Book Review: The Willoughbys

Question: What do you get when you cross Matilda by Roald Dahl and Junie B. Jones by Barbara Park?

Answer: The Willoughbys by Lois Lowry.

At least, that is what I think.

Abandoned by their ill-humored parents to the care of an odious nanny, Tim, the twins, Barnaby A and Barnaby B, and their sister, Jane, attempt to fulfill their roles as good oldfashioned children. Following the models set in lauded tales from A Christmas Carol to Mary Poppins, the four Willoughbys hope to attain their proscribed happy ending too, or at least a satisfyingly maudlin one. However, it is an unquestionably ruthless act that sets in motion the transformations that lead to their salvation and to happy endings for not only the four children, but their nanny, an abandoned baby, a candy magnate, and his long-lost son too. Replete with a tongue-in-cheek glossary and bibliography, this hilarious and decidedly old-fashioned parody pays playful homage to classic works of children’s literature.

The Willoughbys is a funny and entertaining book that you can read in a day (even with work and other obligations). The story reminded me of Matilda, a book (and movie) that I really loved as a child. Perhaps it is because I am an adult but I wondered how these parents had a child in the first place, furthermore to have all of four! They are worse than Matilda’s parents. However, I didn’t think the children were half as smart as Matilda was.

I didn’t like some of the ideas that came out in the book such as the fact that the children actually wanted their parents to die. In today’s society with children being as difficult as they are as it is, I am not sure if I would want them to get the idea that if you are in a bad situation and your parents die things will end up perfectly. I would never want them to even entertain the idea! Besides, wanting someone dead definitely doesn’t make you the better person.

On the other hand, if you (or your child) can recognize that the book is meant for fun and entertainment, then I am sure you will enjoy it. I absolutely loved the glossary! That is the part that reminded me of Junie B. Jones. The explanations/meanings given were hilarious but accurate. It is worth reading the book even if just to read that part.

I would recommend this to:

• Children
• Parents
• Persons who like children books
• Persons who need a light, fun, easy read

My rating
Really liked it – 4 out of 5 stars