The Unsinkable Gus Davis

This title was previously available on NetGalley and is now archived.
Buy on Amazon Buy on BN.com Buy on Bookshop.org
*This page contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.
Send NetGalley books directly to your Kindle or Kindle app

1
To read on a Kindle or Kindle app, please add kindle@netgalley.com as an approved email address to receive files in your Amazon account. Click here for step-by-step instructions.
2
Also find your Kindle email address within your Amazon account, and enter it here.
Pub Date Jun 21 2022 | Archive Date Jun 21 2022
Smith Publicity | The Collective Book Studio

Talking about this book? Use #TheUnsinkableGusDavis #NetGalley. More hashtag tips!


Description

Gus Davis is a French bulldog who thinks he can do anything—even swim. Bean is Gus’s human best friend who thinks bulldogs aren’t designed for the water.

Who is right?

It turns out, they both are!

All it takes is a persistent bulldog and a creative human friend to prove that, with a little practice and adaptation, anything is possible. The Unsinkable Gus Davis is a playful story about figuring things out, staying safe around water, and laughing along the way!

Gus Davis is a French bulldog who thinks he can do anything—even swim. Bean is Gus’s human best friend who thinks bulldogs aren’t designed for the water.

Who is right?

It turns out, they both are!

All...


Advance Praise

"A sweet celebration of the bond between kids and their dogs." —Colby Greenhalgh, NH/ME Territory Manager, Pet Food Experts


"This book is wicked cute....an excellent story for children of all ages." —Evangelos Baltas, Second Class Petty Officer, United States Navy


"The Unsinkable Gus Davis...captures the determination of a dog and the love of a child that befriended him." —Laura Minnucci, Lead Groomer, Loyal Companion (Wayland, MA)


"The Unsinkable Gus Davis is a heartwarming book that not only tells the story of a persistent little Frenchie who wants nothing more than to swim, but also teaches an important lesson about pet safety around the water." —Kerri Rose, Retired Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT)


"Lovable Gus teaches us to never give up and that families need to practice water safety with dogs as well as kids. As a vet with over 30 years experience, I am glad to see this story finally told." —Dr. Leslie Marci, VMD, Acorn Animal Hospital, Franklin MA


"Cool tones of rippling waves and weathered wood contrast with patches of orange and pink in the splashy illustrations of this story about working together....while readers glean a subtle message on water safety." --Foreword Reviews

"A sweet celebration of the bond between kids and their dogs." —Colby Greenhalgh, NH/ME Territory Manager, Pet Food Experts


"This book is wicked cute....an excellent story for children of all ages."...


Marketing Plan

National media campaign including television, print, radio and online coverage

ARC distribution campaign

Digital marketing/publicity campaign

Review campaign targeting media, Amazon and Goodreads reviewers

Social media outreach 

National media campaign including television, print, radio and online coverage

ARC distribution campaign

Digital marketing/publicity campaign

Review campaign targeting media, Amazon and Goodreads...


Available Editions

EDITION Other Format
ISBN 9781951412784
PRICE $17.95 (USD)
PAGES 32

Available on NetGalley

NetGalley Shelf App (PDF)
Send to Kindle (PDF)

Average rating from 38 members


Featured Reviews

The Unsinkable Gus Davis was a really sweet book about Gus, a bulldog who thinks he can swim. His owner Bean was a fun character and helped Gus enjoy the water! I loved Gus' stubborn attitude (very typical of a French bulldog!) and their relationship. Great illustrations.

Was this review helpful?

What an adorable book with cute characters! Little Gus is a hoot and young readers will enjoy laughing at his antics!
The Unsinkable Gus Davis would be a great book to teach young students about growth mindset, the importance of asking for help when you need it, and learning to find and accept new solutions! The bond between Gus and his human, Bean, is sweet and tender and I love that he's a bit grumpy while Bean is all sunshine.

I can't wait to purchase a physical copy for my classroom! The Unsinkable Gus Davis would be a wonderful addition to any home, school, classroom library. Thank you NetGalley and Smith Publicity for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

The Unsinkable Gus Davis is about Gus a French Bulldog who thinks he can swim! Gus is determined to prove to himself that he can do anything! Gus is right! He can do anything with the love of his owner Bean. The relationship between the child and Gus is very sweet.

This is a book for any dog loving child!

Was this review helpful?

The Unsinkable Gus Davis is a great book with lovely illustrations. I read it to my 5 year old son and we both loved it.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my ARC.

Was this review helpful?

This book was adorable! My grandson is taking swimming lessons and I think it will totally entertain him. He is also a dog lover so he will love the main character.

Was this review helpful?

I think this has the charm and humour to earn four stars, but only just, perhaps. It's about a bulldog who wants to mimic his human and cannonball into the lake for a swim – only, as we see with great detail when he starts to realise he can only sink, he's not exactly built for swimming. His is a great character, and while the jury is out as to whether we (and the human) are supposed to be hearing what's in his speech bubbles, it's his dogged determination that makes this memorable. I like a bit of cute canine contrariness, and this delivers that. I wouldn't say that anything about this is perfect, mind – but it's easily worth one look at least.

Was this review helpful?

OKKKK- if anyone else has had real life experience with a French Bulldog they'll know that little frog-dog Gus was SPOT. ON. The determination and stubbornness of a Frenchie (or even a bulldog in general) IS REAL.

I found this to be one of my favorites read recently because I can absolutely relate to little Gus- and I bet a lot of kids will too as they always want to do the things they are told NOT to do.

Gus was a stinking adorable and lively character that everyone will fall in love with,. While I can relate to the stubbornness he shows, I enjoyed the underlying themes of bravery, perseverance and overcoming obstacles.

His endearing love with his owner Bean was shown beautifully through the GORGEOUS illustrations and I just love love loved his little antics!

Playful, witty and charming- The Unsinkable Gus Davis is a must have for your shelves!

Was this review helpful?

A dog, a child and summer swimming.Gus is not the unsinkable dog that he wants to be, but with the help of his owner, things work out. Great illustrations of a Frenchy Bulldog that wants to swim but his legs are too short, his nose is too flat and his body is too stout. I enjoyed reading this as much as my 6 year old grandson. I would recommend this book for ages 4-7. Thank you to NetGalley and Smith’s Publishing for the DARC in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Super cute book! We are a dog family so this was very relatable. Good length. Nice illustrations. I would definitely read more by this author.

Was this review helpful?

The Unsinkable Gus Davis was such a cute book! I loved the determination of little Gus in trying to swim with Bean and regardless of it being hard, he kept trying. The bond between Bean and Gus was adorable and was so sweet how Bean solved the problem. The illustrations added so much to the story as well. This was really cute.

Was this review helpful?

An adorable book which teaches the lesson that sometimes you need a little help. Gus really wanted to swim, but couldn't due to his build. Luckily his human knew exactly what he needed to fulfill his goal.

Was this review helpful?

The Unsinkable Gus Davis is a Children's picture book that showcases Gus, an English bulldog who just wants to swim. Unfortunately, it's very difficult if not nearly impossible for his type of breed to swim efficiently, but Gus keeps trying and keeps his head up high with positivity and more!

The cover artwork is really adorable. Instantly, my 2.5 year old was smiling and pointed at Gus who is smiling back. It's eye catching and captivates movement.

The illustrations are just as adorable throughout the pages. Showcasing Gus, as well as Bean who is Gus's family member/owner.

Moral of the story is that positive thinking, as well as some help and assistance can allow you to accomplish the things you'd want, especially if you try, try, try again and don't let yourself get bummed out if you get knocked down - or in Gus's case, sink to the bottom of the lake. Thank goodness for Bean's help!

5 Stars. Would recommend. It's a quick read which is perfect for a little one who enjoys a quick and fun bedtime or nap story.

Thanks to the author, Laurie Trumble Davis, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC copy to read and review. Review will also be posted to my blog (www.kagoodsell.com/book-reviews), GoodReads, TikTok (@unearthingeco), as well as NetGalley reviews.

Was this review helpful?

Ahhh this was such a cute read! Gus was adorable and Bean was so sweet. It is definitely a book I would read in storytime!

Was this review helpful?

