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Mr Gum #6
What's for Dinner, Mr Gum?
Completely hilarious … kind of The League of Gentlemen for kids' Zoe Ball Shabba me whiskers! It's a bold new look for Mr Gum, the best-selling cult classic, ready for a new generation of nibbleheads. Mr Gum's back! But what's he up to this time? Oh, dreadful things my friends, dreadful things indeed. It seems he's found himself a brand new treat – rancid kebabs just dripping with dirty grey sauce. And he just can't get enough of them. He's gotta have more! More! Less! I mean, More! But not everyone's too happy about Mr Gum's new dinnertime arrangements and soon the town of Lamonic Bibber is gearing up for war. Can Polly and her friends save the town from being torn apart? Will Mr Gum's hunger ever be satisfied? And who on earth is Thora Gruntwinkle? All will be revealed when you read "What's For Dinner, Mr Gum?" You'll see a gingerbread man driving through London! You'll see an annoying little monkey driving everyone mad! You'll see Friday O'Leary falling asleep in a hedge! Yes, it's all there in glorious black and white, my friends. Except for the cover, which is in colour. It's Bonus. What's for Dinner, Mr Gum? is the sixth book in the internationally best-selling series by Andy Stanton, which has won everything from the Blue Peter Book Award (twice) to the Roald Dahl Funny Prize and the Red House Children’s Book Award. Don't miss Mr Gum's other villainously brilliant adventures… You're a Bad Man, Mr Gum!
Mr Gum and the Biscuit Billionaire
Mr Gum and the Goblins
Mr Gum and the Power Crystals
Mr Gum and the Dancing Bear
What's for Dinner, Mr Gum?
Mr Gum and the Cherry Tree
Mr Gum and the Secret Hideout Andy Stanton studied English at Oxford but they kicked him out. Before becoming a children’s writer he was a film script reader, a market researcher, an NHS lackey, a part-time sparrow and a grape. He is best known for the hilarious, bestselling and award-winning Mr Gum series and has also written picture books, including Danny McGee Drinks the Sea . Andy lives in North London and likes cartoons, books and music (even jazz). David Tazzyman studied illustration at Manchester Metropolitan University. As well as illustrating the Mr Gum series, he has illustrated many picture books Eleanor's Eyebrows, You Can't Take an Elephant on the Bus , Michael Rosen's Jelly Boots, Smelly Boots and My Mum's Growing Down by Laura Dockrill. He lives in Leicester with his wife and three sons.
Mr Gum and the Biscuit Billionaire
Mr Gum and the Goblins
Mr Gum and the Power Crystals
Mr Gum and the Dancing Bear
What's for Dinner, Mr Gum?
Mr Gum and the Cherry Tree
Mr Gum and the Secret Hideout Andy Stanton studied English at Oxford but they kicked him out. Before becoming a children’s writer he was a film script reader, a market researcher, an NHS lackey, a part-time sparrow and a grape. He is best known for the hilarious, bestselling and award-winning Mr Gum series and has also written picture books, including Danny McGee Drinks the Sea . Andy lives in North London and likes cartoons, books and music (even jazz). David Tazzyman studied illustration at Manchester Metropolitan University. As well as illustrating the Mr Gum series, he has illustrated many picture books Eleanor's Eyebrows, You Can't Take an Elephant on the Bus , Michael Rosen's Jelly Boots, Smelly Boots and My Mum's Growing Down by Laura Dockrill. He lives in Leicester with his wife and three sons.
256 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
28 people are currently reading
276 people want to read
About the author
Andy Stanton
50 books107 followersAndy Stanton lives in North London. He studied English at Oxford but they kicked him out. He has been a film script reader, a cartoonist, an NHS lackey and lots of other things. He has many interests, but best of all he likes cartoons, books and music (even jazz).
One day he’d like to live in New York or Berlin or one of those places because he’s got fantasies of bohemia. His favourite expression is ‘Good evening’ and his favourite word is ‘captain’. Andy has now written more than one book, but less than twenty.
