The Last Peach is a clever, simple story. Gus Gordon’s text along with the mixed media illustrations, create an amusing story with a twist ending that really brings out the humor that had been building with the crazy antics of a couple of critters.
Anticipation and expectation are the themes of the story. Along with “what if” as well. A couple of bugs want to eat the last peach of the summer. Yet, they must decide many things: what if the peach is not sweet? What if it Is good but then there is nothing left? What if they shared it? What if they did not share it? Their story along with Gordon’s illustrations show how a child can have worries but ultimately needs to decide on the final action.
The text and colors are bright, humorous, pop off the page and move the story along in a bouncy way. There is just the right amount of detail in slightly unrealistic artwork. The ending has (as previously mentioned) a fun twist that you might not have seen coming. This ending is what saves the book from just being your typical “what if” book and your “having to make a decision” book. The adult reader should get a kick out of it, while the very young reader, might not get the symbolism of what is going on.
Best part of this book is that you get all the peach colors (oranges and greens) and the sweetness of a peach story without getting all that yummy, sticky, slurpy peach juice all over you!