UEL Primary PGCE 2014-2015 discussion

‘Mr. Gum and the Dancing Bear’ by Andy Stanton tells the story of Mr. Gum, a villainous character with questionable hygiene and morals, who along with his lackey Billy William the third, decides to kidnap Padlock the bear. He hopes to make his fortune through exploiting Padlock by forcing him to dance in front of large crowds. It is up to Polly, a brave nine-year-old girl who befriends Padlock, to rescue him and keep him out of the evil clutches of Mr. Gum and Billy William.

This book has a really quirky sense of humour to it and is full of eccentric characters that would appeal to young readers; such as Alan Taylor, the world’s smallest headmaster measuring at a mere 15.24 centimeters tall, who is made out of gingerbread; or Jonathan Ripples, the fattest man in town, who flies around in a red hot air balloon searching the world for delicious food. The book introduces us to a host of imaginative characters along the way each more peculiar than the last, which young readers will enjoy getting to know.

The story is imaginatively told and very funny. I think it is suited to Key stage 2 pupils and would appeal to even the most reluctant of readers. I think it’s a great gateway book to try and get children into reading through its quirky humour, larger than life characters and wonderful drawings.