Bubble Gum Guy

ISBN 0-7475-3125-0, Author Joost Drost

This book was especially written for the groups. It deals in a metaphorical way with self-control and self-esteem. Every chapter addresses part of the therapeutic process.

Chapter one introduces Guy, a boy born with a irremovable piece of bubble gum in his mouth. At first it makes him extra cute, but when Guy cannot always get what he wants, he gets angry and the bubble explodes and covers everybody in sticky yakkee. People get annoyed with the way Guy gets angry and classmates take pleasure in getting Guy to explode. Guy feels very much on his own. This is the recognition of the problem phase. There is no magic solution, no pill or knife that can take the bubble gum away. But Guy meets an old pearl diver who offers to teach him to dive, which requires a good breathing control, thus bubble control. This indicates that change can be achieved, not by magic but possibly with the help of an understanding adult.

Chapter two tells how Guy already feels better by the prospect of going to the old pearl diver in the summer. He explodes less often. Both teachers and pupils at school still judge him on his old reputation and even if he doesn't explode he is criticised for daydreaming. Only his parents start to understand him, support him and help to prepare him for his course in pearl diving. As the moment draws nearer Guy starts to doubt about himself and his bubble explodes more often again. People tell his parents that they predicted that Guy couldn't change. His parents stick with Guy and give him a pocket knife for his expedition. This shows Guy that his parents really trust him. This chapter indicates that just the finding of the help is already half the way forward, but that the world will keep judging you on your old reputation. It emphasises how important it is to have your parent's trust.

Chapter three describes how Guy arrives at the old man's cottage. The horrible weather prevents them from diving the first few days and all the do is repairing the boats. Guy becomes very insecure at that stage. It is hard work but nothing seems to change. But instead of his bubble exploding, Guy starts to cry. The old man praises him, tells him to listen to his confusion. The next day they go out to dive. Guy cannot wait to explore the yacht and almost drowns. All the old man does is to talk calming words to him, every time he surfaces totally out of breath. Words about listening to himself, to his fears and his hopes. This chapter indicates that overcoming your problem is hard work, which you have to do yourself. Others can only give you guidance. It also encourages the child to find the solution within themselves.

Chapter four is a moment of celebration, harvesting what has been learned. Guy hunts for a treasure in the rock-pools and finds a magic treasure. They build a campfire and the old man tells his life story. They swim in a fluorescent sea. This part helps to consolidate and deepen the good feeling within the child.

Chapter five is about ending. Guy is anxious about going back home. He wants a real treasure to take home. Guy and the old man go on a final journey to an underwater cave. Just when Guy panics they find an air bubble. No real treasure. Guy only gets a pebble, to remind him of the week with the old man. When Guy comes home, it is the same old world, that still expect him to explode. But Guy has changed and he makes one more journey to the sea to proof to himself that he can also do it on his own. This chapter helps the children to prepare for the ending of the group and encourages them to hold on to the changes within themselves, to be happy with themselves.

The book 'Bubble Gum Guy' has been published by Bloomsbury in 1997 but is out of print. However the story can be found in the self help workbook 'The Bubble Gum Guy: How to deal with how you feel.'

Jeremy's Song is a twinbook to Bubble Gum Guy. It tells the story of the old man. It has not yet been published but is available in a home-published version.