Review by Jill Williamson
The four Willoughby children live with parents so wicked, they feel they would be better off as orphans. They seek a way to get rid of their parents, not knowing that their parents are formulating their own diabolical plan inspired by the story Hansel and Gretel: abandon the children.
Mr. and Mrs. Willoughby put their house up for sale, hire a level-headed Nanny, and take off on an endless vacation. As the children plot and plan, Nanny takes good care of them. But there is more to the story than the Willoughbys. With a candy bar tycoon, an obsequious postmaster, two more winsome orphans, a number of references to classic children’s stories, and a thorough glossary at the end for all the new vocabulary words, this amusing parody is sure to bring a smile to the reader’s face.
Award-winning author Lois Lowry spins an old-fashioned parody tale reminiscent of terrible situations that befall characters from Grimm fairy tales. This book is entertaining. The plot is a bit depressing with the Willoughby family in such a mess. The eldest son is a bit ruthless, but Nanny tries to teach all the children some values. She does admit, however, that their parents are truly dolts and that she, herself, is a Presbyterian.
This book is harmless satirical fun, mocking fairy tales and classic stories in just about every way. All turns out well in the end for everyone but the evil parents.
Age Range: 9-12
Genre: Contemporary
Part of a Series: no
Pages: 174
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Company
Released: 2008
Leave a Reply