Guji Guji is a captivating picture book by Taiwanese author Chih-Yuan Chen, who offers an engaging exploration of identity, loyalty, and the true meaning of family. This beloved tale has been translated into 16 languages and adapted into a children’s play, earning widespread recognition and the prestigious Swedish Peter Pan Prize for picture books.

The story centres around Guji Guji, a crocodile who, by a twist of fate, is raised by a loving duck family. As Guji Guji grows, he confronts the inevitable questions of identity, realising he is neither solely a crocodile nor a duck but a unique “croc-duck.” This self-discovery leads him to protect his duck family from external threats, showcasing themes of acceptance and belonging.

Chih-Yuan Chen’s inspiration for Guji Guji came from a deeply moving encounter with an American-Korean child adopted by a white family. This experience influenced Chen to create a story that encourages children to embrace diversity and view the world with an open mind. Through Guji Guji’s humorous and enlightening journey, readers are invited to celebrate differences and understand the importance of tolerance.

The storyline of Guji Guji is skillfully crafted, with smooth transitions and climactic moments that keep readers engaged. The writing is fresh and rhythmic, perfectly complementing the vibrant illustrations. Chen’s unique artistic style, characterised by bright contrasts and a blend of black, white, and grey tones, enhances the story’s visual appeal. The illustrations, reminiscent of paper cutting, add depth and humour to the plot, making the characters come alive with dynamic energy.

Reader feedback highlights the book’s creativity and its ability to resonate with both children and adults. The story design is innovative, with twists and turns that captivate the audience. The character designs are cute and funny, capturing the essence of the plot and its lively spirit.

After 2 decades, Chih-Yuan Chen has revisited Guji Guji with a new version and a sequel, offering a fresh interpretation with a colourful painting style. This classic story continues to inspire and delight readers around the world, reinforcing its timeless message of love, acceptance, and the celebration of individuality.

Guji Guji, in my opinion, is a must-read for anyone looking for a heartwarming, thought-provoking tale that beautifully combines engaging storytelling with striking illustrations. It is a book that will leave a lasting impression on readers, encouraging them to view the world with empathy and openness.

Guji Guji

Written by Chih-Yuan Chen

2004, Kane/Miller Book Publishing

ISBN: 9781929132676

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

Chen, Zhiyuan. Guji Guji. First American edition., Kane/Miller, 2004.

‘Guji Guji’. Ministry of Culture, https://children.moc.gov.tw. Accessed 29 June 2024.

Guji Guji (Bilingual online read aloud) – Hsin Yi. https://store.kimy.com.tw/Category/ProductDetail.aspx?no=H000000030853. Accessed 29 June 2024.

CNA. ‘鱷魚鴨繪本紅遍世界 陳致元18年後推新版Guji-Guji | 文化’. 中央社 CNA, 23 Nov. 2021, https://www.cna.com.tw/news/acul/202111230124.aspx.

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Eleanor Duggan is a passionate children’s book reader, a storytelling enchantress, an aspiring globetrotter, a part-time book crafter, and an impassioned foodie who is a cooking disaster. She is more known as an international school teacher-librarian and the International Association of School Librarianship (IASL) Regional Director for East Asia. She is a Taiwanese with a Belgian soul and is currently enjoying her life as a citizen of the world with her daughter and their 2 one-of-a kind cats. You may find her via The Third Culture Librarian 

GLLI Disclaimer: Opinions expressed in posts on this site are the individual author’s and are not indicative of the views of Global Literature in Libraries Initiative.