SuitabookYou’re a Bad Man, Mr Gum!
Andy Stanton
- Reading
- Before the conclusion, ask what a rescue, reversal or villain’s failure might look like, without requiring prediction.
- Themes
- Villainy made comic: Mr Gum is presented as a deliberately unpleasant man who keeps a filthy home and plots against Jake the dog. His failures and wrongdoing are made objects of comic disgust and judgement, rather than admirable conduct.
- Children’s moral agency: Polly, a nine-year-old heroine, is described as Mr Gum’s nemesis and the story’s moral compass. The author explicitly frames the books as championing children’s power and gives Polly moral authority amid foolish adults.
- Gross-out and nonsense humour: The book uses silly, surreal and revolting comedy; the detail of how this is developed remains unclear. The unusual humour is central to the book’s style, combining revolting details with surreal invention rather than presenting them realistically.
- Worth knowing
- Some moments may deserve attention: Mr Gum’s plan involves rat poison and a trap for Jake; his home and exaggerated unpleasantness are deliberately revolting; peril is softened through comic treatment.