Rating: Recommended
HoughtonMifflin, 2008, $16.00
ISBN: 9780618979745
ISBN: 9780618979745
Age/Grade Level: 9 and up
Fans of Snicket and Dahl will eat up this "nefariously written and ignominiously illustrated" book by award-winning author Lois Lowry. Certainly a break from the author’s other works of historical and realistic fiction, The Willoughbys follows intertwining narratives with snappy dialogue and old fashioned fun! The four Willoughby children want to be orphans because of course, the orphans depicted in their favorite old books live the most exciting lives. Likewise, the Willoughby parents don't much like their children and would rather not be bothered by questions about breakfast and sweaters. Add together two wicked plots, a lost baby, a clever nanny, an avalanche, a chocolatier millionaire and very badly pronounced German and readers will laugh out loud at the Willoughby adventures! Complete with witty glossary and regal-sounding but hilariously-placed allusions to classic literature, this title is sure to become a future favorite! Recommended to all, especially young avid readers who will understand subtle humor.
Reviewer: Jacqueline Barry, Orange County Public Library/Villa Park Branch
