Mr Gum and the Dancing Bear
#5 of 11 in Mr. Gum Series
What’s inside...
The fifth Mr Gum story is a shamelessly hilarious adventure featuring bears named Padlock, hot-air balloons, tall sailing ships with mad sea captains, and horrifying old villains. With quirky words like 'wab!', 'tungler', and 'kelp!', this book promises a rollicking, frolicking, funtime sun-time experience for readers. It's packed with excitement and oddball humor, making it a must-read for those who enjoy a good laugh and a wild adventure.
Character compass
Polly
Padlock The Bear
Friday O'leary
Billy William The Third
Mr Gum
Discussion points
What do you think motivates Mr. Gum and Billy William to capture Padlock the bear?
How do Polly and Friday O'Leary show their friendship to Padlock?
What do you think Padlock dreams about when he dreams of the Great Bear Escape?
How do the characters in the story show courage or kindness?
What would you do if you met a talking bear like Padlock?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine different viewpoints by asking what they think other characters might be feeling or thinking during key parts of the book.
Discuss the themes of freedom and captivity evident in the story, asking your child how they think Padlock felt during different parts of the book.
Use the humor and whimsical elements of the story to have fun — maybe even create a silly voice for Mr. Gum or Billy William when discussing their antics.
After discussing a question, relate it back to your child’s own experiences, such as times when they helped a friend or faced a challenging situation.
Praise your child’s responses and insights, reinforcing their confidence in expressing their thoughts and feelings.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: In 'Mr Gum and the Dancing Bear', the unlikely friendship between Polly and Padlock the bear demonstrates empathy. Polly sees the world through Padlock’s eyes and understands his sorrows and joys.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to relate to the feelings and experiences of others, which helps build meaningful relationships in real life.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: The protagonist, Polly, bravely helps Padlock find his way home despite the challenges they face along the way. Her courage to do the right thing despite difficulties is central to the narrative.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to face their fears and stand up for what they believe in, even when it seems daunting.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Taking care of Padlock and ensuring his safety teaches children about responsibility. Polly's sense of duty towards Padlock’s wellbeing is a vital element in the story.
Real-World Application: Kids learn the importance of being responsible for others, be it pets or younger siblings, fostering a sense of duty and care.
Example Lesson: The value of friendship
Explanation: The close bonds formed between characters in the book, including the townspeople who come together to help Padlock, show the strength and value of friendship.
Real-World Application: This illustrates to children how building strong, supportive friendships can make a significant difference in overcoming life’s challenges.
Example Lesson: Persistence
Explanation: Through numerous obstacles, Polly consistently demonstrates determination and persistence to help her friend, showing that perseverance is key to achieving goals.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of not giving up in the face of adversity, teaching resilience and grit in achieving personal goals.