an undisclosed location away from his home and family. Oh my!
He discovers that he is inside a Buddhist temple and a young monk named Jamyang takes notice of him as Gus enters into his room. Jamyang is trying very hard not to become distracted as he is mediating. He sits very still and observes the little mouse who is searching for water. Gus' effort to seek out and claim that much needed drink is awe-inspiring to the monk. Gus soon realizes that he is in a safe sanctuary inside Jamyang's room. Not only does he find safe shelter there but also a kind human who lovingly leaves him food, water and even a tiny blanket. Together they make a forever home for sweet little Gus.
"Gus' Fortunate Misfortune" is about determination, perseverance, and finding the fortitude inside yourself to meet your own needs and survive the challenges that life deals out to you. It's also about an incredible friendship between Gus and Jamyang. The book thankfully has a happily-ever-after ending, which is always my favourite way to end a great story. The illustrations are truly beautiful with magical overtones. I would purchase the book for these amazing illustrations alone. I love this positive, inspiring story and I highly recommend this book.
Storywraps Rating - 5 +++ HUGS!!!!!
Meet the author
A native of Detroit and currently living in Atlanta, Susan Pepka has enjoyed great diversity throughout her life. Mother of three and grandmother of four, Susan has experienced life as a preschool teacher, technologist in diagnostic imaging, co-owner of a successful wellness center, meditation teacher, and now a published author with the debut of her first children's book, Gus' Fortunate Misfortune.
About the illustrator
I can’t recall exactly when I fell in love with creating & building, it must have been as cliché as “it was just in my blood”. My earliest memories find me building, imagining and creating. I remember scouring the farmhouse I grew up in and the surrounding property for odd pieces of whatever I could find; wood, metal scraps, plastic tubing, bolts, etc, that could be used to assemble something useful or beautiful. But my real passion was born when I put a pencil to paper & the power to create worlds, share what inspires me, and tell a story was realized.
Since my youth, art has been the only craft that made sense to me. I was captivated by great artists such as Arthur Rackham and Alan Lee and I yearned to create the way they did. As I grew, my circle of influence grew and I fell in love with Willam Bouguereau, William Waterhouse, and Alphonse Muche to name a few.
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