Open the cover of the book. On the first page is the name or title of the book and the name of the man who has written the story and drawn the pictures. Also on this page is a small picture telling us a little more about the story and where it all happens. It shows it is summer time in the country. The sky is blue with a few fluffy white clouds. In the fields sheep, horses and cows are busily eating juicy green grass. In the distance is Mr Gumpy's house and the river with willow trees growing on its bank (you will hear a lot more about the river in the story). A little bridge crosses over it. Walking along the lane leading up to the bridge is a mother with her little child, and what's this? The mother is holding up an umbrella so there must have been a quick shower of rain.