-from publisher's website at http://www.mrgum.co.uk/author/
One day he’d like to live in New York or Berlin or one of those places because he’s got fantasies of bohemia. His favourite expression is ‘Good evening’ and his favourite word is ‘captain’. Andy has now written more than one book, but less than twenty.
-from publisher's website at http://www.mrgum.co.uk/author/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
November 27, 2016
I have quite enjoyed this book. It is a bit confusing but I understood it in the end. The "chatter chatter chee" was my favourite part of my book. I also liked the ending when "billy William the third" and mr Gum go to the weeding to muck around.
February 9, 2025
It was an okay book not my favourite though
October 8, 2020
Eh, it was okay. Given to me as a Secret Santa present before Corona started. I read it. Could've been better, found some stuff too revolting, and often found myself wondering at the minds of the children of today... I mean, I'm still legally a kid, but still.
Anyhow, if you're looking for a quick, funny read, AND WON'T ram yourself into a wall if you find that this book was stupid, or a waste of money/time or just dumb, then I would recommend it to you. Also the perfect gift for those you hate. Really pisses them off. Worked on me, so it'll work on them.
I'll be honest, some parts were good, but this isn't really Roald Dahl level. You wanna read books like Dahl's, try David Walliams, I guarantee, YOU WILL LAUGH. Also, his illustrator, Tony Ross, draws a lot like Dahl's, Quentin Blake.
Also, DON'T read this book if you're having lunch. I did, and I didn't touch my kebab sandwich after that.
Anyhow, if you're looking for a quick, funny read, AND WON'T ram yourself into a wall if you find that this book was stupid, or a waste of money/time or just dumb, then I would recommend it to you. Also the perfect gift for those you hate. Really pisses them off. Worked on me, so it'll work on them.
I'll be honest, some parts were good, but this isn't really Roald Dahl level. You wanna read books like Dahl's, try David Walliams, I guarantee, YOU WILL LAUGH. Also, his illustrator, Tony Ross, draws a lot like Dahl's, Quentin Blake.
Also, DON'T read this book if you're having lunch. I did, and I didn't touch my kebab sandwich after that.
September 18, 2020
Two last Mr. Gums have not quite reached the level of the previous ones. This one was again disgusting and evil, but the magic was missing. Daughter did enjoy it that much that we have already started to read the next one. I think the best part of reading these has actually been the shared experience - I read and the daughter spots all the mental details.
September 25, 2018
Well I laughed.
September 18, 2020
Great fun!
As usual Mr Gum is up to his tricks with Polly saving the day. A great read and laugh out loud moments.
As usual Mr Gum is up to his tricks with Polly saving the day. A great read and laugh out loud moments.
Read
April 13, 2021I love this series, but this one was too gross for me.
September 6, 2021
Very silly and fun. Highly recommended.
November 25, 2021
I cant say what is for dinner ,please read and enjoy
May 2, 2024
Absolutely my favourite book ever no question about it no matter what anyone says I can never stop laughing at it
November 23, 2024
I love the war where they fight for food
October 15, 2013
'What's for Dinner Mr Gum?' is a book written in 2009 by the children's author Andy Stanton. Stanton is well known for his humorous children's books and this one is no different. Overall I did enjoy reading this book and I believe that many young children would.
The story in this novel begins in the fictitious town of Lamonic Bibber. There are a range of odd, wild characters who all end up in a fictitious war. As with Andy Stanton's other works, the book is written in a variety of prints and texts, and illustrated throughout which I feel would make it extremely entertaining for students.
One thing I feel important, is that this book should be aimed towards higher level students, especially those with advanced English skills, as there are a great deal of deliberate errors and mistakes in the text, especially in the speech of the characters, for example "I can't wait no longer" and "Consider yourself lucky I 'aint a shark!". It is amusing, but I would be slightly concerned that younger students, or those prone to errors may pick these up.
