Bold, graphic art by indie rocker Chris Gorman of Belly captures the thrill and challenges of marching to your own beat.Meet a pogo-dancing, punk-rock-loving kid who loves to express himself in his own unique way. His clothes, hairstyle, music, and just the way he hears the world, all set him apart. Not everyone understands him, but he likes being one of a kind--even though it's lonely sometimes. Fortunately, it's a wide world out there, and if he looks around a kid is sure to find other one-of-a-kinds with common interests.
Chris Gorman also wrote and illustrated
Indi Surfs, which
The New York Times called, "As simultaneously exhilarating and meditative as surfing itself." He's a drummer--and founding member--of the Grammy-nominated band Belly, as well as a professional photographer. Born and raised in Rhode Island, he now lives in Long Beach, New York, with his wife and two children.
“A picture-book celebration of individuality and community. An affirming, first-person text is paired with digitally manipulated photo art to follow the narrator through contemplations about what it means to be ‘a little different.’ . . . Throughout, the child listens to music, dances, and drums, developing the character as a pint-sized punk rocker. . . . It isn't always easy. ‘I like being one of a kind’ reads one spread with the child exultant at a drum set, but a page turn shifts the tone and leads up to the line ‘It can be lonely and frustrating!’ with the child now sitting dejectedly on a front stoop. . . . Race is never named, and illustrations can be read as presenting the narrator and one other child as kids of color, though skin color isn't apparent, with just the white of the page and some shading. Rock on, kids!.”
—Kirkus Reviews“As in his picture book
Indi Surfs, Gorman alters black-and-white photographic images to make striking halftones with rich black shadows. The text is laid out on torn paper scraps of pink and yellow, in the style of Sex Pistols album art. . . . Readers whose unconventional tastes are at odds with the authorities will enjoy his energy and self-assurance.”
—Publishers Weekly“The stark contrast in colors on each page could represent the intense feelings of the protagonist enjoying his independence and interests while still feeling isolated. Gorman has penned an exceedingly relatable book and most readers will connect with the protagonist’s dilemma, regardless of their music tastes. . . . A must-have wherever music, especially punk rock, is popular.”
—School Library Journal“Bold, vibrant design showcases the child’s emotions in this picture book with a perennial message of self-acceptance.”
—Booklist
