Matt Novak Book Gertie and Gumbo

Book Description
Gertie Goomba is a lonely girl. Her papa spends all day every day wrestling alligators. When Gertie tries to help he says only, "This is no work for little girls!" and "Go play!" But with whom? This hilarious story presents the answer in the shape of a small alligator named Gumbo, who cares less for wrestling than you might think, and more for Gertie than she has dreamed possible.
Reviews
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

Novak (Mouse TV) mines his latest picture book from the same joyfully nonsensical vein as Elmer Blunt's Open House. Gertie Goomba, the round-nosed, pigtailed heroine of this buoyant tale, lives "in the swampy South with her papa and five big alligators." In an old barn, Gertie's father, Salvatore, entertains tourists by "wrestling" his domesticated gators. Left alone much of the time, Gertie practices the piano and dances-and becomes quite an accomplished performer. When the egg laid by one of the alligators hatches, Gertie has company at last. She diligently cares for the baby alligator, named Gumbo, who is pictured devouring inedible objects, popping out of the toilet and learning to dance and play the piano. Gumbo's skills come in handy when Salvatore hurts his toe and cannot perform his wrestling act. After the hatchling is an instant success on stage, the five older gators don top hats and tails and join the act-which becomes an international sensation. As lighthearted as his text, Novak's energetic, acrylic paintings are presented in panels that will bring on lots of giggles. Ages 4-7.

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL (PreS-Gr 3)

With his exuberant cartoon-strip art and understated humor, Novak has once again created a book that children will find irresistible. Young Gertie is lonely: her papa Salvatore only has time for his performing alligators (they wrestle in the Goomba Palace). Then, one of the alligators, Bruno, whose name is quickly changed to Brunhilda, lays an egg, and when it hatches Gertie finally has a playmate. She teaches Gumbo to dance and play the piano, and he ends up being the star of a new show. In the process, Gertie wins the affection and respect of her chauvinistic, self-absorbed parent. Novak has a few points to make here about sexism and child rearing, and he does so with a light, gentle touch. The characters are all likable, even Salvatore with all his faults; and the illustrations are filled with whimsical details. A fun-filled story, with amiable characters and a palatable message, adds up to a great picture book for adults to share with preschoolers and for primary graders to discover on their own.Marilyn Taniguchi, Santa Monica Public Library, CA