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Mr. Gumpy's Outing book cover

Mr. Gumpy's Outing

by John Burningham

Henry Holt and Company (BYR) 1995

Great fit for 2nd grade

Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9

2nd grade English Juvenile Fiction
32
Pages
0.5
AR Points
4m
Read time
AR Quiz Available

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Boston Globe–Horn Book AwardALA Notable Children's BookKate Greenaway Medal

Genre

Animal Fantasy

Themes

  • cooperation
  • manners and behavior
  • community
  • responsibility
  • patience
  • humor
  • cause and effect

About this book

On a sunny day by the river, Mr. Gumpy takes his little boat out for a peaceful ride. One by one, children and a parade of animals ask to come along—with promises to mind their manners. The rhythmic, gently cumulative text and warm illustrations make this a read‑aloud favorite for preschoolers and early elementary readers. Families love its humor, repetition, and the cheerful spirit of shared adventure.

Setting: a quiet English riverside on a summer day

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mr. Gumpy's Outing right for my child?

Yes — Mr. Gumpy's Outing is a great fit for 2nd grade. The reading level is AR 2.5, which is typical for 2nd grade. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 5–9 (K–3rd grade). Themes include cooperation, manners and behavior, community.

How long does it take to read Mr. Gumpy's Outing?

At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Mr. Gumpy's Outing takes around 4m to finish. The book has 430 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does Mr. Gumpy's Outing have an AR quiz?

Yes — Mr. Gumpy's Outing has an AR quiz available, worth 0.5 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.

What grade level is Mr. Gumpy's Outing?

Mr. Gumpy's Outing has an AR reading level of 2.5, which places it at a 2nd grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.