Mr Gumpy's Outing
Mr. Gumpy Series
on Goodreads (4,563)
What’s inside...
Mr Gumpy's Outing is a delightful tale about Mr. Gumpy, who decides to take a trip down the river in his boat. As he goes along, various animals ask to join him on his journey. He agrees, with the condition that they must not squabble. Eventually, the boat is so full that it tips over, dumping them all into the water. They walk back to dry off, and Mr. Gumpy invites them all in for tea. One sunny day Mr. Gumpy decides to take a ride in his small boat. It's a perfect idea for a lovely summer day, and soon he is joined by children, a rabbit, a cat, a pig, and a host of other friends. But when the goat kicks, the chickens flap, the dog teases the cat and the children squabble, the boat tips into the water and everyone tumbles out. No one minds getting wet on such a nice day, though, especially since Mr. Gumpy invites everyone to his house for tea. A colorful new design and sturdy board book format bring this beloved classic to a whole new audience of children.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-4
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Mr. Gumpy
The Rabbit
The Boy
The Cat
Sheep
The Girl
The Calf
The Chicken
The Dog
The Pig
The Goat
Discussion points
What do you think Mr. Gumpy means when he says everyone is welcome on his boat?
How do the animals and children change the boat trip? What would happen if they weren’t there?
Why do you think Mr. Gumpy decided to invite so many different characters on his outing?
What is your favorite part of the boat trip and why?
If you were on Mr. Gumpy's boat, what would you do to make the trip fun?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use different voices for each character when reading aloud to make the story more vivid and engaging for your child.
After reading, ask your child to draw their favorite scene from the book. Discuss why they chose that particular scene.
Encourage your child to think about what kindness means by discussing Mr. Gumpy’s actions and how he treats his guests.
Connect the story to real-life experiences by discussing a time when your child went on an outing and what made it special.
Discuss the consequences of actions by talking about what happened when the boat got too crowded.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of sharing and cooperation.
Explanation: In 'Mr Gumpy's Outing,' Mr Gumpy allows various animals and children to join him on his boat trip under the condition that each behaves. The story illustrates how cooperation is essential for the group's collective experience.
Real-World Application: Children learn that working together and respecting rules can lead to enjoyable and harmonious group activities, thus promoting teamwork in school projects or family tasks.
Example Lesson: Understanding the consequences of actions.
Explanation: As the boat becomes increasingly crowded and the passengers become unruly, the boat eventually tips over, demonstrating how their actions directly led to this consequence.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to consider the impact of their actions in various situations, helping them to be more mindful and responsible.
Example Lesson: Adaptability and problem-solving.
Explanation: After the boat capsizes, Mr Gumpy and his passengers must figure out how to solve the problem, showcasing adaptability and quick thinking.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of staying calm under pressure and thinking creatively to solve problems, skills that are valuable in unexpected or challenging situations in everyday life.
Example Lesson: Enjoying simple pleasures.
Explanation: The book celebrates the joy of a simple boat ride and the beauty of spending time in nature, away from technology and modern distractions.
Real-World Application: It encourages children to appreciate and seek out simple, nature-based activities with friends and family, fostering a love for the outdoors and real-world interactions.