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Gumluck the Wizard #2
The Story of Gumluck and the Dragon’s Eggs: Book Two
The story of Gumluck continues! Introducing the second installation in a laugh-out-loud and critically acclaimed chapter book tale from the one and only Adam Rex.Readers, be warned! This book contains three precious eggs, one confused dragon, a very silly wizard, and the tiny ghost who haunts his hair.The follow-up to The Story of Gumluck the Wizard, one of Amazon’s Top 20 Children’s Books (Age 6-8) and Publishers Weekly’s Best 20 Middle Grade Books of the year, finds everyone’s favorite noodlehead wizard at it again in another hilarious adventure of mistaken identity, courage in the face of fire (literally), and the most unlikely friendship in all of Prince Whoop-de-doo’s unlikely little kingdom.With entirely delightful illustrations and a lighthearted mix of fantasy and fairytale elements, this imaginative book is perfect for young fans of wizardry, magic, and the special alchemy of friendship.THE DYNAMIC DUO OF GUMLUCK AND This hapless wizard and his lovingly critical friend Helvetica the Raven are memorable characters young readers will love rooting for.EVERYONE LOVES GUMLUCK THE Named a best book of the year by Kirkus Reviews, the Chicago Public Library, and many more, Book One in the series received multiple starred reviews, "Adorable."—Shelf Awareness, starred review"Readers will fall in love with [Gumluck]."—School Library Journal, starred review "Silly and heartfelt."—Publishers Weekly, starred review"[A] spellbinding read."—Booklist, starred review"Here's a tale to treasure."—Kirkus Reviews, starred review FAVORITE Acclaimed children's book creator Adam Rex is known for his funny and smart stories. The winner of countless state list awards, Rex is the author of beloved books, including On Account of The Gum, Frankenstein Makes a Sandwich, School's First Day of School, and many more.Perfect of Adam RexParents and grandparents seeking funny early chapter book seriesTeachers and librarians looking for engaging fantasy and magic books for emerging readersAnyone looking for funny, fantasy chapter booksReaders who enjoy Chris Colfer's A Tale of Magic, the Unicorn Academy series, and Magic Tree House books
132 pages, Hardcover
Published September 10, 2024
6 people are currently reading
64 people want to read
About the author
Adam Rex
91 books776 followersAdam Rex grew up in Phoenix, Arizona, the middle of three children. He was neither the smart one (older brother) or the cute one (younger sister), but he was the one who could draw. He took a lot of art classes as a kid, trying to learn to draw better, and started painting when he was 11. And later in life he was drawn down to Tucson in order to hone his skills, get a BFA from the University of Arizona, and meet his physicist wife Marie (who is both the smart and cute one).
Adam is nearsighted, bad at all sports, learning to play the theremin, and usually in need of a shave. He can carry a tune, if you don't mind the tune getting dropped and stepped on occasionally. He never remembers anyone's name until he's heard it at least three times. He likes animals, spacemen, Mexican food, Ethiopian food, monsters, puppets, comic books, 19th century art, skeletons, bugs, and robots.
Garlic and crosses are useless against Adam. Sunlight has been shown to be at least moderately effective. A silver bullet does the trick. Pretty much any bullet, really.
Adam is nearsighted, bad at all sports, learning to play the theremin, and usually in need of a shave. He can carry a tune, if you don't mind the tune getting dropped and stepped on occasionally. He never remembers anyone's name until he's heard it at least three times. He likes animals, spacemen, Mexican food, Ethiopian food, monsters, puppets, comic books, 19th century art, skeletons, bugs, and robots.
Garlic and crosses are useless against Adam. Sunlight has been shown to be at least moderately effective. A silver bullet does the trick. Pretty much any bullet, really.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
May 7, 2025
5/2025: Accidentally erased my old review. I love these books and I am so glad I get to read them with my girls! Adam Rex will be at my library tomorrow and we are so excited!
August 30, 2024
Book 2 in the Gumluck the Wizard series for kids 8-12 is great fun, with its charming illustrations and engaging story. A winner!
May 4, 2024
I will read and love every Gumluck book ever
May 21, 2025
Possibly even cuter than the first book. I really do love a story told by a raven 🐦⬛
February 4, 2025
I love the Gumluck universe. There are so many one liners that make me laugh. It is such a great series and I think a perfect book for a 2nd-4th grader!
December 13, 2024
My students LOVED this book! They thought it was so funny and really enjoyed getting to hear about Gumluck and his friends! They voted and more liked this one more than the first. They did love the introduction of Bumluck too!
