John Burningham

It is a bright, sunny day, and Mr. Gumpy decides it is the perfect weather for a relaxing ride in his red motor car. He barely makes it out of his lane before all of his friends ask to come along. The children, a rabbit, a cat, a dog, a sheep, some chickens, a calf, and a goat all want a seat. Mr. Gumpy kindly agrees, and they squash tightly together into the car. At first, they chug happily across the grassy fields. But the summer weather suddenly changes, and a heavy rainstorm begins to pour down. The ground turns into slippery mud, and the tires get completely stuck. Mr. Gumpy needs volunteers to help push the heavy car out of the muck, but everyone has a silly excuse for why they cannot help. Find out what happens when this crowded, muddy road trip requires everyone to finally step out and work together.

Mr. Gumpy lives right next to a peaceful river. One beautifully sunny summer day, he decides it is the perfect time to take his small wooden boat out for a relaxing ride on the water. But as he gets ready to push off, he quickly realizes he will not be traveling alone. First the local children ask to jump in, and Mr. Gumpy kindly agrees as long as they promise not to squabble. Then, a hopping rabbit, a sneaky cat, a bouncing dog, a heavy pig, a bleating sheep, and a flock of chickens all ask to join the trip. Soon, the boat is completely packed with a busy crew of passengers. Everyone is having a wonderful time until the goat starts to kick, the chickens start to flap, and the dog begins to tease the cat. Find out what happens when this crowded little boat suddenly starts to tip over into the water.