Synopses & Reviews
“Shouldnt we be orphans?” one of the Willoughby children suggests one day. The four are, after all, part of an old-fashioned kind of family, and their parents-well, their parents are not all that one would hope for. Recalling literary heroes and heroines such as Anne of Green Gables, Pollyanna, and James with his giant peach, the Willoughbys concoct a diabolical plot to turn themselves into worthy and winsome orphans. Little do they know that Mr. and Mrs. Willoughby have already begun to formulate their own thoroughly despicable plan inspired by another favorite bedtime story: the tale of
Hansel and Gretel...
Villains, benefactors, no-nonsense nannies, abandoned infants, long-lost heirs, and late-life romance all make their appearance along with the irrepressible Willoughbys as the Newbery Award-winning author Lois Lowry pays playful homage to classic works of literature in this hilarious and decidedly “old-fashioned” parody.
Synopsis
Abandoned by their parents to the care of a nanny, the four Willoughby children attempt to fulfill their roles as good old-fashioned children--following the models set in lauded tales from A Christmas Carol to Mary Poppins. A starred Booklist review said of The Willoughbys, sly humor and a certain deadpan zaniness give literary conventions an ironic twist, with hilarious results.
Synopsis
Soon to be a Netflix animated film starring Will Forte, Maya Rudolph, Alessia Cara, Terry Crews, Martin Short, Jane Krakowski, S an Cullen, and Ricky Gervais Convinced they'd be better off raising themselves, the Willoughby children hatch a sneaky plan to send their selfish parents on vacation. The siblings then embark on their own high-flying adventure to find the true meaning of family.
The Willoughbys is a turn to the hilarious from the award-winning author of The Giver and Number the Stars that will have children and parents laughing.
About the Author
Lois Lowry has written many books beloved by children and adults alike. From the popular Anastasia Krupnik series to her best-selling novel The Giver, her books have garnered countless honors and awards, including two Newbery Medals. Look for Number the Stars, Messenger, The Silent Boy, Gathering Blue, Gossamer, The Willoughbys, and The Giver on audio from Listening Library.