Into the Bewilderness - by Gus Gordon

About the Book

"Best friends Luis (the large furry one) and Pablo (the small furry one) spend their days wandering through nature, playing songs on the guitar, and eating Slow Joe McNally's pinecone porridge with their neighbors. When dreamer Luis receives an unexpected invitation to attend a performance of The Weary Mermaid in the big, bustling city, he finds it hard to ignore the allure of the bright lights. Luckily, he doesn't have to go it alone--and it's a good thing, because it's a long journey through the Bewilderness, and Luis has many questions"--

Book Synopsis

Perfect for fans of The Wild Robot, Gus Gordon's graphic novel debut follows two furry friends on a clever and cozy adventure when they embark on a journey to the Big City for the first time.

In the Bewilderness, life is good.

Best friends Luis (the large furry one) and Pablo (the small furry one) spend their days wandering through nature, playing songs on the guitar, and eating Slow Joe McNally's pinecone porridge with their neighbors.

When dreamer Luis receives an unexpected invitation to attend a performance of The Weary Mermaid in the big, bustling city, he finds it hard to ignore the allure of the bright lights.

Luckily, he doesn't have to go it alone--and it's a good thing, because it's a long journey through the Bewilderness, and Luis has many questions. Will they meet laser-eyed gargoyles, zombie chickens, or tyrannical cow rulers? Will they get there on time? Why is quicksand so slow if it's called quicksand? Thankfully, with his grumpy but loyal best friend by his side, they'll soon find out.

. . . Or will they?

Review Quotes

"Gordon's jellybean-shaped figures, expressive linework, and soft colors amplify the cartoonish interactions and the bucolic setting in equal measure. It's a simply delightful, seamless blend of disparate parts that come together into an enchanting whole that will charm middle-graders with offbeat senses of humor." -- Booklist (starred review)

"Contrasting dispositions make Luis and Pablo an amusingly appealing pair in the neatly drawn panels, leading a winsome animal (and cryptid) cast. Urbane, goofy fun." -- Kirkus Reviews

"Appealing, colorful artwork complements the philosophical, character-driven plot, including stunning two-page spreads that showcase the wonder of the woods and a sparkling night sky. With gentle humor, the author explores themes of curiosity, friendship, and the value of different perspectives. [A] welcome addition to most graphic novel collections." -- School Library Journal