Gumwrappers and Goggles (The Tale of a Jet) by Winifred Barnum Newman

Illustrated by: Winifred Barnum Newman

Series: N/A

Published: Gnu Sky Publishing, 2014 (Orig. 1982)

Edition: Hardback

Print Length: 51 pages

Narrated By: N/A

Genre: Children’s Fiction, Classic Fiction, Picture Book

Where Did I Get It? I kindly received a copy from the publisher in return for this review.

Blurb: Back by popular demand, TJ Luv, from the classic 1982 Gumwrappers and Goggles, flies again with the help of his friend and mentor, Amelia, The Good Air Fairy, in a beautifully updated version of this beloved tale written and illustrated by noted Artist/Author Winifred Barnum-Newman

Opening Line(s):

Tucked away in the dimly lit corner of a huge airplane hangar was a slightly plump, gray jet plane. He was smaller than the big jets, and his drab color almost camouflaged him in the dark shadows of the corner.

My Review: Ever since our copy of this lovely reprint arrived in the post I have had the niggling feeling that I read it when I was little. I couldn’t remember the story exactly but it was familiar and the characters had that ‘old friend’ sort of feeling about them. It is entirely possible, being an ’88 baby, that I did – I’m sure copies of it will have been around as I was growing up – but if I didn’t then the fact that it felt so reassuring from the get-go can only be a good thing.

Originally published in 1982 and back again now, Gumwrappers and Goggles is a brilliant book. The balance of words to pictures is just right for Tori (aged 5½ years) – she can have a good go at reading it herself with a little help or it makes a good story to sit down and share together.

I love little TJ the jet – he is a very sweet character that Tori really engaged with. His development through the story is easy and natural as Amelia the fairy encourages him to find the magic inside himself and let his confidence shine through when it matters the most.

Every page of the book is illustrated either in full colour or with black and white sketches so there is plenty to talk about when you are reading together. The characters are charming and glowing with personality – even the sunshine has its own character as he watches TJ go about his days. Little things like this bring the story to life and add an extra sparkle to the pages – you can tell the author really cares about the story and the characters in it.

With a lovely message about believing in yourself and fighting for what you love, Gumwrappers and Goggles is just as relevant and fun for kids now as it was when it first hit the shelves in 1982.

My Rating: 4/5*