Commander Gander Goes to Come From Away

Commander Gander Goes to Come From Away is a story about the town of Gander’s mascot, Commander Gander. In the story, Commander Gander plays a large role during the September 11, 2001 Twin Tower attacks when numerous planes were diverted to Gander, Newfoundland, for several days. During that time, the town of Gander and surrounding communities showed kindness to stranded passengers by cooking meals and opening their homes. Commander Gander helped too and played and hosted a party for the children who had landed in Gander.

The popular musical Come From Away that was inspired by real events in Gander after 9/11 was written several years later, and Commander Gander got to see it live in New York City. Readers follow Commander Gander around New York City as he enjoys the hustle and bustle of city life, landmarks, street food, and as he pays his respects at the 9/11 Memorial. After he attends the musical, people from the crowd recognize Commander Gander and want to get a picture with him. He then gets to meet some of the cast members from the musical. On his flight back to Gander, he shares that he wanted to help stranded passengers because it was the right thing to do. Helping your neighbour is always the right thing to do.

Dawn Baker is a well-known author and illustrator in Newfoundland. She’s been working in visual arts and children’s literature since 1992. Baker has a passion for Newfoundland literature. She’s also written other well-known children’s books such as A Newfoundland Year, A Newfoundland Christmas and A Newfoundland Alphabet among others. Baker has a unique style. Her illustrations help bring the story to life, and her depiction of people in the book helps to further develop the story through their facial expressions and real-life characteristics.

Sense of place is essential to understanding this book. The first scene takes place in the Gander International Airport, and the second takes place at Cobb’s Pond Rotary Park, a small park located in the town. The core message of the book is about kindness, and the message is wrapped up in the Come From Away musical phenomenon. For those who have no connection to the musical or the Town of Gander, I fear that subtle meanings of the book will go missing. Stylistically, the fonts used in this book seem dated.

If you’re looking for a book about kindness, and you have a strong connection to Gander, Newfoundland and the Come From Away musical, you will enjoy this book.