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Glubbslyme
'Glubbslyme. You're magic!'When Rebecca wades into the witch's pond after a row with her best friend Sarah, she meets a very unusual new friend - a huge, warty toad! And Glubbslyme is no ordinary toad. Hundreds of years old, he can talk and - best of all - he can work magic. Maybe, just maybe, he can help Rebecca be best friends with Sarah again...?
32 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1988
15 people are currently reading
653 people want to read
About the author
Jacqueline Wilson
398 books5,713 followersJacqueline Wilson was born in Bath in 1945, but spent most of her childhood in Kingston-on-Thames. She always wanted to be a writer and wrote her first ‘novel’ when she was nine, filling in countless Woolworths’ exercise books as she grew up. As a teenager she started work for a magazine publishing company and then went on to work as a journalist on Jackie magazine (which she was told was named after her!) before turning to writing novels full-time.
One of Jacqueline’s most successful and enduring creations has been the famous Tracy Beaker, who first appeared in 1991 in The Story of Tracy Beaker. This was also the first of her books to be illustrated by Nick Sharratt. Since then Jacqueline has been on countless awards shortlists and has gone on to win many awards. The Illustrated Mum won the Guardian Children’s Fiction Award, the 1999 Children’s Book of the Year at the British Book Awards and was also shortlisted for the 1999 Whitbread Children’s Book Award.
Double Act won the prestigious Smarties Medal and the Children’s Book Award as well as being highly commended for the Carnegie Medal. The Story of Tracy Beaker won the 2002 Blue Peter People’s Choice Award.
Jacqueline is one of the nation’s favourite authors, and her books are loved and cherished by young readers not only in the UK but all over the world. She has sold millions of books and in the UK alone the total now stands at over 35 million!
In 2002 Jacqueline was awarded the OBE for services to literacy in schools and from 2005 to 2007 she was the Children’s Laureate. In 2008 she became Dame Jacqueline Wilson.
One of Jacqueline’s most successful and enduring creations has been the famous Tracy Beaker, who first appeared in 1991 in The Story of Tracy Beaker. This was also the first of her books to be illustrated by Nick Sharratt. Since then Jacqueline has been on countless awards shortlists and has gone on to win many awards. The Illustrated Mum won the Guardian Children’s Fiction Award, the 1999 Children’s Book of the Year at the British Book Awards and was also shortlisted for the 1999 Whitbread Children’s Book Award.
Double Act won the prestigious Smarties Medal and the Children’s Book Award as well as being highly commended for the Carnegie Medal. The Story of Tracy Beaker won the 2002 Blue Peter People’s Choice Award.
Jacqueline is one of the nation’s favourite authors, and her books are loved and cherished by young readers not only in the UK but all over the world. She has sold millions of books and in the UK alone the total now stands at over 35 million!
In 2002 Jacqueline was awarded the OBE for services to literacy in schools and from 2005 to 2007 she was the Children’s Laureate. In 2008 she became Dame Jacqueline Wilson.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
August 1, 2011
I read this when I was 9 or 10, and even though I used to devour Jacqueline Wilson books (like any other little girl), this one sticks in my mind as being absoloutely terrible. I don't know if I even finished it, it was so bad.
March 21, 2019
I’ve had a bad day and this was the perfect remedy. Such a cute little story about a very distinguished frog.
August 18, 2012
This book is full of laughter and entertainment and I really enjoyed reading it. It is a about a girl, Rebecca, who jumps in a witches pond after an argument with her friend Sarah. She then befriends a talking frog called Glubbslyme who can also do magic. They both have great adventures together. This book mainly deals with two girls who do not get along with each other but the good thing, at the end of the story, is that Rebecca is brave, as she decides to go and be nice to her ‘enemy.’
Children, ages 7-10, would particularly enjoy reading it as they would be able to relate to the issues the characters in the story deals with. Jacqeline Wilson books are great to read because she writes about challenging themes and topics that young children face and are able to relate to the different situations. This would also be great for independent reading.
