What's Up, Mumu?

One morning, Mumu is not quite Mumu. Things start badly and just don’t get any better. Nothing can put things right and that’s that. Lox, though, knows Mumu favourite things better than anyone. So off they go on a journey to restore Mumu’s zest for life.

But it seems, as Lox’s patience, friendship and understanding are stretched and tested, that the day really can’t be put right. Today Mumu doesn’t like shops with shiny windows full of new things. The Blue Lake, a horse film, oysters and fries, the countryside and a game of hide and seek all fail to please. Mumu remains obdurate. The roller coaster is too rattly. The salted peanuts are too salty. The roses make Mumu’s eyes itch. The top of the highest skyscraper, the one with an amazing view, is too windy.

Finally, tired and unhappy, Lox decides that nothing is going to cheer Mumu up. That is, until Mumu decides that it’s actually Lox that needs cheering up with a visit to the Planetarium and the Blue Lake, taking in some shopping on the way home.

Text and illustrations work together to produce a funny, poignant book, described by Oliver Jeffers as ‘stunningly beautiful and simple’. It is one of those classics that speaks simultaneously to both adults and children. It’s a book to share, cherish and smile over together.