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Books by John Burningham | Wonderlit

Books by John Burningham

24 books · Ages 2–8

Known for the Mr. Gumpy and First Steps series, John Burningham writes picture books and middle grade for ages 2–8, alongside 18 standalone books, exploring themes of animals, humor, becoming a big kid.

Series

Mr. Gumpy's Outing

Mr. Gumpy's Motor Car

2 books · Ages 2–6

The Baby

The Blanket

First Steps

2 books · Ages 2–5

Letters

Learning with John Burningham

1 book · Ages 2–5

Air Miles

1 book · Ages 4–8

Standalone Books

Cover of Humbert, Mister Firkin & the Lord Mayor of London

Humbert, Mister Firkin & the Lord Mayor of London

John Burningham

A humble cart horse and his master save the day when the Lord Mayor's coach breaks down, leading to an invitation to a g

Cover of Come Away From the Water, Shirley

Come Away From the Water, Shirley

John Burningham

For the child who seems to be staring into space while adults are talking. This classic explores the vast, secret world

Cover of Avocado Baby

John Burningham

For the child who feels small and wants to be a hero. This whimsical story celebrates how trying a new food can lead to

Cover of Cannonball Simp

Cannonball Simp

John Burningham

Abandoned at a dump and caught by the dog catcher, a small dog named Simp finds a new life and a true friend in a circus

Cover of The Shopping Basket

The Shopping Basket

John Burningham

A simple trip to the grocery store becomes a battle of wits when Steven must protect his basket from a series of hungry,

Cover of Harvey Slumfenburger's Christmas Present

Harvey Slumfenburger's Christmas Present

John Burningham

Santa is exhausted, but he won't go to bed until he finds a way to the top of Roly Poly Mountain to deliver one last for

Cover of Cloudland

John Burningham

After a tumble off a mountain cliff, Albert finds himself in a magical world above the peaks where he plays with childre

Cover of The Friend

John Burningham

Simple drawings and gentle text capture the everyday ups and downs of a young boy's meaningful relationship with his bes

Cover of There's Going to be a Baby

There's Going to be a Baby

John Burningham

A young boy’s imagination runs wild as he wonders exactly what kind of person his new sibling will be and how his world

Cover of Tug-of-War

John Burningham

When a big elephant and a heavy hippo start bullying a small hare, he uses a clever rope trick to prove that brains are

Cover of The Way to the Zoo

The Way to the Zoo

John Burningham

Sylvie finds a secret door in her bedroom wall that leads to a zoo, but things get wild when she starts inviting penguin

Cover of Picnic

John Burningham

A walk to a picnic spot turns into a delightful journey as a boy and girl encounter various animals along their path.

Cover of Borka: The Adventures of a Goose with No Feathers

Borka: The Adventures of a Goose with No Feathers

John Burningham

Borka the goose has no feathers and can't fly south with her family, but a hand-knitted sweater and a brave spirit lead

Cover of Edwardo: The Horriblest Boy in the Whole Wide World

Edwardo: The Horriblest Boy in the Whole Wide World

John Burningham

Edwardo becomes the horriblest boy in the world after everyone tells him he is, until a single kind act begins to change

Cover of It's a Secret!

John Burningham

For the child who wonders where their pet goes at night, this enchanting story captures the magical secret lives of our

Cover of Mouse House

John Burningham

For the child who loves the idea of secret worlds and wants to protect those smaller and more vulnerable than themselves

Cover of Hey! Get Off Our Train

Hey! Get Off Our Train

John Burningham

For the child curious about the natural world, this bedtime journey transforms a toy train into a rescue mission for ani

Cover of Granpa

John Burningham

For the child who shares a deep bond with an aging relative and needs a gentle, honest way to understand and process the

By Age Range

Come Away From the Water, Shirley

Mr. Gumpy's Motor Car

Avocado Baby

Humbert, Mister Firkin & the Lord Mayor of London

Come Away From the Water, Shirley

Mr. Gumpy's Motor Car

Humbert, Mister Firkin & the Lord Mayor of London

Cannonball Simp

Cloudland

Common Themes

Animals Humor Becoming a Big Kid Love & Family Adventure Creativity & Imagination Family & Siblings Nature & Outdoors

If Your Family Loves John Burningham, Also Try

India ABCs

Who Will U Be?

Can't Scare Me!

Can't Scare Me!

Clever Daddy

If You're Happy and You Know It: Eighteen Story Songs

If You're Happy and You Know It: Eighteen Story Songs