Children, ages 7-10, would particularly enjoy reading it as they would be able to relate to the issues the characters in the story deals with. Jacqeline Wilson books are great to read because she writes about challenging themes and topics that young children face and are able to relate to the different situations. This would also be great for independent reading.
March 3, 2021
Read for the Jacqueline Wilson readathon. Here is the reading vlog: https://youtu.be/fg9WuWRiYz8
This is another book I hadn't read before and from the title on it's own, I had no idea what it would be about.
I didn't realise it was a much older one, so much so that Nick Sharratt hadn't drawn the illustrations, but redesigned the cover so it matched with her other books.
I really enjoyed this. I think Glubbslyme and Rebecca's friendship (or should I say tolerance?) was so much fun and I enjoyed seeing her get up to magical mischief.
The writing style feels more structured to me, I find and, it may have been because the font was tiny, but it took me longer to read.
The ending was a rather abrupt finish, but it was an entertaining and enjoyable story, nevertheless.
Pick it up, give it a go and enjoy! >(^_^)<
Gén
This is another book I hadn't read before and from the title on it's own, I had no idea what it would be about.
I didn't realise it was a much older one, so much so that Nick Sharratt hadn't drawn the illustrations, but redesigned the cover so it matched with her other books.
I really enjoyed this. I think Glubbslyme and Rebecca's friendship (or should I say tolerance?) was so much fun and I enjoyed seeing her get up to magical mischief.
The writing style feels more structured to me, I find and, it may have been because the font was tiny, but it took me longer to read.
The ending was a rather abrupt finish, but it was an entertaining and enjoyable story, nevertheless.
Pick it up, give it a go and enjoy! >(^_^)<
Gén
March 28, 2014
I quite enjoyed this book but it is not the best of Jacqueline Wilson
July 8, 2016
I loved this book as a child, although always hated how short it was
April 23, 2021
I think this was really adorable! I might keep it around!
February 9, 2020
I used to love Jacqueline Wilson when I was a kid but I’ve never read this one before. I think there was a point when I grew out of them and this was published after that point.
Glubbslyme seems to be aimed at a younger audience than some of the Wilson books I used to read. It doesn’t tackle huge issues like some of the other books but it does focus on loneliness and losing friends.
Rebecca starts to lose her best friend to Mandy, a girl who seems a little more sophisticated than Rebecca. She starts to alienate Rebecca by being mean to her and getting Sarah to join in. I remember this happening to me when I moved into secondary school. It hurts and feels confusing. Your also in that awkward age between liking kids stuff and wanting to be more grown up. I think I would have appreciated this book when this happened to me.
In true Wilson style she manages to hide this in a sweet story about a magic toad.
I really liked this and still think it’s really relevant to kids today. I can’t wait to re-read some of her other book!
Glubbslyme seems to be aimed at a younger audience than some of the Wilson books I used to read. It doesn’t tackle huge issues like some of the other books but it does focus on loneliness and losing friends.
Rebecca starts to lose her best friend to Mandy, a girl who seems a little more sophisticated than Rebecca. She starts to alienate Rebecca by being mean to her and getting Sarah to join in. I remember this happening to me when I moved into secondary school. It hurts and feels confusing. Your also in that awkward age between liking kids stuff and wanting to be more grown up. I think I would have appreciated this book when this happened to me.
In true Wilson style she manages to hide this in a sweet story about a magic toad.
I really liked this and still think it’s really relevant to kids today. I can’t wait to re-read some of her other book!
May 4, 2012
Ahhh.. ini buku Jacqueline Wilson pertama yang aku baca dan aku langsung suka dengan gaya bahasanya yang ceplas-ceplos. Buku ini berkisah tentang seorang anak perempuan bernama Rebecca yang bertemu dengan seekor kodok ajaib di kolam taman.