January 24, 2025
This book was just as cute, funny, and silly as the first one. It is cleverly written with illustrations that hold the attention of the child. My 6yo and I laughed at many of the silly things that Gumluck would do. The book has touching messages and morals. I love that it is narrated by an ornery raven. This one stands alone but I would definitely read the first one too, bc it really introduces the characters Prince Whoop de Doo, Gumluck the wizard, Helvetica the raven, and Buttercup the Ghost. The books and chapters are short enough that we will definitely be revisiting these books in the future.
SPOILERS and book notes:
Gumluck yawns in the morning. It goes through animals and the whole village. “A wizards yawn is very catching. it can go around the world. You’ll see.” Me and Trey were crying laughing that Gumluck accidentally destroys the narrator (Helvetica’s the raven) nests. She is trying to lay her eggs. Gumluck had mistaken her newest nest for a hat. “Are you talking about my new hat?” Asked the little wizard. He turned and walked into a table. “Do you like it? It looks like a nest.” …. “"I am sorry, Helvetica," he said. "You will have to speak
up. My new hat makes it hard to see and hear." Mint chocolate ice cream on waffles for breakfast! Helvetica accidentally made her nest inside a nest of a green dragon named Viridian! On the way to the dragon nest gumluck made himself a pair of wings: “Gumluck flew low, turning
mushrooms into pillows with his magic.
I said, "I am sure to be sorry I asked, but why are
you turning mushrooms into pillows?"
"Maybe so there is something soft to land on," he explained. "In case I fall. I am not so used to flying."
"Maybe?" I repeated. "Do you mean you don't know why you're turning mushrooms into pillows?"
"I hadn't really thought about it until you asked."
"Oh goodness," I grumbled to myself. "Sometimes I can't say why I do the things I do," said Gumluck. "That's the magic in me—it knows more than I do. So I do something very silly, and I don't learn what it was good for until later.
Later I can look back and say, 'Aha! That is why!" The dragon Viridian thinks the eggs are hers! Bc the eggs are green with brown spots just like her. Ha! Bc that’s how raven eggs are in real life! They think they are dragon eggs so gumluck asks if Helvitica is secretly a dragon. They make up a list of dragon qualities and decides she could be bc dragons come in all shapes and sizes! Prince Whoop de doo is back. People say he looks like the back of a poodles bottom. He is going to slay a dragon to gain their favor. Second contest the dragon picked breath and she breathed fire. Then helvitica did a hot breath in the cold air and created a “ghost” and picked buttercup to be the judge. For another contest the dragon picked treasure and showed everyone her huge treasure hoard. And then Helvetica said “these eggs” as HER treasure. “Virginian was quiet. “Oh” she said finally. “I see” “I should have said the eggs, too…. Shouldn’t I?” I shrugged. “If you treasured them,” I said, “you would have.” The most quoted part of this book by Trey is when gunluck created another of himself: “"Gumluck?" I said and squinted. "Is that you?"
It wasn't, of course. It was the other Gumluck. I'm sorry-it's confusing. I'm going to call him Bumluck
from now on.”
I loved that all his random silly magic things he did at the beginning had a purpose of saving Helvetica’s egg in the end when Prince Woopdedoo stole it.
SPOILERS and book notes:
Gumluck yawns in the morning. It goes through animals and the whole village. “A wizards yawn is very catching. it can go around the world. You’ll see.” Me and Trey were crying laughing that Gumluck accidentally destroys the narrator (Helvetica’s the raven) nests. She is trying to lay her eggs. Gumluck had mistaken her newest nest for a hat. “Are you talking about my new hat?” Asked the little wizard. He turned and walked into a table. “Do you like it? It looks like a nest.” …. “"I am sorry, Helvetica," he said. "You will have to speak
up. My new hat makes it hard to see and hear." Mint chocolate ice cream on waffles for breakfast! Helvetica accidentally made her nest inside a nest of a green dragon named Viridian! On the way to the dragon nest gumluck made himself a pair of wings: “Gumluck flew low, turning
mushrooms into pillows with his magic.
I said, "I am sure to be sorry I asked, but why are
you turning mushrooms into pillows?"
"Maybe so there is something soft to land on," he explained. "In case I fall. I am not so used to flying."
"Maybe?" I repeated. "Do you mean you don't know why you're turning mushrooms into pillows?"
"I hadn't really thought about it until you asked."
"Oh goodness," I grumbled to myself. "Sometimes I can't say why I do the things I do," said Gumluck. "That's the magic in me—it knows more than I do. So I do something very silly, and I don't learn what it was good for until later.
