Tumford the Terrible

I've been a fan of Nancy Tillman since I came across On the Night You Were Born while browsing at my local bookstore. Its celebration of the uniqueness of every child, told in lovely language, have made it the gift I choose most often for expectant or adoptive parents. I also share it regularly with my own grandchildren and talk with them about how special they are. Tillman feels that the most important message for children to receive is simply, "You are loved." That message is core to my other favorite from Tillman's published works, Wherever You Are: My Love Will Find You. It its pages, children are assured that, no matter how far from home they go or what they do, they will be loved.

In Tumford the Terrible, Tillman goes in a show more slightly different direction. The message of unconditional love remains, but the story is more humorous, focusing on Tumford Stoutt, the beloved cat of Georgy and Violet Stoutt. Tumford seems to possess a certain carelessness - or perhaps he simply jumps into situations without considering the consequences. Either way, a trail of muddy footprints, broken dishes and spilled paint are likely to follow in his wake. The mishaps can't shake Georgy and Violet's love for their cat (because "love isn't measured in muddy galoshes or broken tea dishes or trampled-on squashes. No, love is a thing that just happens, you see... like the way I love you and the way you love me"). But the Stoutts are saddened by Tummy's inability to apologize when his actions cause destruction of one sort or another. Tummy would rather hide than say he's sorry - that most difficult word. The Stoutts hope that a special treat, offered on the condition that Tummy promises to apologize should the need arise, may get him past his inability to face the music. Tummy gives his promise, but will he keep it?

Tumford the Terrible is a sweet story told in rhyming verse that many young children may identify with. (My guess is that there are plenty of adults that will identify with Tumford as well.) :-) Apologizing can be difficult and there are many people who try to avoid it when possible. But learning to accept responsibility for one's actions or to tell someone you've wronged that you regret your actions is an important lesson. In Tumford the Terrible, Tillman remembers to assure readers that love remains, even when behavior is less than perfect. And making certain that children understand that as well is even more important.

As always, Tillman's lovely artwork is as appealing as her words, making the book a visual pleasure for children and adults. My favorite pieces in Tumford the Terrible are those showing the large black and white cat hiding among teddy bears on a bedroom shelf and strutting to town in his yellow boots.

Nancy Tillman continues to create books that I absolutely love having in my collection. Sharing them with my grandchildren and enjoying them on my own is sheer joy.

Very highly recommended. show less

Tumford is a very mischievous cat. But the problem is that when he causes mischief and messes things up he hides instead of saying he's sorry. Then his owners take him to the fair and make him promise to apologize when he makes a mess. When he spills on the Queen of the Fair he hides under a huge robe. Then he realizes that he'll make his family, and himself, proud by just apologizing. Therefore, he does, and the crowd cheers.

A cute book to emphasize manners and apologizing in the classroom. The rhyming makes it fun, as well. The illustrations are wonderful!

Tumford was a stubborn, spoiled cat. When his owners take him on an outing to the fair, they make him promise he would try to stay out of trouble, and if/when he makes a mess, he needs to apologize. Tumford promised one hundred percent.

Wearing his yellow plastic boots, he could stay rooted to the ground. However as soon as he smelled fish, off he went right over the hedge, spilling the fish on the Village Fair Queen, Tumford did what he always does when he is in trouble, He Hides!

In order to make his owners proud, he apologized to the queen. Heading home with a blue balloon and a smile, Tumford learned a lesson...for today anyway!

Tumford is a kitty who won’t say sorry. "In spite of the manners he often forgot, he would not say "I'm sorry." Oh no he would not." Even so his owners love him no matter what he does. The painted illustrations of Tumford are the highlight of this book. This brightly illustrated rhyming book will be reassuring to youngsters having a hard time remembering to do the right thing.

Tumford has trouble with 2 words: I'm Sorry. Tumford cannot seem to apologize for his mistakes but insteads hides when his owners find out the bad things he has done. Will tumford ever apologize for his mistakes? Read and see! A great book for students who may struggle with owning up to mistakes! Definitely a classrom must.

Not terrible at all. No self-respectiong cat will ever apologize!

This is the story about a cat, that forgets his manners. He will not say he is sorry. He does all kinds of bad things but forgets to apologize. This story is kinda like a Dr. Suess in that it rymes. Its a very delightfull book about a mischevious kitty.