Suatu hari Rebecca bertengkar dengan sahabatnya, Sarah, perihal kolam penyihir yang terletak di taman. Em.. Si Rebecca berkali-kali menegaskan bahwa kolam tersebut dulunya adalah kolam tempat dibuangnya penyihir-penyihir di jaman kuno. Karena Sarah dan Mandy, teman Sarah lainnya, nggak ada yang percaya dengan perkataan Rebecca, maka mereka meninggalkan Rebecca yang sedang berusaha membuktikan bahwa kolam tersebut memang kolam penyihir.
Saat menceburkan diri di dalam kolam, Kaki Rebecca ditempeli seekor kodok buruk rupa (oke, kodok memang jelek, tapi sepertinya kodok di sini lebih jelek lagi rupanya). Spesialnya adalah, Kodok ini bisa bicara! Dulu ternyata dia adalah famili penyihir yang bernama Rebecca Cockgoldde sedangkan Kodok yang ternyata juga bisa menyihir ini bernama Glubbslyme.
Petualangan Rebbeca dan Kodok ajaibnya lucu meski kadang juga mengesalkan. Mulai dari belajar terbang sampai mengusili tetangga Rebecca. Selain kocak, cerewet, banyak maunya, sok keren dan sarkatis, Si Glubbslyme membuat saya tak bosan membaca buku cerita ini.
Bahkan dalam setengah jam saja saya sudah merampungkan kisahnya. Ditambah huruf yang memanjakan mata dan ilustrasi yang lucu di dalamnya, buku ini cocok dibaca sebagai teman anda di kala perjalanan. Sayangnya mungkin ada beberapa kata kasar yang dipakai di buku ini, yang menurut saya belum cocok untuk dibaca anak-anak. Sayang ya, padahal ceritanya itu lucu bangeett..
Tak apalah, Glubb bla bla (namanya susah buat diucapin kan?), aku kasih tiga bintang buat kamu!
Suatu hari Rebecca bertengkar dengan sahabatnya, Sarah, perihal kolam penyihir yang terletak di taman. Em.. Si Rebecca berkali-kali menegaskan bahwa kolam tersebut dulunya adalah kolam tempat dibuangnya penyihir-penyihir di jaman kuno. Karena Sarah dan Mandy, teman Sarah lainnya, nggak ada yang percaya dengan perkataan Rebecca, maka mereka meninggalkan Rebecca yang sedang berusaha membuktikan bahwa kolam tersebut memang kolam penyihir.
Saat menceburkan diri di dalam kolam, Kaki Rebecca ditempeli seekor kodok buruk rupa (oke, kodok memang jelek, tapi sepertinya kodok di sini lebih jelek lagi rupanya). Spesialnya adalah, Kodok ini bisa bicara! Dulu ternyata dia adalah famili penyihir yang bernama Rebecca Cockgoldde sedangkan Kodok yang ternyata juga bisa menyihir ini bernama Glubbslyme.
Petualangan Rebbeca dan Kodok ajaibnya lucu meski kadang juga mengesalkan. Mulai dari belajar terbang sampai mengusili tetangga Rebecca. Selain kocak, cerewet, banyak maunya, sok keren dan sarkatis, Si Glubbslyme membuat saya tak bosan membaca buku cerita ini.
Bahkan dalam setengah jam saja saya sudah merampungkan kisahnya. Ditambah huruf yang memanjakan mata dan ilustrasi yang lucu di dalamnya, buku ini cocok dibaca sebagai teman anda di kala perjalanan. Sayangnya mungkin ada beberapa kata kasar yang dipakai di buku ini, yang menurut saya belum cocok untuk dibaca anak-anak. Sayang ya, padahal ceritanya itu lucu bangeett..
Tak apalah, Glubb bla bla (namanya susah buat diucapin kan?), aku kasih tiga bintang buat kamu!
