Armed with nine quarters, Danny and James are hoping to coax out the prized silver race car from the gumball machine in Mr. Wright’s store. Oh, the suspense, as each quarter yields gumballs galore but not quite what their little hearts are pining for. Wanting something so badly and riding that roller coaster of high hopes followed by acrid disappointment when we don’t get what we’re hoping for, then daring to get back on our feet and give it just one more try is a childhood experience that we remember all too well. Jeff Newman’s illustrations have a great vintage vibe with an exuberant line that deftly captures kid energy and nostalgia.
Gum was written by Nancy Willard, illustrated by Jeff Newman and published by Candlewick Press.