I adored Gus's perseverance and Bean's loyalty and ingenuity in this fun picture book. Gus will not take "No" for an answer when he is told he cannot swim. Bean wants to keep Gus safe, but also doesn't want him to feel limited. Then she comes up with a brilliant way to keep Gus safe AND allow him to reach his dreams. This would be a good choice for youngsters that are feeling a bit deflated because they are not "big enough" yet to participate in some activities. It's also a good choice if you just want to read about a dog and his human and their silly water adventures.

Was this review helpful?

I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

The Unsinkable Gus Davis is a funny and relatable read for children about Gus - a French bulldog who won't stop anything from getting in the way of learning to swim.
This book is so funny as it is so true of a frenchie! Anyone who knows one or has one will nod their head and giggle all the way through this book. Frenchies are such tough and determined dogs and the personality of Gus reminded me of my old Frenchie (who I miss dearly) so much! The illustrations were hilarious and so spot on!
I definitely need to get a paper copy of this book!

Was this review helpful?

This little, beautifully illustrated book is so relatable to children!
Gus is a delightful French Bulldog, he follows his owner, Bean, and we watch or read his antics!
Giggling at the illustrations, and looking for a solution, we are gifted with a story of a French who cannot swim. Keep page turning for the solution, and the beautiful bond of a dog and his person!
This sweet book is 32 page, hard cover, designed for preschool, a book they can carry around.

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher The Collective Book Studio, and was not required to give a positive review.

Was this review helpful?

I didn't know French bulldogs can't swim! I didn't know that was something their bodies were not capable of doing. I loved this book. It's a beautiful story from the dog's perspective. He has no idea that he cannot swim, but he gets so much joy going into the water. His owner saves him again and again, stopping him jumping into a lake. The dog doesn't understand that Bean, the owner, is making decisions out of love and concern for his safety. I felt like this is a wonderful book to show the relationship between children and their grown ups (parents, caregivers). As adults we have more information about the world to keep our children safe, and many times children don't understand it. However, in the end Bean finds a way to help her dog do what he loves in a safe way.

Was this review helpful?

This is a very simple but very cute little book featuring a French bulldog who thinks he can do anything, even swim in the lake. His owner warns him that he can't swim, but Gus is determined. The illustrations are adorable and present a highly expressive little bulldog. This book could almost be a beginning reader, but there are a few words that early readers would likely need help to decipher. Regardless, it is a fun little story that is sure to entertain young readers and listeners, particularly dog lovers. Recommended for children's collections.

Was this review helpful?

This was a fun picture book. Gus is determined to swim and Bean problem solves his inability to swim by getting him a doggie life-jacket.

The illustrations are fun and Gus is funny.

Was this review helpful?

Who could not enjoy a book about a stubborn bulldog puppy? This is just such a cute book showing that sometimes the things we want to do we can do, but we might just need a little bit of help. While it can be hard to ask for that help and in the case of Gus really impossible since he is a dog, I love the message. Two people can be right Gus can swim, but Bean is also right that in order to do it he needs something a bit more. Every one can do stuff if they have the right person there to help lift them up and achieve their goals. My daughter really enjoyed when we got to yell CANNONBALL so that was quite fun to.

Thank you so much to Smith Publicity and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this book.

Was this review helpful?

Gus and Bean are a great pair. They love having adventures together.
They have access to a pond whenever they want, so of course the pair wants to jump in and swim.
But does Gus know how to swim? Are bulldogs made for swimming?
At first it doesn't seem like this is going to be a good idea.
The illustrations are wonderful. Gus's expressions are clear!

I would have preferred a print version of this book to the electronic galley I read via Netgalley, but overall the positive message of friendship and possibilities from this book make it a fun and satisfying read. I would buy a print copy.

Was this review helpful?

Bulldogs can do anything! Except swim - bulldogs cannot swim, but poor Gus is determined! And poor Bean for always having to save him (haha)!
This is a cute story about achieving your dreams, but sometimes your dreams need to be modified slightly to reach them. Don't give up!

Was this review helpful?

Gus is a bulldog who thinks he can do anything! For him, this means he should be able to swim, just like his human, Bean. However, he keeps sinking. Soon though, Bean finds a way for him to swim - a doggie lifejacket!

Was this review helpful?