Later I can look back and say, 'Aha! That is why!" The dragon Viridian thinks the eggs are hers! Bc the eggs are green with brown spots just like her. Ha! Bc that’s how raven eggs are in real life! They think they are dragon eggs so gumluck asks if Helvitica is secretly a dragon. They make up a list of dragon qualities and decides she could be bc dragons come in all shapes and sizes! Prince Whoop de doo is back. People say he looks like the back of a poodles bottom. He is going to slay a dragon to gain their favor. Second contest the dragon picked breath and she breathed fire. Then helvitica did a hot breath in the cold air and created a “ghost” and picked buttercup to be the judge. For another contest the dragon picked treasure and showed everyone her huge treasure hoard. And then Helvetica said “these eggs” as HER treasure. “Virginian was quiet. “Oh” she said finally. “I see” “I should have said the eggs, too…. Shouldn’t I?” I shrugged. “If you treasured them,” I said, “you would have.” The most quoted part of this book by Trey is when gunluck created another of himself: “"Gumluck?" I said and squinted. "Is that you?"
It wasn't, of course. It was the other Gumluck. I'm sorry-it's confusing. I'm going to call him Bumluck
from now on.”
I loved that all his random silly magic things he did at the beginning had a purpose of saving Helvetica’s egg in the end when Prince Woopdedoo stole it.
January 27, 2025
Adam Rex’s The Story of Gumluck and the Dragon's Eggs is a hilariously heartwarming tale that delights readers of all ages with its humor, charm, and unforgettable characters. At the heart of this story is the unlikely friendship between Gumluck, a lovable and silly wizard, and Helvetica, a raven who is as practical as she is endearing. Together, they navigate a series of comical and heartfelt events centered around Helvetica’s precious eggs.
Helvetica, ever the voice of reason, struggles to find a safe place to build a nest for her eggs. Her pragmatic approach to life starkly contrasts with Gumluck’s carefree and often absurd antics. Yet, it is precisely this contrast that makes their dynamic so compelling. Helvetica’s exasperation with Gumluck’s silliness is relatable and often laugh-out-loud funny. At times, readers might find themselves sympathizing with her urge to metaphorically (or literally) hit their heads against a wall. However, Gumluck’s boundless optimism and unpredictability bring a refreshing energy to the story, ensuring that readers are constantly entertained.
Rex masterfully uses this odd couple to explore a deeper message about the value of different personalities. Gumluck’s silliness, while occasionally frustrating for Helvetica, ultimately proves to be a vital asset. It’s a reminder that everyone has unique qualities to contribute, and embracing those differences can lead to wonderful outcomes. This theme is beautifully woven into the narrative, making it both thought-provoking and accessible for young readers.
The story’s humor is a standout feature, appealing to both children and adults. Rex’s clever writing ensures that moments of laughter are frequent and genuine. Whether it’s Gumluck’s absurd solutions to problems or Helvetica’s deadpan reactions, the comedic timing is impeccable. The illustrations add an extra layer of delight, perfectly complementing the text and bringing the characters’ personalities to life.
At its core, The Story of Gumluck and the Dragon's Eggs is a celebration of friendship, individuality, and the unexpected ways in which people (or dragons and whatever Gumluck is) can support each other. Helvetica and Gumluck’s relationship evolves through the story, showcasing a deep care and mutual respect despite their differences. It’s a touching portrayal of how even the most unlikely friendships can thrive and make life richer.
In conclusion, Adam Rex has crafted a gem of a story that is as funny as it is heartfelt. The Story of Gumluck and the Dragon's Eggs is a must-read for anyone who enjoys humor, whimsical adventures, and stories that celebrate the beauty of being yourself. It’s a book that will have readers laughing out loud while also leaving them with a warm and fuzzy feeling long after the final page.
Helvetica, ever the voice of reason, struggles to find a safe place to build a nest for her eggs. Her pragmatic approach to life starkly contrasts with Gumluck’s carefree and often absurd antics. Yet, it is precisely this contrast that makes their dynamic so compelling. Helvetica’s exasperation with Gumluck’s silliness is relatable and often laugh-out-loud funny. At times, readers might find themselves sympathizing with her urge to metaphorically (or literally) hit their heads against a wall. However, Gumluck’s boundless optimism and unpredictability bring a refreshing energy to the story, ensuring that readers are constantly entertained.
Rex masterfully uses this odd couple to explore a deeper message about the value of different personalities. Gumluck’s silliness, while occasionally frustrating for Helvetica, ultimately proves to be a vital asset. It’s a reminder that everyone has unique qualities to contribute, and embracing those differences can lead to wonderful outcomes. This theme is beautifully woven into the narrative, making it both thought-provoking and accessible for young readers.
