Mr. Gumpy’s Outing Written and illustrated by John Burningham c1970 Henry Holt
The first children who shared Mr. Gumpy with me have been grown up for quite some time. I have heard from some of them over the years, and John Burningham’s stories have stayed with them. At first glance his pictures seem a little unfinished, as if he meant to come back and tidy them up a bit, yet all the information the viewer needs is there. Those star shaped greens climbing up a tree can only be ivy. The straight line for Mr. Gumpy’s mouth shows his concentration and determination as he poles his boat along. Nothing complicates the message.
Mr. Gumpy lives by a river and has a boat large enough to accommodate a few passengers when he launches it. Children ask to come along, and they are welcomed as long as they don’t squabble. A rabbit wants to come along, and the answer is, “Yes, but don’t hop about.” The boat fills up with chickens, a pig, even a calf finds room as long as he doesn’t trample about. Young listeners suspect that something is about to happen, and they will not be disappointed. Of course, everything turns out happily in the end. This simple story is perfect for the preschool crowd.
A dog wants to join the crew
Would You Rather… Written and illustrated by John Burningham c1978 Published by HarperCollins : New York
This is a book of choices. Would the reader like to live with a dog in a kennel, or with chickens in a coop? Would it be worse to be lost in a desert or in a forest? Would a dare to jump in the brambles for 25 cents be better than spending the night in a creepy house for $1.00?
Some like soapy sipping…
Helping a witch make a stew…
This is a participation book. Your audience will be roaring NOOO! one minute and YES! the next. It is not for quiet time. This has been an absolute winner at story time, and the book my grown-up students love to remember. The book’s large format and wide array of choices stimulate imaginations and ensure a good time for groups of any size.
Harvey Slumfenburger’s Christmas Present Written and illustrated by John Burningham c1993 This edition published in 1996 by Candlewick Press
Santa is in pajamas and ready to sleep. He has put the reindeer to bed after their exhausting round of delivering Christmas presents. As Santa settles in bed, he discovers one last gift that did not get to Harvey Slumfenburger, who lives far, far away on top of the Roly Poly Mountains. Santa knows that Harvey’s parents are poor and that present will be the only one in Harvey’s stocking on Christmas morning. Tired as he is, Santa puts his coat on over his pajamas and heads out on foot to deliver the gift. He doesn’t want to disturb the reindeer who just got to sleep. It will be a long, long journey….
Santa gets some help, but there are snags.
A skier also helps.
Many adversities will arise to challenge Santa on his journey, but he is not one to give up. Harvey Slumfenburger must not be forgotten. Children will laugh at Santa’s misadventures, but they will also get the Christmas message of caring. This book is a sweet gift.