How cute is his book?! Gus is a feisty little French Bulldog who’s determined to prove he can swim…even if he sinks to the bottom after every dive! But with a little help from his friend Bean, Gus is shown how he CAN swim by safely wearing a life vest! A great story to read aloud and share with young children that you can indeed have fun in the water as long as you play it safe!

Was this review helpful?

The Unsinkable Gus Davis was a silly yet encouraging book for kids! My young reader loves the illustrations and the easy to read content. This story had great problem solving and a happy outcome!

Was this review helpful?

Thank you Netgalley and Smith Publicity for providing me with this copy. I am grateful but my thoughts are my own.

The Unsinkable Gus Davis is adorable storybook with cute colorful Illustration about a French bulldog who think he can do anything even swimming. This book is short but teach kids about acceptance. The idea about openmind to accept suggestion and change our way to push beyond our limitation is appealing me. I am falling for Gus and I think this persistent French Bulldog will easy to steal our children's heart.

Was this review helpful?

I really loved this book. I know my puppy thinks the same as Gus. Totally pick this up for a read because it’s so cute.

Was this review helpful?

This really sweet picture book tells the story of Gus, a bulldog who is sure that he can do anything. When it comes to swimming, his owner and friend Bean continues to remind him that bulldogs are really not built to swim, and he ignores that. He's sure he can swim. When he comically sinks each time he hops in water, Bean realizes that he is never going to give up and buys him a life jacket. He is quite happy to have proved himself right, because in fact, bulldogs can do anything.

I love a lot about this book! I love that it features a character with a growth mindset who faces adversity and uses a tool that will help him be safe and have fun. I feel that there are some underlying messages there about inclusion, disabilities and universal design. I also love that it features a pet life jacket, as a former humane educator, it was my responsibility to teach responsible pet ownership and animal safety, and I think that the more people who are aware of dog life jackets, the better! Just because most dogs (except maybe bulldogs) can swim, it doesn't mean that they wont panic or being in dangerous situations near water, like falling off a boat. Finally, I love that Gus has a growth mindset and never gives up. He demonstrates to young readers the importance of believing in yourself and doing your best. I would definitely purchase a copy of this book for my classroom library, and would recommend it to parents and teachers of children in the age 3-9 range. Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read and review this fabulous book!

Was this review helpful?

Book received for free through NetGalley

An adorably cute book with good flow and cute animations.

In the words of my seven year old “I t’s amazing and I love the bulldog.” My six year old went with “ I love it so much. I wish we could listen to it every day and every night and I wish we could listen to it all we want and over and over again as much as we want.”

Was this review helpful?

Thank you for a copy of this cute story, Netgalley. I love teaching about growth mindset in my classroom and this will be the perfect addition to my collection of stories and characters. This book teaches about not giving up and believing in your own dreams, despite what others think you can do. Gus Davis is adorable and will appeal to dog loving kids.

Was this review helpful?

This such a sweet story! Sweet Gus just wants to swim in the pond yet keeps being reminded because he's a pig, he cannot swim. He is a determined lil pup and has so fear in his sweet heart. Gus is so relatable when life tries to help you and you still fight it. Until you see what you believe to be a hinder become a blessing.🥰🥰🥰

Was this review helpful?

This delightful book has such wonderful illustrations! Gus, an adorable little French Bulldog, has one wish and that is to be able to swim. He is determined to do so and tries again and again but unfortunately fails in his attempts.

His loving owner, Bean, explains to him that he not a failure but his physical makeup inhibits his success. She explains that his legs are too short, his nose is too flat and well...he's a bit too pudgy.

Does Gus give up his dream? No way. He ignores those facts and off he goes again and again to cannonball into the water. Each time he sinks....glug, glug, glug! Luckily Bean rescues her beloved pet and realizes Gus needs help and a safe way to enjoy the art of swimming.

Bean finally solves the problem and intoduces Gus to a tool that will finally solve the problem. Can you guess what might be a lifesaver for Gus and allow him the freedom and joy of swimming beside his best friend Bean?

I love the underlying messages represented in the book such as being a responsible pet owner, the idea of never giving up on your dreams and
believing in yourself. Overall " The Unsinkable Gus Davis" is a winner that both kids and adults will love reading. It's a heartwarming tale that will put a smile on your face guaranteed! I highly recommend it!

Was this review helpful?

Readers who liked this book also liked: