Mr Gumpy's Rhino

A brand new Mr Gumpy story from picture-book legend, John Burningham

A brand new Mr Gumpy story from picture-book legend, John Burningham 
 
Mr Gumpy is off on an adventure! This time he's rescuing a rhino who's lost its parents... But growing rhinos needs lots of food. Will Charlie the rhino and Mr Gumpy manage to make a happy home together? 
 
A madcap adventure for children, adults and rhinos alike from the creator of Would You Rather and Avocado Baby. 
 
Praise for Mr Gumpy's Outing - winner of the Kate Greenaway Medal 
"A story of real drama observed with gentle humour" Guardian

John Burningham (Author, Illustrator) John Burningham was born in 1936. He studied illustration at the Central School of Art. His first children's book, Borka, was published in 1963, and it was awarded the Kate Greenaway Medal as the best illustrated book of the year. John Burningham collaborated with Ian Fleming on Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang, designing the model of the famous car. He lived in London with his wife Helen Oxenbury, also a well-known author and illustrator. John Burningham died on January 4th, 2019.

A brand new Mr Gumpy story from picture-book legend, John Burningham 
 
Mr Gumpy is off on an adventure! This time he’s rescuing a rhino who’s lost its parents… But growing rhinos needs lots of food. Will Charlie the rhino and Mr Gumpy manage to make a happy home together? 
 
A madcap adventure for children, adults and rhinos alike from the creator of Would You Rather and Avocado Baby. 
 
Praise for Mr Gumpy’s Outing – winner of the Kate Greenaway Medal 
“A story of real drama observed with gentle humour” Guardian

More Would You Rather

John Burningham’s classic Would You Rather returns in this standalone sequel with more fun, more dilemmas and more brilliant questions!

Would you rather have breakfast with bears, lunch with a lion or dinner with ducks? 
 
Would you like to fly with the pelicans or swim with the fish? 
 
Ask – and answer – these questions and many more in this funny, imaginative game of a book, perfect for fans of You Choose! 
 
John Burningham is a bestselling creator who has been delighting families with his imaginative books for generations. 
 
More books by John Burningham: 
 
Avocado Baby 
Would You Rather 
Mr Gumpy's Outing

Laugh-out-loud jokes... in an ingeniously constructed, interactive delight... It is irresistible and will enable adults and children to know each other better

John Burningham (Author, Illustrator) 
John Burningham was born in 1936. He studied illustration at the Central School of Art. His first children's book, Borka, was published in 1963, and it was awarded the Kate Greenaway Medal as the best illustrated book of the year. John Burningham collaborated with Ian Fleming on Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang, designing the model of the famous car. He lived in London with his wife Helen Oxenbury, also a well-known author and illustrator. John Burningham died on January 4th, 2019.

Mouse House

A new modern classic from John Burningham exploring kindness and empathy.

The great John Burningham makes picture books whose sophistication is wrapped in simplicity. This is true of the images, whose unfussy beauty and wibbly line are executed with unwavering skill. This story, of mice who are forewarned to escape a mouse-catcher, embraces the importance of protecting strangers from harm.

Here's one to squeak and squeak about... Mouse House is packed with themes: children v parents; empathy v tolerance; why you should think before you speak, or squeak. It's a serious story that might also be about the treatment of immigrants, the narrow-mindedness of the old and the infuriating naivety of youth - or it could just be about a failed attempt to kill rodents.

In the house there lives a family: a mum, a dad, a girl and a boy. But they are not alone; a secret mouse family is living there too, who only come out when everyone else is asleep. 
 
One day they are spotted and the mouse catcher is called ... Will they escape in time? 
 
A story of home and hope from picture-book genius, John Burningham.

Motor Miles

An iconic and moving new picture book from the bestselling, award-winning artist and storyteller, John Burningham

John Burningham, who has brought us so many memorable picture-book characters since Borka the goose with no feathers arrived in 1963, now introduces Miles, who is "a very difficult dog". 
Characteristically for Burningham - and this is an important lesson for children - misbehaviour does not mean forfeiting affection. 
Instead, Alice Trudge and her son Norman, who own Miles, find what he really likes to do, which is to go out in the car. Taking him daily is time-consuming, so a neighbour builds him his own car and Miles learns to drive. He takes Norman to school, and the two have joyous secret outings. With his wavering, fragmented line and beautiful washes of colour, Burningham expresses character and comedy, and depicts landscapes through the seasons that are magical and seductive. 
Everything about this picture book suggests freedom, in the style and the story. The tale is simple but encompasses kindness to animals, neighbourliness, the advantages of being practical and handy, the rewards of diligently learning a skill, a love of the outdoors, the pleasure of companionship, following your own inclinations and knowing left from right. There is a fun punchline too. The book might look sketchy, but it is just right.

October 2016 Book of the Month 
There’s a perfect simplicity to this book, the work of a picture book genius. Miles is a difficult dog, won’t come when called, doesn’t like walks or other dogs, barks too much. The only thing he does like, in fact, is going out in the car. Fortunately, the family’s neighbour realises that what Miles needs is a car of his own, and offers to make him one. John Burningham’s illustrations, simultaneously comic and serious, match his deadpan text beautifully; Miles and his young owner Norman are wonderfully realised characters; the colours glow: quite simply wonderful.

http://www.lovereading4kids.co.uk/book/13204/Motor-Miles-by-John-Burningham.html

John Burningham was born in 1936. He studied illustration at the Central School of Art. His first children's book, Borka, was published in 1963, and it was awarded the Kate Greenaway Medal as the best illustrated book of the year. John Burningham collaborated with Ian Fleming on Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang, designing the model of the famous car. He lived in London with his wife Helen Oxenbury, also a well-known author and illustrator. John Burningham died on January 4th, 2019.

Miles is a very difficult dog... Until he is given his very own motor car and learns to love the open road! 
 
This enigmatic story is a joy to read, gently exploring the transformational power of freedom. John's distinctive, expressive artwork is stunning, whether it's his instantly recognisable characters or the expansive, contemplative spreads of colour, as Miles discovers the joys of the road. This is a story that children will immediately engage with, while parents absorb the magically nostalgic air and subtle celebration of change and growing up.

Picnic

A truly exciting new book from John Burningham, in the grand tradition of MR GUMPY’S OUTING, with a wonderfully cosy ending

A delicate echo of Burningham’s much-loved Mr Gumpy’s Outing

The book invites children to identify the characters, and to point to them and to lost objects. The drawings carry their sophisticated skill lightly… An ideal step forwards from board books

Children's Book of the Week, The Sunday Times

One day Boy and Girl go out for a picnic. They meet all sorts of creatures along the way – some come with them and some chase them, but whatever happens, today will be a day for Adventure!

Borka: The Adventures of a Goose With No Feathers

John Burningham's classic first picture book reissued with the original cover rescanned and redesigned for its 50th anniversary.

When I was little, this was my favourite book; when my children were little, it was their favourite book. The story of how Borka, the youngest of six geese born to Mr and Mrs Plumpster without any feathers, is a touching tale of motherly love and triumph over adversity. Mrs Plumpster immediately knits poor, bald Borka a grey woollen jumper but when the family migrates south, Borka gets left behind because she can't fly. The abandoned goose is befriended by a friendly boat skipper who takes her on his boat back to London, where she is given a new home at Kew Gardens. The other geese don't mind about her having no feathers because there are so many other strange birds at Kew and anything goes. Borka is republished to celebrate its 50th anniversary.

Cape is right to publish this golden goose of an edition for an as-yet-uninitiated generation

Once upon a time there were two geese called Mr and Mrs Plumpster. Each Spring they returned to the marshes of their ancestors, and Mrs Plumpster laid her eggs. Soon six fine young Plumpsters hatched: Archie, Freda, Jennifer, Oswald, Timothy and Borka. But Borka was different. Borka had no feathers and could not fly. When winter came the other geese flew off in search of warmer climates, leaving Borka all alone. But her adventure was only just beginning . . .

Mr Gumpy's Outing

The original and best rollicking river boat adventure from awardwinning John Burningham

One day Mr Gumpy went out on his boat. 
"May we come with you?" said the children. 
"Yes," said Mr Gumpy, "if you don't squabble." 
 
When Mr Gumpy goes on a boat trip, the children, the rabbit, the cat and the pig want to come too! But as more and more friends join, the boat starts to rock... will Mr Gumpy manage to keep his boat afloat? 
 
This classic story from bestselling creator John Burningham has been delighting families for generations. 
 
More stories from John Burningham: 
 
Avocado Baby 
Would You Rather 
Mr Gumpy's Motor Car 
Mr Gumpy's Rhino

The gently coloured illustrations are really appealing and it is good to se this classic brought to a new generation

Tug of War

A stunning retelling of a traditional African folk tale, beautifully illustrated by John Burningham

Hare, Hippopotamus and Elephant live together, but not happily, for Hippopotamus and Elephant are forever teasing poor Hare. One day, Hare decides to teach his friends a lesson, and so the great tug of war begins ...

Edwardo the Horriblest Boy in the Whole Wide World

A touching and thought-provoking parable from the brilliant John Burningham that highlights the dangers of judging too quickly.

This book has all the ingredients that Burningham's fans pounce on: a sharp, clear-sighted edge, grace and wit

A wonderfully cautionary tale; subtly told and beautifully illustrated

The book is a series of funny adventures and misunderstandings with a reassurance that even if, inevitably, you are sometimes untidy, noisy or cruel, you still have the potential to be lovely

Young readers will be shocked, fascinated and amused by Edwardo's misdeeds whilst also identifying with his horriblest moments . . . A tour de force

A wonderful book about seeing the best in people

Edwardo is an ordinary boy, so sometimes he can be a bit grubby or clumsy, a bit cruel or noisy or rude. The more that he is criticised, the worse he becomes, until one day they call him 'The Horriblest Boy in the Whole Wide World'. Just then, Edwardo's luck begins to change, and a series of chance events reveal that really he is a lovely boy, and has been all along.

The Magic Bed

A beautifully illustrated, engaging look at the limitlessness of the imagination. Classic Burningham.

Burningham's a dab hand at leaving a story hanging in mid-air, and, a s ever, this moving and poetic hymn to the power of imagination invites and rewards any amount of personal interpretation

The book has its moments of suspense and an engagingly suggestive ending, but best of all is the succinct, expressive, sketchy style, which communicates emotions, characters, settings and atmosphere with great precision

Burningham's story taps into the limitless realm of a child's imagination. It's a classic tale from one of the best around

The story has a strong appeal because it is a fantasy that is true to reality: everyone has a kind of magic bed

An ideal showcast for what Burningham does best: blending domestic detail with expressionistic emotion and scale

Georgie has got a new bed, but it's not like other beds. For each night, Georgie says the magic word and it whisks him away on a fantastic adventure. He loves his bed, but one day he and his family go on holiday, and when they come back, Granny has a big surprise for Georgie . . .

Granpa

Granpa nurses his granddaughter's dolls, mistakes her strawberry-flavoured pretend ice-cream for chocolate, takes her tobogganing in the snow, and falls in with her imaginary plans to captain a ship to Africa, like all good Granpa's should. It is a friendship that children who read this book will long remember.

Mr Gumpy's Motor Car

A classic. Mr Gumpy, star of Mr Gumpy's Outing, is back for a second adventure.

Mr Gumpy has decided to go for a ride in his motor car. It's a nice day and the sun is shining, so off he goes. But he only gets as far as the lane before the children, the rabbit, the cat, the dog, the pig, the sheep, the chickens, the calf and the goat ask if they can come along too. As the motor car and its passengers make their way across the field, the weather begins to turn and the rain is soon pouring down. The tyres cannot grip the muddy ground, so Mr Gumpy asks for volunteers to push the car. But everyone has an excuse, until it gets so bad that they all have to get out and help. Eventually, the sun shines once more as they drive across the bridge - and there's time for a swim on the way home.

Cloudland

When Albert falls off a mountain top he's rescued by the Cloud Children, who are as light and airy as feathers and play amongst the rainbows and storm clouds up in the sky. But soon Albert feels homesick and begins to wonder. . . how will he get home?

Albert and his mum and dad go walking one day in the mountains. Unfortunately, Albert slips and disappears over the edge of a cliff; his parents are very upset. Albert is lucky though - the Cloud Children see his fall and speak the magic words ("They either said, Fumble gralley goggle ho hee", or "Teetum waggle bari se nee", or was it "Gargle giggle fiddle num dee?") that make Albert light enough to float among the clouds, with them. Albert sleeps that night drifting in the sky. The next day, Albert and the Cloud Children have lots of fun: jumping off tall clouds, making as much noise as they can in the thunderstorm, swimming in the rain, painting pictures next to the rainbow and walking on the filmy traces left by passing aircraft. When Albert wants to go home again, the Queen arranges for his cloud to drift near his home, and for him to gently float down - but not before they all have feasted with the Man in the Moon!

Simp

Sprightly illustrations provide a sophisticated and refreshing accompaniment to an entertaining story

He is one of the best writers in the business

Simp is a small, fat, ugly dog. Nobody loves her and she hasn't got a home, so she sets out in search of a friend and finds a family - and some hidden talents that make her rather special. . . .

Courtney

His expressive pictures carry entire conviction in this splendid book

When the children bring Courtney home he's just a loveable scruffy old dog. But the-mongrel-that-nobody-wants has the most amazing talents. He can cook! He can juggle! He can even play the violin! Then one day Courtney the wonder dog packs up his trunk and leaves home - but the children find out his helping paw is not far away. . .

Avocado Baby

A classic story celebrating the power of babies... and avocados! 
 
The Hargraves family want their new baby to grow up big and strong. But the puny mite will hardly eat a thing... until Mrs Hargraves finds an avocado in the fruit bowl and the baby gobbles it up. Soon, the baby gets incredible strength, and the strangest things start to happen! 
 
This classic, heartwarming story from the bestselling author and illustrator John Burningham has been delighting families for over 40 years. 
 