August 29, 2013
'Glubbslyme' is one of Jacqueline Wilson's earlier novels in which the title is the name of the magical toad that main character Rebecca accidentally befriends. This toad has the ability to talk and to cast spells upon others. When Rebecca and best friend Sarah fall out, Glubbslyme might just have the perfect spell to bring them back together again.
I have read many Jacqueline Wilson books and the reason Glubbslyme stands out for me is because it's quite different from the others in regards to fiction. Many of Wilson's books are stories about young girls that could be real life stories, thus relating to the young female readers. Glubbslyme has the most amount of imagination in the story line as of course there isn't such a thing as magical toad. An interesting twist to this book is that Glubbslyme is hundreds of years old and speaks with old English terminology, teaching the reader a little about history. This story still bares as much of an important message about the importance friendship and how you shouldn't 'judge a book by its cover'.
I have read many Jacqueline Wilson books and the reason Glubbslyme stands out for me is because it's quite different from the others in regards to fiction. Many of Wilson's books are stories about young girls that could be real life stories, thus relating to the young female readers. Glubbslyme has the most amount of imagination in the story line as of course there isn't such a thing as magical toad. An interesting twist to this book is that Glubbslyme is hundreds of years old and speaks with old English terminology, teaching the reader a little about history. This story still bares as much of an important message about the importance friendship and how you shouldn't 'judge a book by its cover'.
January 30, 2014
Dame Jacqueline Wilson (a very deserved title!) is, in my opinion, the best contemporary children's writer. She writes perfectly, in content, theme, style and accessibility for children from aged 6 to 13 (ish - of course this varies among children). She writes flawlessly for children, I could not find a single fault.
She is never patronizing and introduces young people to important life issues such as love, poverty, friendship, adolescence, separated parents, illnesses and so much more, in a manner that is accessible and completely appropriate for young people.
Children challenge themselves with their reading skills as the lexis and syntax are by no means 'easy' but are happy to do so as the plots and characters are so engaging.
A fantastic writer, whom I am sure instilled my love of reading and fiction from a young age.
'Glubbslyme' is one of the most fantastical of Wilson's books.
She is never patronizing and introduces young people to important life issues such as love, poverty, friendship, adolescence, separated parents, illnesses and so much more, in a manner that is accessible and completely appropriate for young people.
Children challenge themselves with their reading skills as the lexis and syntax are by no means 'easy' but are happy to do so as the plots and characters are so engaging.
A fantastic writer, whom I am sure instilled my love of reading and fiction from a young age.
'Glubbslyme' is one of the most fantastical of Wilson's books.
December 27, 2012
I admit, I haven't read this book in a number of years, so my memory of it is fuzzy, but I am quite sure that this was the book that got me into reading as a younger child, and for that, I owe this book a lot! I remember really enjoying it, particularly the injustice of no other characters believing the main protagonist when she tells her friends of Glubbslyme!
January 17, 2013
I used to adore this book as a child. Back then it seemed a long book :)
I reread it last night for old times sake, and whilst, obviously, a childrens book, it still raised a smile as well as a few childhood memories :D
A sweet read for children who like magic and witches
I reread it last night for old times sake, and whilst, obviously, a childrens book, it still raised a smile as well as a few childhood memories :D
A sweet read for children who like magic and witches
April 14, 2012
321 - 2012
August 27, 2012
LOVED IT :D the toad has so much attitude
Read
November 12, 2012I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/11507787
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/11507787
March 9, 2013
It was an interesting book
November 14, 2013
used to read these when I was a kid.
August 21, 2015
Advise to read
December 5, 2019
This book was really strange and im not even sure if i finished it.
December 5, 2019
I read this book all the way in like year two or something and from what I remember it was really bad but that was years ago so if I read it again it might be good.
July 13, 2019
So I found a load of Jacqueline Wilson books while decluttering so I figured I can't just get rid of them, I have to read them first for the nostalgia!
In this book we follow a young girl called Rebecca, after trying to prove a point to her friends she wades into a supposed 'witch's' pond, there she unexpectedly meets a magical toad called Glubbslyme! Can Glubbslyme be the answer to all Rebecca's problems?
I think this is such a fun read. It's definitely a children's book and although can be fun for adults you can definitely tell the intended audience. Some parts are just a bit silly but hey the book was supposed to be read by me over 10 years years ago so I can't really complain!
I loved the magical elements of this, how things didn't really turn out how Rebecca expected them and how she had to try and fix things! The whole book was a little bit fun and magic which ultimately is what I love in a children's book.
As this is a really short children's read I can't really go into too much detail without ruining the whole story! I think if you like magic, witches and curses then pick this up if you are looking for a quick read. It isn't deep or anything like that, just a quick, lighthearted and fun book.
Obviously as an adult I don't think I got as much enjoyment out of this as I would have if I had read it when I was 11/12 but hey I didn't hate the book. It was fun for what it was and yeah I would recommend it.
In this book we follow a young girl called Rebecca, after trying to prove a point to her friends she wades into a supposed 'witch's' pond, there she unexpectedly meets a magical toad called Glubbslyme! Can Glubbslyme be the answer to all Rebecca's problems?
I think this is such a fun read. It's definitely a children's book and although can be fun for adults you can definitely tell the intended audience. Some parts are just a bit silly but hey the book was supposed to be read by me over 10 years years ago so I can't really complain!
I loved the magical elements of this, how things didn't really turn out how Rebecca expected them and how she had to try and fix things! The whole book was a little bit fun and magic which ultimately is what I love in a children's book.
As this is a really short children's read I can't really go into too much detail without ruining the whole story! I think if you like magic, witches and curses then pick this up if you are looking for a quick read. It isn't deep or anything like that, just a quick, lighthearted and fun book.
Obviously as an adult I don't think I got as much enjoyment out of this as I would have if I had read it when I was 11/12 but hey I didn't hate the book. It was fun for what it was and yeah I would recommend it.
July 21, 2021
Plot: Rebecca is spending time with her friends, telling them about how witches were drowned in the pond they were playing next to, to prove her point she wades right into the pond but her friends dessert her, and once they do Rebecca stumbles upon Glubbslyme, a toad from hundreds of years ago, who has magical powers. I wont tell you anymore because I don't want to ruin the story.
Opinions: I liked this book less than all other Jacqueline Wilson books simply because a) the font wasn't the typical font, it was a typewriter font, b) the colour of the letter was darker and c) the drawings in the book were not done by Nick Sharratt. Don't get me wrong, the drawings were nice but not what I've come to know and love from a Jacqueline Wilson book.
The reason why I gave this book two stars was because I didn't like either of the main characters - Glubbslyme or Rebecca and there wasn't much of a story arc, the ending was all of a sudden, but I also wouldn't have wanted the book to go on any longer. Overall I just think that there are much much better Jacqueline Wilson books, basically any other book written by her.
Opinions: I liked this book less than all other Jacqueline Wilson books simply because a) the font wasn't the typical font, it was a typewriter font, b) the colour of the letter was darker and c) the drawings in the book were not done by Nick Sharratt. Don't get me wrong, the drawings were nice but not what I've come to know and love from a Jacqueline Wilson book.
The reason why I gave this book two stars was because I didn't like either of the main characters - Glubbslyme or Rebecca and there wasn't much of a story arc, the ending was all of a sudden, but I also wouldn't have wanted the book to go on any longer. Overall I just think that there are much much better Jacqueline Wilson books, basically any other book written by her.
December 24, 2021
2.5/5
I was recommended this book by a friend in my search for good kids books for when my little one is bigger. As a child, I read a lot of Jacqueline Wilson books but never Glubbslyme and thought I would give it a go.
- A simple and fun tale of an old witch's familiar met by a kid in the 80s. Not particularly nuanced or deep and you can tell it's one of Wilson's earlier works.
