JOHN BURNINGHAM’S BORKA: THE ADVENTURES OF A GOOSE WITH NO FEATHERS

I’ve been a graduate student in children’s and young adult literature for the past couple of years now. It’s been a lot of hard work, but the MOST fun thing to study on the planet (at least, for me). The best part? Diving in to the historical cannon of children’s book “classics” from prior decades, and even centuries!

Some of my favorite classic picture books are by late British author/illustrator John Burningham. John bravely pioneered unique illustration and storytelling methods during the latter half of the 20^th century.

I’m a big fan of his book Come away from the water, Shirley (1977), narrated by a young girl’s parents. They think they know what she’s doing during their day at the beach, as they continue to give her parental warnings and direction. But vivid illustrations clue the reader in on her pretend world, and all the adventures she is actually dreaming up, unbeknownst to them both!

Granpa (1984), another of my favorites by John, is simply a series of loose dialogue between “Grandpa” and his granddaughter. It seems, on the surface, to be completely random, but together with the visual illustrations, tells a complete and deeply layered story.

You can probably imagine how excited I was when Candlewick Press offered to send me the 55^th Anniversary Edition of John’s debut novel BORKA: THE ADVENTURES OF A GOOSE WITH NO FEATHERS in exchange for my honest review. It made me shake my tail feathers with excitement! (Sorry, I write children’s books…I can be a little corny).

BORKA won the Kate Greenaway Medal in 1964, for the most distinguished work in British children’s book illustration. Candlewick released this beautiful 55^th Anniversary Edition in hardcover in 2018, and has now released it in paperback.

I had not read this book before. All I knew was that it had won a very prestigious award and was about a goose with no feathers (I get no bonus points for that, since it’s in the title). You’re probably wondering, as I did, what makes BORKA so timeless and celebrated, many decades after its initial printing?

Having now read, digested, and pondered the book a bit, I can answer this with conviction. I think that BORKA speaks to the part of us—in all of us, adults and children alike—that is unlike anybody else. That longs for connection and belonging with others who truly understand and love our uniqueness. Our quirks and our oddities.

Borka is a goose who was born without any feathers. Her parents knit her a sweater to keep her warm, but she feels self-conscious and falls behind in learning how to swim, fly, and all the other things little goslings are supposed to learn how to do.

When the flock flies away to a warmer climate, Borka is left behind to fend for herself.

Her pluck (pun intended) and beautiful soul lead her on an amazing journey. I can’t spoil the story by telling you everything, but I can tell you that it involves sailing the ocean blue with a sea captain, and frolicking in London’s beautiful Kew Gardens! You’ll want to read this one and find out the rest.

I really loved this book. I thought it was beautiful, and one that made me think about it long after reading. Re-reading it a few times gave me an even richer and deeper understanding of the message, and I think that children will have the same experience with it. Hand-painted illustrations are full-bleed and full-color, with a few strategic sketches in black and white that became part of Burningham’s signature illustration style.

A fun fact to close out this review: John’s book dedication, “For Helen”, is for his wife, Helen Oxenbury, acclaimed author/illustrator of many, many children’s picture books and board books, including the famous We’re Going on a Bear Hunt (1989).

They were an incredibly prolific kidlit author/illustrator couple, each winning the Kate Greenaway Medal twice.

John sadly passed away in 2019 at the age of 82. He is survived by Helen, who lives in North London, his children, and his grandchildren. He leaves a legacy that won’t be forgotten. Thank you to Candlewick Press, for helping to keep it alive and well!

BORKA: THE ADVENTURES OF A GOOSE WITH NO FEATHERS

by John Burningham

Paperback ISBN: 9781536232486

Ages 3-7

Released October 2023

I received BORKA for free from Candlewick Press in exchange for a review.