A funny and fantastical adventure from former Children's Laureate Michael Rosen and award-winning illustrator Viviane Schwarz.

Gaston le Dog longs to return to the beautiful beach he remembers from years ago. So he sets off on an adventure - but mystery and danger lurk at every turn, and Gaston will need all the help he can get from the friends he meets along the way. But can they all be trusted? And will Gaston's odyssey bring him everything he hoped for? This playful new tale from national treasure Michael Rosen sprinkles myth, magic and fairy tale to create a brilliant story, illustrated by award-winning artist Viviane Schwarz, perfect for fans of the Grimwood series.

About the Author

Michael Rosen is one of the most popular authors for children; his bestselling titles published by Walker Books include We're Going on a Bear Hunt, A Great Big Cuddle and Michael Rosen's Sad Book. A popular radio broadcaster, distinguished critic and academic, and multi-award-winning poet, Michael was appointed the Children's Laureate from 2007 to 2009, and is now Professor of Children's Literature at Goldsmiths, University of London.

Viviane Schwarz is the author-illustrator of the highly acclaimed picture books There Are Cats in this Book and There Are No Cats in this Book, both of which were shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Medal (2009, 2012), Is There a Dog in This Book?, Counting with Tiny Cat, Animals with Tiny Cat and How to Find Gold. The Adventures of a Nose was shortlisted for the V&A illustration Award and her debut graphic novel The Sleepwalkers was nominated for the British Comics Awards. She is also the illustrator of Cheese Belongs to You! and I Am Henry Finch, both written by friend and fellow picture book maker, Alexis Deacon. Find Viviane online at vivianeschwarz.co.uk, and on Twitter and Instagram as @vivschwarz.

Reviews
This comic, playful seven-plus quest, showing Michael Rosen at the peak of his powers, is sprinkled with fairy-tale magic. * The Metro *
Former Children's Laureate Michael Rosen has struck gold again with this charming short novel - perfect for young readers aged seven to nine. * PA Media, Syndicated in: Evening Chronicle (Newcastle), Western Morning News (Devon & Cornwall), Derby Telegraph, Leicester Mercury, Sentinel (Stoke-on-Trent), Belfast Telegraph and Nottingham Post *
features in Kitty Empire's roundup of the best chapter books of November and overall best chapter books of 2023 for The Observer * The Observer *
When Rosen was suffering with Covid-19, one of his objectives was to get better and finish this story, which was based on tales he would tell his son on holiday. The result, a hero's journey packed full of adventure and charm, is a triumph. * The Bookseller *
The prose is pitch perfect for the 7-9 year old range and would make an excellent read for an independent reader, a bedtime story adventure or even a year 2-4 whole class read. Highly recommended - a warm-hearted and fun tale from a man with a huge heart for entertaining children (young and old) * NetGalley Reviewer *



Book Information
ISBN 9781529501209
Author Michael Rosen
Format Hardback
Page Count 160
Imprint Walker Books Ltd
Publisher Walker Books Ltd
Weight(grams) 241g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 129mm * 11mm