The Lost Galumpus
What’s inside...
A time-traveling woolly mammoth finds refuge and rescue at the unlikely hands of a possum and his community of woodland friends in this humorous middle grade for fans of The Secret Lake and The Wild Robot. Features charming black-and-white interior illustrations by Udayana Lugo. When a furry, four-legged beast from the distant past appears in their park, the local animals are concerned about unwanted attention from humans. Gilly the Possum, assistant to raccoon Mayor Crawdaddy, is tasked with figuring out where the lost galumpus came from and how to get him home again. While Gilly and the Mayor don’t agree on much, they can agree on one thing: with a huge blizzard rolling in, the galumpus needs their help, no matter where he came from. This laugh-out-loud illustrated adventure has the whole woodland community in Theodore Wirth Park considering the best way to welcome a newcomer—and what generosity in the face of unthinkable circumstances can mean.
Age
8-12
Length
384 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the Galumpus was looking for in the story?
How do you think the characters felt when they found the Lost Galumpus?
What would you do if you met a Galumpus?
Why is it important to help others who are lost?
How can we make sure everyone feels included and not lost?
Tip: Role play these questions
Ask open-ended questions that encourage your child to think deeply about the book's themes and to use their imagination.
Show genuine interest in your child’s answers to foster an open dialogue and make them feel valued.
Relate the story to personal experiences or familiar situations to make the themes more relatable and understandable.
Encourage your child to draw or act out their favorite part of the book, deepening their connection with the story.
Discuss the moral of the story and how it applies to everyday life to instill important values.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: In 'The Lost Galumpus', characters must work together to find the mythical Galumpus, demonstrating how cooperation is key to overcoming challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities or team sports, learning to collaborate with others to achieve common goals.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Throughout their journey, the characters face numerous setbacks yet continue to persevere, illustrating the value of resilience.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to keep trying and not give up when they encounter difficulties in tasks such as learning a new skill or solving a problem.
Example Lesson: Respect for nature
Explanation: The story emphasizes the beauty and importance of the natural world, as the characters explore diverse landscapes in search of the Galumpus.
Real-World Application: Kids can be inspired to explore nature responsibly and learn about environmental conservation through activities like recycling or participating in local clean-up days.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and exploration
Explanation: The protagonist's quest for the elusive Galumpus showcases the joy of exploring the unknown and learning through discovery.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to be inquisitive and explore new topics, whether through reading other books, asking questions, or experimenting in their daily play.
Example Lesson: The value of humor
Explanation: The light-hearted tone and humorous situations in 'The Lost Galumpus' highlight how laughter can be a powerful tool for dealing with life's challenges.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children that finding joy and laughter in day-to-day situations can be an effective way to cope with stress and build social connections.