The story’s humor is a standout feature, appealing to both children and adults. Rex’s clever writing ensures that moments of laughter are frequent and genuine. Whether it’s Gumluck’s absurd solutions to problems or Helvetica’s deadpan reactions, the comedic timing is impeccable. The illustrations add an extra layer of delight, perfectly complementing the text and bringing the characters’ personalities to life.
At its core, The Story of Gumluck and the Dragon's Eggs is a celebration of friendship, individuality, and the unexpected ways in which people (or dragons and whatever Gumluck is) can support each other. Helvetica and Gumluck’s relationship evolves through the story, showcasing a deep care and mutual respect despite their differences. It’s a touching portrayal of how even the most unlikely friendships can thrive and make life richer.
In conclusion, Adam Rex has crafted a gem of a story that is as funny as it is heartfelt. The Story of Gumluck and the Dragon's Eggs is a must-read for anyone who enjoys humor, whimsical adventures, and stories that celebrate the beauty of being yourself. It’s a book that will have readers laughing out loud while also leaving them with a warm and fuzzy feeling long after the final page.
September 15, 2024
While I do think it would be impossible the recapture the magic of the first Gumluck book, Adam Rex brings some of the same fantastic elements to play here in the second book (of what I hope will be at least about annual series). His art…it’s just fantastic. It’s kinetic and full of whimsy and oozes personality for all the characters. I honestly wish there was more of it. The plotting in this story is much tighter — many setups have build up throughout the narrative and payoffs towards the final two dozen pages. You lose a little bit of the awe that was discovering the world of the first book, and Gumluck feels a touch less significant here — this one feels much more like a Helvetica story that Gumluck and Butterscotch (dear, sweet Butterscotch) tag along for. Adam, and this should be no surprise for anyone who reads any of the books he pens, is really funny. My wife was laughing as we read Gumluck to our son earlier before a nap, and I was even laughing to myself as I finish the book later this evening.
I’m so glad these books exist. Seriously. I hope we get more. But I definitely treasure the two we have.
I’m so glad these books exist. Seriously. I hope we get more. But I definitely treasure the two we have.
July 24, 2024
Adam Rex's Gumluck the Wizard is back with his friends, Butterscotch the Ghost and Helvetica the Raven. Helvetica, an eminently practical and cautious bird, is also the narrator. Gumluck somehow seems to destroy her nests so Helvetica goes into the woods and finds what she thinks is the perfect spot. She builds her nest and lays three beautiful eggs. Unfortunately, what Helvetica thought was an ideal spot for a nest, happens to be in the middle of a dragon's nest! How will Helvetica get her eggs back when the dragon believes they are dragon eggs? Can Gumluck help her or will his silliness get in the way as usual? Find out in the second Gumluck chapter book, The Story of Gumluck and the Dragon's Eggs.
July 11, 2024
Witty, fun, and filled with word play, I gotta say, I was probably most like Crow, and would have been holding my head with my wings as some of the silliness played out, but it all works out for the best...sort of. ;) I didn't read the first book, but was instantly drawn in nonetheless. If you can't uncover the charm of this one for yourself, you might need to take a break for a little silliness of your own! Great fun for younger readers, but those outside the target age range will have as much fun (or maybe more!) if given the proper chance!
*ecopy received via Publishers Weekly Spring/Fall 2024 Grab-A-Galley; opinions are my own
*ecopy received via Publishers Weekly Spring/Fall 2024 Grab-A-Galley; opinions are my own
July 22, 2024
I received and ARC of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I don't think I could ever get enough of Gumluck. Or Helvetica, actually. They are such rich characters written somehow with depth despite the short length of the story. The illustrations are beyond adorable and they are exactly what one would want to go along with the story. This particular story hits on the depth of a mother's love and the lengths to which she will go to keep her children safe and close. Gumluck also teaches a lot about mistakes, making things right, and the value a person who makes mistakes as well as the mistakes they make. Kids won't have a clue they're learning.
I don't think I could ever get enough of Gumluck. Or Helvetica, actually. They are such rich characters written somehow with depth despite the short length of the story. The illustrations are beyond adorable and they are exactly what one would want to go along with the story. This particular story hits on the depth of a mother's love and the lengths to which she will go to keep her children safe and close. Gumluck also teaches a lot about mistakes, making things right, and the value a person who makes mistakes as well as the mistakes they make. Kids won't have a clue they're learning.
