Grade 3–6—Mr. Gum lives in a disgustingly filthy house where"he slept, scowled, and picked his nose and ate it." Even the bedisn't made—Mr. Gum chucked "bits of wood on the floor and dumped amattress on top." But his garden is the most beautiful in the town.Why? Some speculate that he likes to garden, but the real reason isthe angry fairy who gives him "pan whacks" if the garden isn'tperfect. Unfortunately for Mr. Gum, the neighborhood dog, Jake,frequently messes up the garden—causing Mr. Gum too many whackswith the frying pan. So Mr. Gum leaves spoiled cow hearts lacedwith rat poison and sweetened with lemonade powder in the center ofthe lawn. Jake takes the bait, but is ultimately saved bynine-year-old Polly and some magic chocolate (a questionableremedy, since chocolate is dangerous to dogs). English author AndyStanton provides flawless narration of his book (HarperCollins,2008). His deadpan delivery and comic timing are perfect. With itsquirky cast of characters and silly sense of humor, this story is agreat choice for reluctant readers.—Stephanie Farnlacher, TraceCrossings Elementary School, Hoover, AL
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