The Story of Gumluck the Wizard

Written by Adam Rex

Narrated by Christina Moore

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 town, and a wise and helpful raven (who happens to be a pretty good 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.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Sep 26, 2023
• ISBN: 9798890596772

Adam Rex

Adam Rex is the New York Times bestselling author and illustrator of Frankenstein Makes a Sandwich. His other books include The True Meaning of Smekday, which was made into the hit animated movie Home; Moonday; and School’s First Day of School, illustrated by Christian Robinson. He also illustrated the Brixton Brothers series, Billy Twitters and His Blue Whale Problem, Chloe and the Lion, and How This Book Was Made, all by Mac Barnett, and Chu’s Day, by Neil Gaiman. He lives in Tucson, Arizona. Visit him at AdamRex.com or follow him on Twitter @MrAdamRex.

Reviews for The Story of Gumluck the Wizard

[ladylast · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book is told by a bird. If you don't like that, go away.
Found this book charming and quite funny and even a little heartwarming

[fionaanne · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This made someone’s “best of 2023” list and ohmygosh this is the most adorable Adam Rex I have ever read. It’s a sweetly funny tale of a wizard who is pathologically searching for love and approval, narrated by a cranky raven.

[blbooks-14314 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

First sentence: Let me tell you how I met the wizard Gumluck. It was Monday. "it is Monday!" he said, in his little brass bed, in the hill that he used for a house. On Mondays Gumluck had visitors. He changed out of his nightgown and into his daygown. "So much to do!"

Premise/plot: Gumluck is a silly goose. NOT literally. He's a literary 'fool' character or 'noodlehead'. This one is narrated by a raven that has a complicated relationship with the wizard. At first, he really dislikes him (for valid reasons) and then through the course of MANY misadventures, he comes to like him and even believe in him.

My thoughts: This one is described as a "tall tale." I'm not sure I agree with that description. But it is definitely over the top in its silliness, its foolishness. But does being silly make it a tall tale? This one is an illustrated chapter book for elementary readers. The story was enjoyable enough. I personally didn't love the illustrations--in particular the cover art. I think Gumluck is giving off Donald Duck vibes and that just doesn't work for me--again this is all subjective.