“Amusing for adults, impressive for toddlers, good for greengrocers” The Observer 
 
“John Burningham is one of the most outstanding author-illustrators of children’s books today . . .” Twentieth-Century Children’s Writers 
 
John Burningham is the much-loved creator of Mr Gumpy's Outing and Would You Rather.

A classic story celebrating the power of babies... and avocados! 
 
The Hargraves family want their new baby to grow up big and strong. But the puny mite will hardly eat a thing... until Mrs Hargraves finds an avocado in the fruit bowl and the baby gobbles it up. Soon, the baby gets incredible strength, and the strangest things start to happen! 
 
This classic story from the bestselling author and illustrator John Burningham has been delighting families for over 40 years. 
 
“Amusing for adults, impressive for toddlers, good for greengrocers” The Observer 
 
“John Burningham is one of the most outstanding author-illustrators of children’s books today . . .” Twentieth-Century Children’s Writers 
 
John Burningham is the much-loved creator of Mr Gumpy's Outing and Would You Rather.

Time To Get Out Of The Bath, Shirley

This book will be enjoyed by busy mums and their escapist children

It's time to get out of the bath but Shirley's not listening. She's floated away to a secret watery land beyond the plughole - to where knights ride white horses, and kings and queens float in moats around their castles. . .

Would You Rather?

Would you rather drink snail squash or eat mashed worms? Help a witch make stew? Tickle a monkey? Or maybe - if you could really be anyone or do anything in the world - would you rather just be . . . you? 
 
With plenty of scenarios to choose from, every reading experience is different - creating a classic book that children will enjoy again and again! 
 
John Burningham is a bestselling author and illustrator whose books have been delighting families for over 40 years. 
 
"The language of children is Burningham's." - TES 
"He is one of the best writers in the business." - Financial Times

The interactive element that makes kids engage their imaginations is surely what makes it a keeper

Aldo

Depicts the everyday life of a lonely little girl whose home life is empty apart from her parents' arguments and whose school life is overshadowed by bullies. The comfort she finds from her secret friend Aldo is heartwarming. By the author of "Borka", "Granpa" and "Oi! Get Off Our Train".

John Burningham is one of the most outstanding author-illustrators of children's books today

John Burningham is a poet in word and picture

John Burningham brings us this poetic tale about a special friendship between a lonely girl and her secret friend, Aldo. With Aldo around, sunshine and laughter fill the little girl's life and she forgets her everyday fears.

The Shopping Basket

Tea-time is looming, and Steven is sent out to the corner shop. Along the way he meets several shady characters who are only too willing to lighten Steven's basket by helping themselves to his shopping! Only by his quick wits can Steven outsmart the bullies and save his tea.

Steven is sent out for groceries on to the mean street of the city with only a shopping basket for protection. There are several shady characters about who are offering to lighten the load of the basket by helping themselves to his provisions! Stephen's having none of it and with the help of some of the city's less attractive sights he outsmarts all of them and makes it home in time for tea. With the pictures telling as much of the story as the text, children and adults alike will appreciate the humour and observations from this well known children's author.

John Burningham

Bill Salaman

Helen Oxenbury

A poignant book about new horizons and saying goodbye from best-loved creators: John Burningham and Helen Oxenbury 
 
Miles is a difficult dog who loves to ride in his motor car. He's growing older, but a new challenge awaits when he takes to the skies. 
 
A picture book of beauty, infinite possibility, and love, which explores loss and grief in subtle and comforting ways. 
 
This is the award-winning author-illustrator John Burningham's last story - written by friend, Bill Salaman and illustrated by Helen Oxenbury.

Air Miles

About us

About Us (Header 4)

Best-Jane-Austen-quotes_Online-Desktop_Penguin

James-Baldwin

Marian-Keyes

haruki-murakami-320×320-1

Richard-Osman

Malorie Blackman

Lisa-Jewell

Charlie-Mackesy

Authors (Header 3)

Children&#039;s

Company

Discover

Fiction

Non-fiction

Penguin Classics

Penguin Shop (Header 5)

Useful links

Work with us

sectionTitle

isEnabled

anchor

anchorLabel

prhuk/featured-book

prhuk/praise-section

maxBooks

showViewMore

prhuk/books-section

hideAuthorAlert

formName

iterableDivision

iterableBrand

buttonText

description

heading

legalText

successHeading

successText

image

alignment

variation

prhuk/email-section

prhuk/series-section

prhuk/biography-section

prhuk/articles-section

prhuk-authors

The perfect gift? A Penguin Shop gift card

John Burningham

Books by John Burningham

Series by John Burningham

Mr Gumpy

Follow penguin

Follow ladybird

Follow puffin

Sign up to the Penguin newsletter