This book has beautiful images, but it didn’t strike me as a book that will hook young children or convey the intended message. Perhaps this is because of the paneled style, perhaps this is because the fact that it is wordless (something I typically love!) makes the message even more subtle... I am not sure. But I was viewing this through the lens of a kindergarten teacher, and perhaps this is a wordless picture book better suited to older kids.

This book is absolutely darling. It tells the story of a little boy who has a gargoyle egg hatch in his room. When his family visits Paris he brings the gargoyle who discovers his kind on Notre Dame. There are no words, so it can be enjoyed by people of all ages no matter their language. The illustrations are absolutely beautiful and placed in the book like a graphic novel. I loved seeing the sights of Paris like cafes, Eiffel Tower, Sacre Coeur, Arc du Triomphe, Gare du Nord, various bridges, and of course Notre Dame depicted in both the scenery and in the photos that decorate the family's home. The book itself is a beautiful ode Notre Dame and made me excited to visit again when the renovations are finished.

Thank you to NetGalley and House of Anansi Press Inc. for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A very sweet story of friendship, travel and letting go, all told with no words. Anthony finds a rock that actually turns out to be a baby gargoyle. When his family travels to Paris to visit a sick aunt he brings his new friend. I love recognizing several locations in Paris including the Arc de Triumphe, Sacre-Coeur, Eiffel Tower and the Cathedral of Notre Dame. The illustrations are beautiful, with a graphic novel layout. This would be a welcome book in my elementary school library. Good for younger readers and non readers alike. Thank you NetGalley and House of Anansi Press Inc. for an ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review.

Such a lovely book. My kids and I loved looking at the pictures and imagined what was happening and what was being said. My non verbal daughter loves no word books and this is probably the best one we have seen in a while.

Just get this books

Anthony and the Gargoyle is a beautifully illustrated children’s book that captures the essence of unlikely friendships. I love that this book is in a graphic novel format, without text. It is very unique for younger readers, and older too. I also think the gothic styles (Norte Dame and gargoyles) are so refreshing for younger audiences, it introduces them to different art styles which can ease the fear some may get when first seeing them.

The themes of friendship and letting go are so timeless, yet this artistic twist truly sets it apart from other children’s books. I will love adding this book to my teacher library!