September 8, 2024
Gumlock is a silly wizard who does not know why he does what he does until later. One thing Gumluck did was yawn. That yawn travelled around until it finally returned at the end of the book. What a trip. Living with Gumluck is Butterscotch the ghost and Helvetica the raven. Helvetica was hunting for a place to build a nest safely for her eggs. But her chosen location involved her with a dragon, several contests, a nasty prince and a butler. A fun read for all ages with plenty of illustrations that help set the mood of the story.
Thanks Netgalley and Chronicle Books for the chance to enjoy this title!
Thanks Netgalley and Chronicle Books for the chance to enjoy this title!
July 19, 2025
Helvetica the raven is fond of the wizard Gumluck, even if he is very silly, has contagious yawns, and lives with his own personal ice cream eating ghost. On the other hand, she really can’t afford for him to ruin any more of her nests. The remote spot she picks to lay her eggs turns out to come with an even bigger issue than a silly wizard. A dragon-sized issue. A dragon-shaped issue. But what is a dragon, really? Another delightfully goofy adventure for the unlikely friends. The illustrations are charming.
July 11, 2024
I received an advance reader copy of this book and read it in one sitting. Not hard to do since it's a shorter book, of course, but I've put down shorter ones! Gumluck continues to be his charming silly self in this second installment, and as with the first, his silly magic comes in handy in all sorts of unexpected ways. I will have to get physical copies of this and the first one for my child, because this is just the sort of story I want to read at bedtime.
August 21, 2024
Gumluck has completely stolen my heart. He is ridiculous and exasperating and wonderful! There's magic, dragon(s), an incredibly spoiled prince, and a narrating raven. Everything you need for the perfect middle-grade fantasy novel. I love that they are thin and approachable for our emerging readers. This series is an instant classic and I can't wait to read them aloud to my students!
December 8, 2024
I read the first Gumluck a year ago, during a long, extraordinarily dark winter trip to upstate New York for my grandmother's funeral. That was - almost literally - the brightest part of those days.
The second book didn't let me know. I like Rex's humor, pacing, illustrations, and characters a great deal. I think this series is pretty great and I hope there's more to come.
The second book didn't let me know. I like Rex's humor, pacing, illustrations, and characters a great deal. I think this series is pretty great and I hope there's more to come.
June 16, 2025
Another really fun Gumluck book. I found this one to be a little more straightforward and little less surprising at times. I'm not sure if I have now just come to expect the little twists or if this isn't quite as original. Regardless, it is heartwarming and the characters are just great. Plus, I really liked how seemingly silly things turned out to be not so silly!
July 11, 2024
Loved this second adventure with Gumluck, Butterscotch, and Helvetica! Thia book was so cleverly written, and I'm not going to say much more than that because I think it's best to just go in knowing nothing about it and enjoying the journey!
December 18, 2024
The pov is from that of a raven named Helevicata. What follows is a tale with a dragon, eggs and a yawn that travels throughout the village and a wizard named Gumluck. When the dragon thinks the raven’s eggs are dragon eggs Helevevicata must regain them by winning a contest.
February 11, 2025
Fantasy for ages 6-9, this is so sweet, with a good message. The illustrations are adorable. In case you think that means it's too cute, it is also funny--and the illustrations have funny parts to find, too. I look forward to reading more. Are there going to be any more?
March 18, 2025
Hilarious and easy to follow for a kid with some layered complexity for grown ups! Reminded me of classic Pixar movies families can enjoy together. My kids were entertained, and I cracked up at so much of Gumluck's absurdity. Definitely recommend for kids 4 and up!
June 14, 2025
I think that it is cute that Gumluck just wants to help, and he is helping the dragon by taking care of its egg so the dragon can forge before the eggs hatch.
His pet crow even sits on the eggs to help nestle them!
His pet crow even sits on the eggs to help nestle them!
October 24, 2025
Read aloud to my 7 year old. He did not like the first 1/3 of the book but was much more into the rest of it. Didn't help that it had been at least a year since we read the first and both of us had kinda forgotten what had happened.
August 1, 2024
Heartfelt, laugh-out-loud funny, and just as great as the first one. Gumluck is a noodlehead I could read about forever!
October 13, 2024
Quirky, charming, funny. Adam Rex has done it again!
November 9, 2024
Fantastic read aloud early chapter book, and super funny for the adults reading also.
November 30, 2024
I love Gumluck. He's so silly. Lots of fun misunderstandings and a contest between a dragon and Helvetica the Raven to find out who is the better dragon between the two of them.
January 25, 2025
Another adorable book in the Gumluck series. I definitely recommend these books for your young readers.
February 17, 2025
Sometimes as an adult I just need a simple quirky kids story. This book is only an hour long, but is very whimsical and fun. Definetly a good read with the family.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews