Mr Gumpy's Outing: questions to ask and activities to try
Everyone wants to go out in Mr Gumpy's boat, as long as nobody squabbles. Mr Gumpy's Outing is a much-loved classic about rules, getting along, and a very wobbly boat.
What age is it for? Mr Gumpy's Outing is best for ages 2–6. Good for: Getting along, rules, and what happens when everyone squabbles.
Mr Gumpy's Outing (John Burningham)
- Age
- 2-6
- Best for
- Getting along, rules, and what happens when everyone squabbles
Read Mr Gumpy's rules each time, and let your child guess what will happen. After the splash, talk about why the rules mattered, and enjoy the happy tea at the end.
What it helps with
- Following simple rules
- Getting along in a group
- What happens when everyone misbehaves at once
- Forgiving and having fun again
Comprehension and discussion questions
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “Who wanted to go in the boat?”
- “What did Mr Gumpy ask each one not to do?”
- “What happened to the boat?”
- “Was Mr Gumpy cross?”
- “Why do we have rules?”
- “What rule would you make for a boat trip?”
5-minute activities to try together
Boat rules
Make a boat from a box. Each toy can get in if it promises one rule. What happens if they break it?
Family rules
Agree three simple family rules together and draw them.
Free printables: Mr Gumpy's Outing worksheet and activity pack
This book’s one-page worksheet with the questions and activities above, plus our activity pack: printable scenario cards, three 5-minute activities and a “What could I try?” page for practising everyday skills together. Enter your email and download them straight away.
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If your child liked this, try
Pumpkin Soup (Helen Cooper)
- Best for
- Sharing jobs, falling out and making up with friends
- Age
- 3-7
The Cat in the Hat (Dr. Seuss)
- Best for
- Making choices when no grown-up is watching, and owning up afterwards
- Age
- 3-7
Fair Shares (Pippa Goodhart and Anna Doherty)
- Best for
- What's fair, and why fair isn't always the same
- Age
- 3-6
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 10 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.