I think this would be a fantastic book to encourage students to enjoy reading, as it is very light, especially as many pages just have a few lines, particularly those when there is song involved. I feel that students could really embrace the text and enjoy it. I would like my older children to read this as I feel that encouraging students to read is important, and this book would certainly entertain more advanced KS2 readers.
The story in this novel begins in the fictitious town of Lamonic Bibber. There are a range of odd, wild characters who all end up in a fictitious war. As with Andy Stanton's other works, the book is written in a variety of prints and texts, and illustrated throughout which I feel would make it extremely entertaining for students.
One thing I feel important, is that this book should be aimed towards higher level students, especially those with advanced English skills, as there are a great deal of deliberate errors and mistakes in the text, especially in the speech of the characters, for example "I can't wait no longer" and "Consider yourself lucky I 'aint a shark!". It is amusing, but I would be slightly concerned that younger students, or those prone to errors may pick these up.
I think this would be a fantastic book to encourage students to enjoy reading, as it is very light, especially as many pages just have a few lines, particularly those when there is song involved. I feel that students could really embrace the text and enjoy it. I would like my older children to read this as I feel that encouraging students to read is important, and this book would certainly entertain more advanced KS2 readers.
September 5, 2011
What’s for Dinner, Mr Gum? by Andy Stanton
A book that is laced with humorous undertones, quirky characters and the far – fetched antics three middle aged men, “What’s for Dinner, Mr Gum?” is a title that plays to those with a somewhat wicked sense of humour.
Billy is the proud owner of a down – trodden diner, who is content with life and the regular custom of Mr Gum, Billy’s best friend and only customer. The story centres upon the betrayal of Mr Gum, a raggedy, down trodden gentleman, who to Billy’s devastation, switches his custom to Billy’s direct competition and arch – enemy, Greasy Ian and his house of slops!
Filled with rage, Billy plots his revenge and an all out war breaks out between the three, with kebabs, bones and kitchen sinks amongst the artillery used by the three angry men.
Though I found the light – hearted, quirky tone of the book to be amusing in parts, generally I found it to drag a little, and would prefer a slightly more subtle humour than what was on offer with this title.
In terms of recommendation, I would suggest it to those in their early teens with a slightly twisted sense of humour, but my own feelings is that this would not be a title that would sit as well with a wider audience.
A book that is laced with humorous undertones, quirky characters and the far – fetched antics three middle aged men, “What’s for Dinner, Mr Gum?” is a title that plays to those with a somewhat wicked sense of humour.
Billy is the proud owner of a down – trodden diner, who is content with life and the regular custom of Mr Gum, Billy’s best friend and only customer. The story centres upon the betrayal of Mr Gum, a raggedy, down trodden gentleman, who to Billy’s devastation, switches his custom to Billy’s direct competition and arch – enemy, Greasy Ian and his house of slops!
Filled with rage, Billy plots his revenge and an all out war breaks out between the three, with kebabs, bones and kitchen sinks amongst the artillery used by the three angry men.
Though I found the light – hearted, quirky tone of the book to be amusing in parts, generally I found it to drag a little, and would prefer a slightly more subtle humour than what was on offer with this title.
In terms of recommendation, I would suggest it to those in their early teens with a slightly twisted sense of humour, but my own feelings is that this would not be a title that would sit as well with a wider audience.
July 10, 2012
BONKERS! Totally nuts. I read this to my class in January. I laughed out loud reading it to them. Like, I had to stop reading to stop laughing.
They, thankfully, laughed too.
I just think Andy Stanton knows how to reach kids and this book has got lots of my 'nonreaders' to pick up a good book. They all - boys and girls alike - love it. He has a crazy thought pattern - he writes as the characters speak and you can easily get into a character. Alan Taylor - the gingerbread man with electric muscles - is mad. Friday is great and Polly a cool heroine! Mr Gum is quite bad, but he gets his comeuppance which the kids think he deserved. We had some great moments - espcially with some of Andy's repeating phrases, the missing chapter was GENIUS.
THE TRUTH IS A LEMON MERINGUE!
Read it if you are 10 or younger. Or 34 with the mindset of 10 year old or younger.
