Meet the illustrator Gusti from Argentina

Argentinian-born Gusti possesses a knack for storytelling and a sense of humor that will appeal to young and old alike.

For me the pencil is like a wand that grants wishes.

(watch a video to see Gusti and his books)

Gusti is another of the illustrator nominees for the prestigious Hans Christian Andersen Award. I have already talked about:

Tohby Riddle from Australia

Sidney Smith from Canada

Dubravka Kolanovic from Croatia

Piret Raud from Estonia

Beatrice Alemagna from Italy

Ryoji Arai from Japan

Suzy Lee from Korea

Kost Lavro from Ukraine

David McKee from UK

There are a few books by Gusti available here in Australia. Children in my school library used to enjoy the fun discovery in this book - The Fly - How a Perfect Day Can Turn into a Nightmare:

It was a beautiful morning, and the fly had everything he needed to go swimming: a bag, a ball, a towel and some sunscreen. The water was not too hot, not to cold, just the way he liked it. But little did he know, he was in for a big surprise.  Watch the video (it is in Spanish)

Gusti is an acclaimed author and illustrator of children’s books as well as a committed activist for people with disabilities and nature conservation. He was born Gustavo Ariel Rosemffet Abramovich in Buenos Aires in 1963.

Here are some other books illustrated by Gusti:

Here is a review from Publisher's Weekly

The five books selected for the Hans Christian Andersen Award 2022 are “La mosca” (The Fly, published by Calibroscopio), “No somos angelitos” (We are not angels, also selected for the IBBY 2021 Outstanding Books for Young People with Disabilities) and “Malko y papá” (Malko and Dad), both published by Oceano Travesia, “Feos y feas” (Ugly and ugly, text by Lola Casas, published by Carambuco ediciones) and “Animales escondidos” (Hidden animals, text by Lola Casas, published by Pequeño Editor).

His story, Mallko y papá (Mallko and dad, 2014) chronicles his close relationship with his son, who has Down syndrome. The book received wide recognition, including being chosen for the 2015 IBBY Outstanding Selection of Books for Young People with Disabilities, the 2015 Junceda Award, and the 2016 Bologna Ragazzi Award for the special category Disability. Read this review. Kirkus Star review.

If I could pick one book illustrated by Gusti that I wish I could read in English it would be this one:

The Chained Elephant - Since he was a child, the protagonist of our story wonders why the circus elephant, so strong and powerful, does not free himself from the small stake to which he is tied after the show. One day, a very wise friend offers him an answer: “The circus elephant does not escape because it has been tied up since it was very, very small. At that moment, he tried to free himself with all his might without success. Since then he believes that it is impossible. With this beautiful traditional fable about the importance of knowing our abilities and possibilities, Jorge Bucay makes his first foray into children's literature. And he has a luxury travel companion, the wonderful illustrator Gusti.