What's the Name of That Book??? discussion

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► UNSOLVED: One specific book > Children's picture book, read to my class at story time during Junior School, in the early 1980s. Was a class favourite. contained the repeating phrase "ramumbo umbongo and don't look back".

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message 1: by Timothy (last edited Apr 05, 2022 01:35AM) (new)

Timothy Gillott | 6 comments When I was in junior school, in the 1980s, one of the books we had for story time featured the repeated phrase "ramumbo umbongo and don't look back". I have spelt the first two words how I remember them being said.

A person was on a journey and they had to remember the words 'ramumbo umbongo' for when they got there. If the turned around and 'looked back' they would forget the words.

I hope this isn't too obsucre. I used to love the story and would like to read it to my own children. If it help, it was around the same time as 'Don't Forget the Bacon', by Pat Hutchins.


message 2: by Capn (new)

Capn | 3506 comments Hello Timothy,

I can't help directly, but your comment is at risk of being "Locked Out" by a Moderator for being 'too vague' - could you copy and paste the "ramungo umbongo and don't look back" refrain and add it to your header? You can edit from the desktop site, or the mobile site if you choose to run the desktop site on it (NOT the App, sadly). :)


message 4: by Timothy (new)

Timothy Gillott | 6 comments Capn wrote: "Hello Timothy,

I can't help directly, but your comment is at risk of being "Locked Out" by a Moderator for being 'too vague' - could you copy and paste the "ramungo umbongo and don't look back" re..."


Thank you.


message 5: by Timothy (new)

Timothy Gillott | 6 comments Daisy wrote: "Tikki Tikki Tembo?"

No, but thank you. I've put that one on my wish list, though.


message 6: by Rainbowheart (new)

Rainbowheart | 28688 comments Was it a picture book?

Do you remember anything about the illustrations?


message 7: by Timothy (last edited Apr 06, 2022 07:17PM) (new)

Timothy Gillott | 6 comments Rainbowheart wrote: "Was it a picture book?

Do you remember anything about the illustrations?"


It did have pictures, yes,, but I'm afraid I can't remember anything about them. Sorry.


message 8: by Lobstergirl, au gratin (new)

Lobstergirl | 44924 comments Mod
Please add genre and plot details to your topic title - all titles must contain them.


message 9: by Timothy (new)

Timothy Gillott | 6 comments Lobstergirl wrote: "Please add genre and plot details to your topic title - all titles must contain them."

I've included as much as I can, but I am trying to remember details from I book I was read from over 35 years ago. My memory isn't great as it is, due to mental health issues. This is a last ditch attempt, to see if anyone could possibly help.


message 10: by Becca (new)

Becca (beccalikesbooks) | 5545 comments Timothy wrote: "Lobstergirl wrote: "Please add genre and plot details to your topic title - all titles must contain them."

I've included as much as I can, but I am trying to remember details from I book I was rea..."


What Lobstergirl means is that your header (the title of your post that currently says 'ramumbo umbongo and don't look back') should say something like 'Children's picture book, read in 1980s, repeated phrase "ramumbo umbongo and don't look back"'. I know the rules are finicky but we are trying to help!


message 11: by Timothy (new)

Timothy Gillott | 6 comments Becca wrote: "Timothy wrote: "Lobstergirl wrote: "Please add genre and plot details to your topic title - all titles must contain them."

I've included as much as I can, but I am trying to remember details from ..."


Thank you. I also have Autism, and all these rules are very confusing. I have added to the field.


message 12: by Rainbowheart (new)

Rainbowheart | 28688 comments Header looks great now! :)


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