Gullible's Troubles [Hardcover]

Margaret Shannon (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up

When Gullible Guineapig visits his aunt and uncle's house, his relatives find out just how gullible he really is. Gullible will believe just about anything - that eating carrots will make you invisible, that you can wash coal, and even that there are monsters in the basement. But seeing is believing, even if you're not so gullible, in this hilarious story of a trusting young guinea pig and his not-so-nice relatives. Never fear, our hero will have the last laugh.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2AA clever look at a fresh topic. Gullible Guineapig, who is visiting Aunt Sarah, Uncle Bernard, and Cousin Lila, will believe just about anything. So when Aunt Sarah suggests he eat 50 carrots to become invisible, he gives it a try, only to get "a bit orange in the face." Then, Cousin Lila gives him some "soccer boots" (pink high heels), and Uncle Bernard sends him to wash the coal. Finally, after a warning from his cousin, he goes to the cellar for more coal and tries to avoid the monster that supposedly lives there. The ambiguous ending will delight children and possibly even vindicate poor Gullible. Shannon's simple text has a deadpan tone that is a good match for the silliness, and her proficient ink-and-watercolor illustrations move the story along nicely while enhancing the overall comedy. This tale has substance as well; everyone who lies to Gullible is also trying to get rid of him, a situation that will touch a nerve with many children. An enjoyable read-aloud.ALauralyn Persson, Wilmette Public Library, IL
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Ages 4^-8. Body language says it all in Shannon's watercolor illustrations for this deadpan comedy about a small, naive guinea pig who is teased and tricked, but who gets it right in the end. Gullible feels strange and lonely when he visits the big, plush home of his relatives. They tell him that there are monsters everywhere in the house and garden and that "little guinea pigs are their favorite things to eat." He tries to help his aunt bake a cake; he "tidies" his uncle's papers; he badgers his cousin; so they send him to wash a bucket of dirty coal. The cellar is very dark and scary, and he can just make out some scaly feet sticking out from the corner. He sends his relatives down to check, and they all laugh at him. In the end Gullible runs home to his mother's cozy cottage, but Shannon's pictures show what we all half dread: maybe there is a monster. What are those creatures peering from the shadows? Can't the relatives see that huge creature coming up the cellar stairs behind them? Hazel Rochman

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children (March 30, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0395839335
• ISBN-13: 978-0395839331
• Product Dimensions: 11.4 x 9.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,250,225 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars disappointed, July 19, 2009

By 

M. Vreeland - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Gullible's Troubles (Paperback)

I was very disappointed with this story,which I purchased based on the positive reviews. The main character is gullible by nature, a fact which his family (including the adults) exploits. They seem to tell him lies out of sheer meanness. I thought the ending was weak, rather than redemptive. I bought this to give as a gift, but have decided not to give it.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great children's book!, November 10, 2006

By 

LisaDee (Ashburn, VA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Gullible's Troubles (Paperback)

My 4 and 6-yr olds love this book, and I love reading it to them! After borrowing it from the library several times I finally decided to go ahead and get our own copy. It's just really clever writing, the ending is great!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Gullible's Troubles, March 23, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Gullible's Troubles (Paperback)

If you have a little one trying to overcome the fear of monsters, please do not try this book...Telling little children the consequence of lying is a good lesson, however, telling them monsters really exist by this way, I think that will only stifle the intended lesson.