On Account of the Gum
What’s inside...
On Account of the Gum is a humorous children's book by Adam Rex about the hilarious misadventures of a kid trying to remove gum from their hair. The story showcases a series of increasingly bizarre and funny suggestions to solve the problem, from using scissors and butter to calling the fire department. The book features clever rhymes, unexpected twists, and light wordplay, making it a delightful read for children and adults alike. With its timeless topic and zany humor, it's perfect for fans of books like The Day the Crayons Quit and If You Ever Want to Bring an Alligator to School, Don't!
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
56 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think the gum caused so much trouble in the story?
How did the characters react to the gum problem and what does that tell us about them?
What would you have done if you were in the main character's situation?
Can you think of a time when something small turned into a big problem like the gum in the story?
What is the most important lesson you learned from 'On Account of the Gum'?
Tip: Role play these questions
Highlight the emotions and reactions of the characters as you read, asking your child how they might feel in similar situations.
Use expressive voices for different characters to make the reading experience more engaging and fun.
After reading, discuss real-life scenarios where small issues became big challenges and brainstorm solutions together.
Encourage your child to draw or act out their favorite scene, which can lead to a deeper understanding of the story’s themes.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next if the story continued, fostering creativity and imaginative thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: The story demonstrates problem-solving as various characters attempt different humorous methods to remove gum from the protagonist's hair.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to think creatively and try different solutions when faced with challenges, understanding that the first solution may not always work.
Example Lesson: The consequences of actions
Explanation: As the narrative unfolds, every attempt to fix the initial problem only complicates the situation further, demonstrating how actions can have unintended consequences.
Real-World Application: It's a practical reminder for children to consider the potential outcomes before acting, helping them to be more mindful and deliberate in their decisions.
Example Lesson: Resilience and maintaining a positive attitude
Explanation: Despite the increasingly absurd situations, the protagonist remains relatively unflustered, highlighting a resilient and positive attitude.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to stay optimistic and resilient, even when things don't go as planned, fostering emotional strength and stability.
Example Lesson: Collaboration and asking for help
Explanation: The story illustrates that it's okay to ask for help when facing a tricky situation, as various characters come in to assist.
Real-World Application: This imparts to children the importance of teamwork and seeking assistance, reinforcing social bonding and the benefits of collaborative efforts in problem resolution.