You’re a Bad Man, Mr Gum!

You’re a Bad Man, Mr Gum! cover
Good Books rating 4.5

Technical:
  • ID: 763
  • Added: 2025-09-20
  • Updated: 2025-09-20
  • Reviews: 2
Reviews
summerreadingchallenge.org.uk · Unknown · 2025-10-01
hilarious 4.50

The first book in the Mr Gum series is hilarious, with side-splitting humor and quirky characters. The author's wordplay and engaging narrative make it a delightful read for children aged 8 to 10.

The first book in the Mr Gum series is a riot of laughter and creativity. From the very first page, the humor is infectious, with Mr Gum's absurd antics and the eccentric characters like Peter the girl and Billy William who speaks 'funty'. The author, Andy Stanton, excels in wordplay, making the writing original and engaging. The plot, while simple, is fast-paced and involves Mr Gum's attempts to poison a dog that messes up his garden, leading to a series of hilarious mishaps. The book's layout, with plenty of white space, makes it an easy and enjoyable read. The reviewer was so impressed that they compared it to the works of Roald Dahl, a high compliment indeed. This book is highly recommended for children aged 8 to 10 who enjoy a good laugh and a whimsical story.


Quick quotes

    The first book in the Mr Gum series is hilarious. Side-splitting, gut-busting, laugh-a-minute funny. I don’t think I read more than three sentences at a time, without a silly chuckle.

    Mr Gum is not the only interesting character in this tale. All the characters in the book are odd with their silly names and their silly ways of speaking.

    There is a lot of white space on the page, breaking up the text and making this an easy read. I know it’s a huge thing to say, but I think this author has written a story as enjoyable as any Roald Dahl.

storiesthatstaywithus.com · Unknown · 2025-10-01
brilliant 4.50

The book is praised for its unique and humorous writing style, which is both bizarre and charming without being crass. It's seen as an enjoyable read that can captivate even reluctant readers with its quirky characters and turns of phrase.

The reviewer finds the writing in 'You’re a Bad Man, Mr Gum!' refreshingly unique and humorous without being crass or senseless. The story is described as a madcap read that doesn't go off the rails, with lovely turns of phrases that add to its charm. The characters, especially Mr. Gum and the residents of Lamonic Bibber, are quirky and engaging. The book is seen as a great choice for reluctant readers, offering an enjoyable experience that stands out from typical early reader books. The reviewer also appreciates that the humor is entertaining without focusing on typical topics like bodily functions.


Quick quotes

    Mr. Gum is funny because when Polly was running down the street they said that she saw some cat legs, a cat body, a cat head and a cat tail, in fact it was a whole cat! Polly is a girl who wanted to save a really big dog that liked messing up Mr. Gum’s garden.

    The writing is refreshingly unique. The storytelling is humorous without being crass, and bizarre without descending into senseless idiocy.

    I suspect even the most reluctant reader will have a hard time resisting the ‘orrible charms of Mr. Gum and the quirkiness of the residents of Lamonic Bibber.