- The magic elements would be fun for children without being scary. Would be a good conversation started on witchcraft and the historical treatment of witches.
Not exemplary but enjoyable. For hardcore Jacqueline Wilson fans but by no means an essential.
I was recommended this book by a friend in my search for good kids books for when my little one is bigger. As a child, I read a lot of Jacqueline Wilson books but never Glubbslyme and thought I would give it a go.
- A simple and fun tale of an old witch's familiar met by a kid in the 80s. Not particularly nuanced or deep and you can tell it's one of Wilson's earlier works.
- The magic elements would be fun for children without being scary. Would be a good conversation started on witchcraft and the historical treatment of witches.
Not exemplary but enjoyable. For hardcore Jacqueline Wilson fans but by no means an essential.
September 5, 2021
I remember this as being my least favourite of all the Jacqueline Wilson books, and I struggled to remember any of the plot before the re read today.
It’s definitely one of her older books, you can tell by the writing style as well as the fact that the language that she uses is noticeably different than her later books. Even the subject matter seems to be quite odd for her books.
While I appreciated the story for what it was, I know realise why this was my least favourite story of hers and I’m pretty confident it won’t be one that I keep around for any reason.
It’s definitely one of her older books, you can tell by the writing style as well as the fact that the language that she uses is noticeably different than her later books. Even the subject matter seems to be quite odd for her books.
While I appreciated the story for what it was, I know realise why this was my least favourite story of hers and I’m pretty confident it won’t be one that I keep around for any reason.
July 28, 2022
A cute, short tale of a young girl befriending a dead witch’s toad familiar.
There’s not a lot going on in terms of plot - some interesting moments of Glubbslyme working his magic to ruin the neighbour’s garden and help Rebecca fly. It’s a fairly quick read, so there was little immersion. There is an attempt to flesh out Rebecca’s character by giving her some conflict with friends but overall there is little personality, though the writing overall is easy to understand and appropriate for a children’s book.
There’s not a lot going on in terms of plot - some interesting moments of Glubbslyme working his magic to ruin the neighbour’s garden and help Rebecca fly. It’s a fairly quick read, so there was little immersion. There is an attempt to flesh out Rebecca’s character by giving her some conflict with friends but overall there is little personality, though the writing overall is easy to understand and appropriate for a children’s book.
August 29, 2022
I’m back on with the JW’s … this one is a bit different to her usual books. I thought it was ok but not a lot happening really. It’s all about a girl Rebecca who meets a magical toad “Glubbslyme” … Rebecca is struggling because her best friend Sarah has a new friend Mandy who is really mean to her. With her new slimy friend she wants to teach Mandy a lesson but learns that revenge isn’t the way. It’s a cute story but it’s quite quick so nothing much happens. Ok for a sweet read and it would be good for Halloween cause there is a lot of talks about witches and magic. 🧙♀️🪄
February 24, 2017
I have just read this for the first time as an adult so definitely not the right reading age but I did enjoy it, I think it would be good for ages 12+ as it does contain mild adult references such as barbies drinking champagne and toads sucking blood. Not necessarily one of her best in terms of character development and encouraging a younger audience to think deeper about moral choices but enjoyable nonetheless
August 25, 2025
This book doesn't feel like it was written by Jackie, to be honest. It's not bad, it just feels a bit out of place. Maybe it's because the topic is so fantasy (a 17th-century witch frog) and the social dynamics or modern family issues (Jackie's powers) aren't really addressed. Furthermore, in the version of the book I read, the illustrations weren't by Nick Sharratt (but by Jane Cope). It just felt different. But still funny in some parts.
May 4, 2017
Glubbslyme was a good book by Jacqueline Wilson, though not the best. I enjoyed the story line but sometimes got a bit lost at what was happening. I enjoyed this book regardless and am looking forward to reading more.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews