Common Sense Media Review
By Joly Herman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Endearing tale of sweet wizard has chatty raven, kind ghost.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In THE STORY OF GUMLUCK THE WIZARD, a little wizard who lives in a hill wakes up to discover it's Monday, and Monday is the day he receives guests. He tidies up using magic, saying hello to a raven named Helvetica whose nest is nearby. She observes the guests coming and going from Gumluck's house, noticing that none of them crack a smile or say "thank you" when Gumluck helps them with their problems. One day, Gumluck runs into the haunted forest to help someone, and comes out with a little problem of his own. Can Helvetica help Gumluck learn to help himself?
Is It Any Good?
A magical tale that's got great voice, this illustrated story will enchant young readers who want excitement without a ton of peril. The Story of Gumluck the Wizard is a carefully crafted moral tale by veteran illustrator Adam Rex (On Account of the Gum). It deals with the complex issue of truth, asking when is truth good to hear, and when does it hurt? Some funny moments brighten the pages, as provided by the wisecracking raven, who makes up in opinion what she might lack in magic. Younger siblings can enjoy this story, too, since the wizarding world of Gumluck isn't very scary at all.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how integrity is a lesson Gumluck needs to learn in The Story of Gumluck the Wizard. How is learning to say no a key part of having integrity? How do you say no and mean it -- without being mean?
Helvetica needs courage to enter the haunted forest, but it seems to be something Gumluck has no problem doing. Why do some people need to find courage to do certain things that seem easy for others?
Gumluck and his friends work together to learn lessons about themselves. What lessons have you learned from being part of a team?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Adam Rex
- Genre : Fairy Tale
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic , Fairy Tales ) , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Integrity , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Chronicle Books
- Publication date : August 15, 2023
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 6 - 9
- Number of pages : 140
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : ALA Best and Notable Books
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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