I’ve reviewed a few children’s books on this blog and I think what I really like about this one, on top of the lovely message of self-acceptance, are the very beautiful and intricate illustrations! We will be giving away three hard cover books on the blog.
About the author:
I asked Marilize Ackerman (author and illustrator) a few questions as to how this book came to be.
- How did you get started, what inspired you to do story books?
I have been drawing since I was little, and one day a few years back, during a long journey in public transport, I figured I should put the drawings together to make a picture book. The idea of Gordon, a simple and loveable pea, with a universal message of gratitude and self-acceptance came about. Gordon accepts and loves his pea-body, pea-brain and pea-heart as they are.
2. Was there anything that inspired you to write about this one, about the garden pea?
Gordon the Garden Pea was made in during a time I was working in South Sudan. Our living conditions were rather contained (with COVID limitations adding to this). Basically, free-time activities consisted of drawing and practicing yoga with a group of colleagues. I think Gordon embodies the appreciation I felt for being able to continue to do things I enjoy even when life gets a little bit hard.
3. You pictures are lovely – did you train as an artist?
Thank you! I learnt the basics in pre-school! other than that, I am self-taught and love all forms of arts and crafts.
About the book:
Gordon is a garden pea and he starts off the book by talking about all the things that he can’t do. I think that as humans we do compare ourselves to others and our children do too, so it’s a relevant story to read.
How cute are these illustrations though? With the mole reading “Tunnel Construction 101!”
Having assembled all the things he can’t do, he then says that despite that he is very happy with his shape and abilities. I think these are lovely words and stunning illustrations.
How cute are the snail and the butterfly? I think they are adorable.
Giveaway!
Would you like a copy of this cute book for your child? Simply comment below. You can also follow Gordon the Garden Pea on Facebook and Instagram.
The book is available in bookshops around Cape Town and on Takealot.
You can also get it on Amazon here.
Disclaimer: I was given the book to review.
Terms and Conditions:
- This competition will run for a week. The winner will be announced on the Facebook page, and emailed.
- This competition is open to South African residents only.
- The prize is not transferable.
- If you have won on SA Mom Blogs in the past 3 months you will not be eligible to win this competition.
- If you win the same prize on another site then you forfeit this one.
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This is looking super cute!
I would love to give thís to my grandchild!
This is super cute 😍 💕
My kids are 4 and 6. They have an insatiable appetite for stories and books. Now that the 6-year-old is learning to read, she wants to read every book she can get her hands on. I would love to add this amazing book to her collection.
It looks like a delightful book and will really help little ones who struggle with confidence.
Beautifully illustrated and painted, will be awesome inspiration for my 5 year old daughter experimenting and painting with her water colours.
This story feels like it would make an awesome animated short film or animated series.
I love this. My two year old daughter recently discovered her love for peas, it would be great to read to her about a Pea 🙂
Such a lovely book – would love this for my 3 year old. He loves Reading and one of our fave things to do together.
My 3 year old son is a nonverbal autistic. Although he is developmentally delayed in some areas, he loves loves loves to read. He is obsessed with books and I would love to win this and add it to his growing collection.
I would love to win this book to read to my boys to teach them that all things are possible. Such a beautiful way to convey life lessons through the world of books.
What a sweet little story. I would love to read this book to Mila Rose during one of our late night feeding sessions
How adorable, from the message to the illustrations.
I’ve loved books from a very young age, I had a reading disability but once I was able to overcome it the world was my oyster.
I have my first little one on the way and I’d love to start building up her book empire.