The co-op bookstore for avid readers
Book Cover for: The Story of Gumluck the Wizard: Book One, Adam Rex

The Story of Gumluck the Wizard: Book One

Adam Rex

The acclaimed chapter book is now in paperback! Meet Gumluck, everyone's favorite wizard, in this delightfully silly series by New York Times bestselling author Adam Rex. 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

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.

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: This imaginative tale combines a lighthearted mix of fantasy and fairytale elements, making it perfect for young fans of wizardry and magic.

FAVORITE AUTHOR: Adam Rex is an acclaimed New York Times bestselling children's book creator and winner of countless state list awards. He is known for his funny and smart stories, including On Account of the Gum, Frankenstein Makes a Sandwich, School's First Day of School, and many more. His first chapter book series is a zany caper with heart and humor across every page.

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 Tracy West's Dragon Masters series, the Unicorn Academy series, and Magic Tree House books

Book Details

  • Publisher: Chronicle Books
  • Publish Date: Apr 1st, 2025
  • Pages: 148
  • Language: English
  • Edition: undefined - undefined
  • Dimensions: 7.12in - 5.62in - 0.39in - 0.44lb
  • EAN: 9781797234106
  • Recommended age: 06-09
  • Categories: • Fantasy - General• Readers - Chapter Books• Humorous Stories

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.

Praise for this book

"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
"This whimsical story with an adorable protagonist and a strong message is a wonderful addition to the genre." -- Shelf Awareness, 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
"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
"Rejoice, noodlehead fans! Here's a tale to treasure" -- Kirkus, 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