They, thankfully, laughed too.
I just think Andy Stanton knows how to reach kids and this book has got lots of my 'nonreaders' to pick up a good book. They all - boys and girls alike - love it. He has a crazy thought pattern - he writes as the characters speak and you can easily get into a character. Alan Taylor - the gingerbread man with electric muscles - is mad. Friday is great and Polly a cool heroine! Mr Gum is quite bad, but he gets his comeuppance which the kids think he deserved. We had some great moments - espcially with some of Andy's repeating phrases, the missing chapter was GENIUS.
THE TRUTH IS A LEMON MERINGUE!
Read it if you are 10 or younger. Or 34 with the mindset of 10 year old or younger.
February 6, 2015
Other people might not, but I think this is a kind of love book, which includes a war of meat and slime. Polly and her pals go to see Thora Gruntwinkle (Billy William's true love) and bring her back to Lamonic BIbber, so that Billy will turn towards the good side and the Dinnertime War may be over. But it's not as easy as that.
Mr Gum has stopped liking Billy William, and has turned onto Greasy Ian, another butcher in town. It turns out that not only Billy William liked Thora G., but also Greasy Ian was her long lost husband!
This book was quite funny, but I wouldn't say as funny as the last ones, but even though it lost a star, I still loved it. I have no idea how Andy Stanton could possibly even think up these funny-but-serious ideas!
Unfortunately, I think there's one or two left in the collection, and when I finish these, I'm going to kill myself. Or just read them again ;)
Mr Gum has stopped liking Billy William, and has turned onto Greasy Ian, another butcher in town. It turns out that not only Billy William liked Thora G., but also Greasy Ian was her long lost husband!
This book was quite funny, but I wouldn't say as funny as the last ones, but even though it lost a star, I still loved it. I have no idea how Andy Stanton could possibly even think up these funny-but-serious ideas!
Unfortunately, I think there's one or two left in the collection, and when I finish these, I'm going to kill myself. Or just read them again ;)
June 17, 2013
I really liked this one,l,it had 2 or 3 new characters and it was oinda funny.these book ,in my opinion, aren't that kinda funny to make you burst into laughter they're just a kina of funny that puts a smile on your face and I like it,tough it gets kinda annoying sometimes!
all and all it's a good children's book!
all and all it's a good children's book!
Read
January 8, 2015Its very funny and exciting.I loved the way it was written with really bad english which made me laugh.If your one of the people who loves comedy books this is the perfect one.And I'd like to thank the author for this amazing book Thank You very much you worked hard just to make people laugh I wish I could make you laugh too.
Want to read
March 1, 2012Aheeey! Dapet juga! di KG Fair semalem! masih nyesel yg ke-4 gak beli...sudah ada terjemahannya..baiklah...kita beli sajah #NiatMampirLagi
November 2, 2012
super-dee-duper
April 12, 2013
Side splitting
December 15, 2013
U res, končno se po dolgih letih spravim brat knjige na papirju, pa me gospod Flamingo sili na net?! :) Ljubišče pa zmaga.
August 16, 2014
Rude and raucously funny . Enjoyable for kids and parents .
September 20, 2014
I have read the whole series but I can not be bothered to say I read, sorry!
November 17, 2014
Good fun, but I enjoyed earlier books more. Not as much giggling from my son!
August 19, 2016
Sweet and childish story about Gum and Billy fighting and Polly and her friends trying to solve the problem by love.
But the jokes reminded me of Shrek and leslie Nelson
But the jokes reminded me of Shrek and leslie Nelson
November 29, 2022
I’m now suspicious of all animals that wear tops but no pants.
January 21, 2016
Surreal writing. I can see why kids would love this but there's no broader appeal for adults.
November 3, 2017
Very funny and a brilliant read-aloud, I'll certainly be putting a Mr Gum on my KS2 book club's list. I don't think I could read the whole series, though, this much madcap humour is something I can only handle in small doses!
November 26, 2017
good book x
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews