The Story of Gumluck the Wizard - by Adam Rex

About the Book

Gumluck, a young, naâive wizard, does his best to help the local townspeople (and a small friendly ghost) with his sometimes critical raven sidekick, Helvetica.

Book Synopsis

A Kirkus Reviews Best Picture Book of 2023
A 2023 Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Book

FIVE 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

Meet Gumluck the Wizard, the star of a new chapter book series by the inimitable Adam Rex!

This is a story about magic, if you like that kind of thing. It is also a story about a ghost with amnesia, an unpopular fairy, an ungrateful little town, and an extremely wise and helpful raven (who happens to be a pretty talented storyteller). But mostly, it is about a friendly little wizard who lives inside a big hill and really, really, really wants to be a hero. His name is Gumluck, and he is a bumbling noodlehead.

In this tall tale about a short wizard, celebrated author Adam Rex proves once and for all that the biggest heroes often come in the smallest nightgowns.

THE DELIGHTFUL ADAM REX: Adam Rex's first chapter book series is a zany caper, with heart and humor across every page.

A NEW CHAPTER BOOK CLASSIC: With simple sentences and glorious black-and-white illustrations, this series hearkens back to classic chapter books and is perfect for newly independent readers.

FANTASTICAL FUN: With a lighthearted mix of fantasy and fairytale elements, this imaginative book is perfect for young fans of wizardry and magic.

FAVORITE AUTHOR: 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 for:

• Fans of Adam Rex
• Parents and grandparents seeking funny children's book series
• Teachers and librarians looking for engaging children's fantasy and magic books
• Anyone looking for fantasy chapter books
• Readers who enjoy Chris Colfer's A Tale of Magic, the Unicorn Academy series, and Magic Tree House books

Review Quotes

"Rejoice, noodlehead fans! Here's a tale to treasure" -- Kirkus, starred review

"This breezy chapter book hits the sweet spot in building literacy skills for kids new to solo reading, providing nicely contained episodic stories within an overarching narrative that is as goofy as it is heartwarming."- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"This whimsical story with an adorable protagonist and a strong message is a wonderful addition to the genre." -- Shelf Awareness, starred review

"Rex deftly wraps big themes--friendship, honesty, justice, self-awareness--into an absurdly silly and heartfelt series launch chronicling a wee wizard's quest to become a helpful hero." -- Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Gumluck is wise but guileless, clumsy but powerful, tender-hearted but superbly courageous. Readers will fall in love with him." -- School Library Journal, Starred Review

"Rex can always be counted on for a laugh, and there are many to be found in this early chapter book, namely in the distinct characterizations and Helvetica's snarky asides. Amid the fairy-tale action, Rex embeds heartfelt messaging about friendship, kindness, and gratitude that never gets sappy, and his pencil illustrations inject even more magic into this spellbinding read." -- Booklist, starred review

About the Author

Adam Rex is the author and illustrator of many beloved picture books and novels, including The True Meaning of Smekday and the New York Times bestseller Frankenstein Makes a Sandwich. He has also illustrated the work of many other authors, including Jon Scieszka, Mac Barnett, Laura Park, Laurie Keller, Jeff Kinney, Lian Cho, Christopher Paul Curtis, and Paul Feig. He lives in Tucson, Arizona. See more about him at www.adamrex.com.