Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews
Mr. Gumpy's Outing
Board Book
For infants to age 4
Henry Holt, 2001 ISBN: 0805066292
Mr. Gumpy lives in a house by the river. He owns a boat, and today he is going out on the water. The children ask if they can go with him, and Mr. Gumpy agrees to take them along so long as they don’t “squabble.”
Mr. Gumpy soon discovers that the children are not the only ones who want to go on a boat outing. As he poles the boat along the river bank, a rabbit, a cat, a dog, a pig, and numerous other animals ask if they can join the expedition. Mr. Gumpy agrees to let the animals join him as long as they behave themselves. “Don’t muck about” he tells the pig, and “don’t kick” he tells the goat. Of course, there does come a time when Mr. Gumpy’s passengers stop behaving themselves.
Little children are sure to love this classic award winning tale from John Burningham. First published in 1970, this story has stood the test of time, and it can still make children laugh. They will wonder if the boat will hold everyone. What will happen if the animals tip the boat over? Will Mr. Gumpy get angry?
