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The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles
The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles was the second children’s novel ever written by Julie Andrews, the beloved star of Mary Poppins and The Sound of Music . Perfect for young readers who love whimsical stories about magic! The Whangdoodle was once the wisest, the kindest, and the most extraordinary creature in the world. Then he disappeared and created a wonderful land for himself and all the other remarkable animals—the ten-legged Sidewinders, the little furry Flukes, the friendly Whiffle Bird, and the treacherous, "oily" Prock. It was an almost perfect place where the last of the really great Whangdoodles could rule his kingdom with "peace, love and a sense of fun"—apart from and forgotten by people. But not completely forgotten. Professor Savant believed in the Whangdoodle. And when he told the three Potter children of his search for the spectacular creature, Lindy, Tom, and Ben were eager to reach Whangdoodleland. With the Professor's help, they discovered the secret way. But waiting for them was the scheming Prock, who would use almost any means to keep them away from his beloved king. Only by skill and determination were the four travelers able to discover the last of the really great Whangdoodles and grant him his heart's desire. The novel was originally published in 1974. This edition includes a foreword by Julie Andrews.
209 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1974
About the author
Julie Andrews Edwards
62 books1,301 followersDame Julie Elizabeth Andrews Edwards, DBE is an award-winning English actress, singer, author and cultural icon. She is the recipient of Golden Globe, Emmy, Grammy, BAFTA, People's Choice Award, Theatre World Award, Screen Actors Guild and Academy Award honours. Andrews rose to prominence after starring in Broadway musicals such as My Fair Lady and Camelot, as well as musical films like Mary Poppins (1964) and The Sound of Music (1965).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,304 reviews
August 25, 2009
'Faugh' and 'pifflesticks' to those who think this book doesn't retain the charm and magic of when we experienced it as children. As professor Savant sadly says, 'those people have lost their imagination entirely'.
If you, as an adult, still look for fairies in the shadows around streams, see the massive shapes of mythical beasts in clouds, or laugh at the oddest things, finding joy and amusement where others scowl discouragingly - then there is still hope for you!
Every part of this book is joy and wonder. It's not some kind of Tolkien-esque saga of heraldry and lineages - it's a smallish, wonderful tale about being able to see the wondrous things that exist in plain sight all around us.
Sure, it's a "kid's book"...but not in the limitational sense of the term. I think this belongs on the Fantasy shelves in the 'Brary, rather than delegated to the Children's section where grownups never go.
The idea of an old male professor making kids keep secrets from their parents while they have in-depth "training exercises" in his house is laughably dated, in a fun and whimsical way which makes one long for those days of innocent ignorance.
I say again FAUGH and PIFFLESTICKS! If you were like me as a child, and found the ideas in this book both magical and wondrous, take the trip again (while wearing your Imagination Hats, of course, which means not being a stuffy old sourpuss)
Even better, read this to your own kids and pass the legacy of this fantastic little book on to a new generation. Our little ones lose more and more of their imagination every day to the glare of a computer screen and the 24/7 input of mass media and television. This gem will always be there to remind us that not everything needs to have a listing on Wikipedia to be REAL and AMAZING.
Peace
If you, as an adult, still look for fairies in the shadows around streams, see the massive shapes of mythical beasts in clouds, or laugh at the oddest things, finding joy and amusement where others scowl discouragingly - then there is still hope for you!
Every part of this book is joy and wonder. It's not some kind of Tolkien-esque saga of heraldry and lineages - it's a smallish, wonderful tale about being able to see the wondrous things that exist in plain sight all around us.
Sure, it's a "kid's book"...but not in the limitational sense of the term. I think this belongs on the Fantasy shelves in the 'Brary, rather than delegated to the Children's section where grownups never go.
The idea of an old male professor making kids keep secrets from their parents while they have in-depth "training exercises" in his house is laughably dated, in a fun and whimsical way which makes one long for those days of innocent ignorance.
I say again FAUGH and PIFFLESTICKS! If you were like me as a child, and found the ideas in this book both magical and wondrous, take the trip again (while wearing your Imagination Hats, of course, which means not being a stuffy old sourpuss)
Even better, read this to your own kids and pass the legacy of this fantastic little book on to a new generation. Our little ones lose more and more of their imagination every day to the glare of a computer screen and the 24/7 input of mass media and television. This gem will always be there to remind us that not everything needs to have a listing on Wikipedia to be REAL and AMAZING.
Peace
December 18, 2021
The title of this book could just as easily be pulp porn as a children's book. In fact the first time I saw the title I really did think it was about something else Really Big. But there are lots of these innuendos hidden in children's books from
Shel Silverstein's The Missing Piece Meets the Big O,
Tom Swift and His Big Dirigible,
The Muffin Muncher
Dr. Seuss's The Pocket Book of Boners
Games You Can Play With Your Pussy
or in song, Chuck Berry's children's sing-a-long number My Ding a Ling (lyrics), possibly the dirtiest song ever.
Or perhaps it's just my mind!
No it's not. It's yours too. And the person who put pictures up from this page of the 'weirdest children's books ever' together.
Luckily children do not have an adult sense of humour at all.
Shel Silverstein's The Missing Piece Meets the Big O,
Tom Swift and His Big Dirigible,
The Muffin Muncher
Dr. Seuss's The Pocket Book of Boners
Games You Can Play With Your Pussy
or in song, Chuck Berry's children's sing-a-long number My Ding a Ling (lyrics), possibly the dirtiest song ever.
Or perhaps it's just my mind!
No it's not. It's yours too. And the person who put pictures up from this page of the 'weirdest children's books ever' together.
Luckily children do not have an adult sense of humour at all.
August 31, 2018
Yes, this is written by Julie Andrews, that Julie Andrews. Mary Poppins wrote this book. I would love to hear her narrate this story. She is a good author too. She painted lovely pictures and I enjoyed her English dialect. She has a good ear for dialogue and her imagination and world building is very good.
This story was written in 1974, a very good year I must say. One of the plot points is DNA. I am assuming this was a cutting edge topic during that day. She melds science and belief together so nicely. There are also Potters in this story. Before Harry Potter, there was the Potter clan of Lindy, Ben and Tom Potter. They hang out with the professor who recently won the Nobel Peace Prize.
I love the thread of how important imagination and belief is. It is in the vein of 'the Secret'. The power of our thinking is all important. If you think you can do something, then you can do anything. There are no limits to what we can accomplish. They are talking about the spiritual laws of the universe entwined with Science. It's wonderfully done.
The children are told stories by Professor Savant instructing them to get to Whangdoodleland. They want to see the last of the Whangdoodles. Julie builds an interesting and exciting land. They meet many challenges and I love how most of them have to do with your thinking and how you react to problems.
The Potters do eventually meet the King Whangdoodle. There is a happy ending. I did have fun reading this. It is a little slower than modern fiction, but it holds up rather well 43 years later.
At our school, we are taught to see the world around us and really look at this. Not to assume someone's stories. Many of the lessons the Professor taught reminded me of our work.
I'm so glad I read this and Julie is talented with the pen. I think her singing and acting skills were stronger, but she has a good solid story here about imagination. I hear she has other stories and I might need to check them out at some point.
This story was written in 1974, a very good year I must say. One of the plot points is DNA. I am assuming this was a cutting edge topic during that day. She melds science and belief together so nicely. There are also Potters in this story. Before Harry Potter, there was the Potter clan of Lindy, Ben and Tom Potter. They hang out with the professor who recently won the Nobel Peace Prize.
I love the thread of how important imagination and belief is. It is in the vein of 'the Secret'. The power of our thinking is all important. If you think you can do something, then you can do anything. There are no limits to what we can accomplish. They are talking about the spiritual laws of the universe entwined with Science. It's wonderfully done.
The children are told stories by Professor Savant instructing them to get to Whangdoodleland. They want to see the last of the Whangdoodles. Julie builds an interesting and exciting land. They meet many challenges and I love how most of them have to do with your thinking and how you react to problems.
The Potters do eventually meet the King Whangdoodle. There is a happy ending. I did have fun reading this. It is a little slower than modern fiction, but it holds up rather well 43 years later.
At our school, we are taught to see the world around us and really look at this. Not to assume someone's stories. Many of the lessons the Professor taught reminded me of our work.
I'm so glad I read this and Julie is talented with the pen. I think her singing and acting skills were stronger, but she has a good solid story here about imagination. I hear she has other stories and I might need to check them out at some point.
October 3, 2017
EXCERPT: 'I assure you that the Wangdoodle exists,' said the man. 'Look it up in your dictionary when you get home. '
'What does it look like?' asked Lindy.
'That's rather hard to describe. It's a little like a moose - or a horse, perhaps. But with fantastic horns. And I believe it has rather short legs.'
'Where does it live?' enquired Tom.
'Oh,far, far away......'
THE BLURB: The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles was the second children’s novel ever written by Julie Andrews, the beloved star of Mary Poppins and The Sound of Music. Perfect for young readers who love whimsical stories about magic!
The Whangdoodle was once the wisest, the kindest, and the most extraordinary creature in the world. Then he disappeared and created a wonderful land for himself and all the other remarkable animals—the ten-legged Sidewinders, the little furry Flukes, the friendly Whiffle Bird, and the treacherous, "oily" Prock. It was an almost perfect place where the last of the really great Whangdoodles could rule his kingdom with "peace, love and a sense of fun"—apart from and forgotten by people.
But not completely forgotten. Professor Savant believed in the Whangdoodle. And when he told the three Potter children of his search for the spectacular creature, Lindy, Tom, and Ben were eager to reach Whangdoodleland.
With the Professor's help, they discovered the secret way. But waiting for them was the scheming Prock, who would use almost any means to keep them away from his beloved king. Only by skill and determination were the four travelers able to discover the last of the really great Whangdoodles and grant him his heart's desire.
MY THOUGHTS: All the times I read The Last of the Really Great Wangdoodles by Julie Edwards to and with my sons, and I never realized that the author was Julie Andrews!
She must have had an enormous amount of fun writing this book, because it is a fun read, but with a more serious undertone - genetics and cloning.
But the greatest thing about the book is that it is magical, not in a Harry Potter kind of way, but in its innocence. This book would never get written or published today. A group of children going off with a strange man they met at the zoo and doing things in his house that they can't tell their parents about?!
And it is a pity. Because this is a wonderful book. And I was so glad to find it, prized and loved on my son's bookshelves to be read to and with his boys.
Truly a book for all ages. If you never got to read it as a child, read it as an adult. We all need a little magic and wonder in our lives.
A big Thank You to Brenda, who worked for me many moons ago when my now adult sons were small, and who bought this book for them. It has been treasured and always will be.
'What does it look like?' asked Lindy.
'That's rather hard to describe. It's a little like a moose - or a horse, perhaps. But with fantastic horns. And I believe it has rather short legs.'
'Where does it live?' enquired Tom.
'Oh,far, far away......'
THE BLURB: The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles was the second children’s novel ever written by Julie Andrews, the beloved star of Mary Poppins and The Sound of Music. Perfect for young readers who love whimsical stories about magic!
The Whangdoodle was once the wisest, the kindest, and the most extraordinary creature in the world. Then he disappeared and created a wonderful land for himself and all the other remarkable animals—the ten-legged Sidewinders, the little furry Flukes, the friendly Whiffle Bird, and the treacherous, "oily" Prock. It was an almost perfect place where the last of the really great Whangdoodles could rule his kingdom with "peace, love and a sense of fun"—apart from and forgotten by people.
But not completely forgotten. Professor Savant believed in the Whangdoodle. And when he told the three Potter children of his search for the spectacular creature, Lindy, Tom, and Ben were eager to reach Whangdoodleland.
With the Professor's help, they discovered the secret way. But waiting for them was the scheming Prock, who would use almost any means to keep them away from his beloved king. Only by skill and determination were the four travelers able to discover the last of the really great Whangdoodles and grant him his heart's desire.
MY THOUGHTS: All the times I read The Last of the Really Great Wangdoodles by Julie Edwards to and with my sons, and I never realized that the author was Julie Andrews!
She must have had an enormous amount of fun writing this book, because it is a fun read, but with a more serious undertone - genetics and cloning.
But the greatest thing about the book is that it is magical, not in a Harry Potter kind of way, but in its innocence. This book would never get written or published today. A group of children going off with a strange man they met at the zoo and doing things in his house that they can't tell their parents about?!
And it is a pity. Because this is a wonderful book. And I was so glad to find it, prized and loved on my son's bookshelves to be read to and with his boys.
Truly a book for all ages. If you never got to read it as a child, read it as an adult. We all need a little magic and wonder in our lives.
A big Thank You to Brenda, who worked for me many moons ago when my now adult sons were small, and who bought this book for them. It has been treasured and always will be.
January 30, 2016
We finished this today and Boy was so happy to have it done. I thought it was a groovy little story, but I most certainly would not have chosen it for an entire elementary school to read.
Of course, no one asked me.
I'm not bitter about that. Really.
***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ******
Actually, Boy is reading this book, along with everyone else in his Elementary school, but because he is nice, he is allowing me to read it with him. Every year the school chooses one book for the entire student body (K-5) to read collectively, chapter by chapter, in the evenings with their families.
We're four chapters in and I'm enjoying this more than I expected to; Boy....not so much....but he's a boy and the book is not about baseball, so....
Of course, no one asked me.
I'm not bitter about that. Really.
***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ******
Actually, Boy is reading this book, along with everyone else in his Elementary school, but because he is nice, he is allowing me to read it with him. Every year the school chooses one book for the entire student body (K-5) to read collectively, chapter by chapter, in the evenings with their families.
We're four chapters in and I'm enjoying this more than I expected to; Boy....not so much....but he's a boy and the book is not about baseball, so....
July 31, 2022
One of my favorite books as a child, I still adore The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles. It's a creative fantasy that makes you think and dream. It was one of those books that got me reading independently as a kid, and I've read it several times since then.
And just let me say that I can still smell marshmallows in a marshmallow-less room. :P
That said, it's not for anyone who wants anything but silly. It's dreadfully silly, which is what's fun about it.
And just let me say that I can still smell marshmallows in a marshmallow-less room. :P
That said, it's not for anyone who wants anything but silly. It's dreadfully silly, which is what's fun about it.
June 10, 2010
Maybe I've been watching too much SVU, but there's something discomfiting about a bunch of kids following a man they met at the zoo to a secluded cabin so they can go on adventures they're not allowed to tell their parents about. Luckily there's a great message - you need to believe in your dreams or your imagination or something. And science is a modern-day religion. And genetically engineering a spouse for yourself is the wave of the future. You know, good stuff for kids.
May 25, 2011
3.5 stars for this one.
I got really depressed when I started reading this book because Julie Andrews lied to me. She says in the intro about the Whangdoodle: "I had discovered him in my Webster's Dictionary. I assure you he is there. Go look him up." Um, there is NO "whangdoodle" in my big fat herkin' Webster's New World Dictionary. I looked three times. Julie Andrews lied to me. That's so depressing. It's like having frigging Mary Poppins lie to you!
My favorite things about Whangdoodleland:
1)The Jolly Boat. It's joke-propelled. You have to keep telling jokes to get it moving.
2)The Whiffle Bird. "MAYDAY!" I'm certain I did not read this book as a child, but the Whiffle Bird seemed so familiar to me. Was there a movie?
3)The Oinck. When Professor Savant says, "It's a great pleasure to meet you," the Oinck replies:
"Is it? I've never met me, so I wouldn't know." That just tickled me pickled.
4)The soda fountain. You stand in front of the mirror and tell it what sort of ice cream sundae you'd like, and it magically appears.
I got really depressed when I started reading this book because Julie Andrews lied to me. She says in the intro about the Whangdoodle: "I had discovered him in my Webster's Dictionary. I assure you he is there. Go look him up." Um, there is NO "whangdoodle" in my big fat herkin' Webster's New World Dictionary. I looked three times. Julie Andrews lied to me. That's so depressing. It's like having frigging Mary Poppins lie to you!
My favorite things about Whangdoodleland:
1)The Jolly Boat. It's joke-propelled. You have to keep telling jokes to get it moving.
2)The Whiffle Bird. "MAYDAY!" I'm certain I did not read this book as a child, but the Whiffle Bird seemed so familiar to me. Was there a movie?
3)The Oinck. When Professor Savant says, "It's a great pleasure to meet you," the Oinck replies:
"Is it? I've never met me, so I wouldn't know." That just tickled me pickled.
4)The soda fountain. You stand in front of the mirror and tell it what sort of ice cream sundae you'd like, and it magically appears.
February 11, 2016
Okay, maybe I'm a little loose with the 5 star ratings...but, for me, this book is totally worth the 5 stars.
I never read this one as a child and read it recently only for book club. The theme was about rediscovering childhood and YA books as adults. I loved this. I love the whimisical nature of the book. I love how often they talk about sweets. I love Julie Andrews.
Yes, whangdoodle sounds like a dirty word. But, if you get your mind out of the gutter, its actually a pretty fun word to say. Say it aloud now.
Yes, this book can be interpreted as a creepy old man taking an unnatural interest in children. Alternatively, it can be a wise old man passing on a marvellous way of reimagining the world around us to a new generation. It can be thought of as a commentary on the peaceful coexistence of science and faith.
Or, for those of us (like me) who just enjoyed escaping into the world of a children's book, this book is pure fun. No deep thinking required, just an imaginative, colorful world with fantasy creatures we would all love to meet.
I never read this one as a child and read it recently only for book club. The theme was about rediscovering childhood and YA books as adults. I loved this. I love the whimisical nature of the book. I love how often they talk about sweets. I love Julie Andrews.
Yes, whangdoodle sounds like a dirty word. But, if you get your mind out of the gutter, its actually a pretty fun word to say. Say it aloud now.
Yes, this book can be interpreted as a creepy old man taking an unnatural interest in children. Alternatively, it can be a wise old man passing on a marvellous way of reimagining the world around us to a new generation. It can be thought of as a commentary on the peaceful coexistence of science and faith.
Or, for those of us (like me) who just enjoyed escaping into the world of a children's book, this book is pure fun. No deep thinking required, just an imaginative, colorful world with fantasy creatures we would all love to meet.
March 24, 2013
Whew...just got back from an amazing adventure. Oh yes...was back from Whangdoodleland and I have much to tell.
Saw the book first at Booksale. Wasn't able to buy it though coz when I got the chance, I couldn't find it anymore. I was lucky enough to buy a copy at Lopues East. And whoa...cheaper.
I was curious about the book. Not to mention it's written by Julie (Andrews) Edwards. It's about this rare magical creature called 'whangdoodle' who isolated himself from humanity to save his life from extinction...along with other magical creatures.
And here comes the three Potter children and the smart Professor Savant on a quest to see the last of the whangdoodles. It was impossible for them at first but through their imaginations...indeed...everything was possible. Oh yes...you got to travel to Whangdoodleland but juts imagining it. The better your imagination, the faster you get there.
But seein the whangdoodle isn't that easy. There's the Prock, the prime minister of the magical land who would do everything to stop the children and the professor in seeing the whangdoodle. There's the Gyascatus, the Sidewinders, the Gazooks, the Swamp Gaboons, and the High Behind Splintercat. If you don't mind your manners, just as the wonderful Whiffle Bird always says, then you won't be able to see the whangdoodle.
Setting aside the hindrances were a lot more. There's the Jolly Boat that travels through the Golden River, a river that plays music with every movement of water. And there's the Flavor of the Month Tree that bears different fruit each month. The wonderful Flutterbyes. The sky that was red and the trees that were purple. The Braintrain and those Gum Trees that secret edible bubble gums that could make you fly. Cool.
This book is the next best thing to The Neverending Story. Yes, it's escapism.
What kids have that make them superior to adults?
It's there imagination.
Saw the book first at Booksale. Wasn't able to buy it though coz when I got the chance, I couldn't find it anymore. I was lucky enough to buy a copy at Lopues East. And whoa...cheaper.
I was curious about the book. Not to mention it's written by Julie (Andrews) Edwards. It's about this rare magical creature called 'whangdoodle' who isolated himself from humanity to save his life from extinction...along with other magical creatures.
And here comes the three Potter children and the smart Professor Savant on a quest to see the last of the whangdoodles. It was impossible for them at first but through their imaginations...indeed...everything was possible. Oh yes...you got to travel to Whangdoodleland but juts imagining it. The better your imagination, the faster you get there.
But seein the whangdoodle isn't that easy. There's the Prock, the prime minister of the magical land who would do everything to stop the children and the professor in seeing the whangdoodle. There's the Gyascatus, the Sidewinders, the Gazooks, the Swamp Gaboons, and the High Behind Splintercat. If you don't mind your manners, just as the wonderful Whiffle Bird always says, then you won't be able to see the whangdoodle.
Setting aside the hindrances were a lot more. There's the Jolly Boat that travels through the Golden River, a river that plays music with every movement of water. And there's the Flavor of the Month Tree that bears different fruit each month. The wonderful Flutterbyes. The sky that was red and the trees that were purple. The Braintrain and those Gum Trees that secret edible bubble gums that could make you fly. Cool.
This book is the next best thing to The Neverending Story. Yes, it's escapism.
What kids have that make them superior to adults?
It's there imagination.
November 25, 2017
A delightful and magical romp. Romp is the defining word here - magic ice cream machines, a ship called the Jolly Roger that sails via the energy of laughs and jokes, motorcycles creatures . . . the fun is endless. There were several times when I was laughing out loud - a rarity for me.
I read the book in one sitting and was transported on the most wild adventure - where the plot twists are just as scrumptious and complex as the delightful words that permeate the book - words like Whangdoodle, Gazook and Wiffle Birds - it's like being stuck in a colorful, narrative novel of the Jabberwocky.
I especially loved Professor Savant and related to him in many ways - able to be childlike, but still the responsible adult - forgiving but never letting the children get away with nonsense - leading the charge into a life of magical living - but the tenderhearted safety line when things get too scary.
In all honesty - this is was I would most like to be for the rest of my life - a magical guardian that takes children on all kinds of romps and magical adventures. Now THAT would be perfection. I could happily do that for the rest of my life. :)
This book is very reminiscent of the Oz series (one of my favorite childlike escapes of all time) - and overall, has that wonderful old fashioned feel and tone - aside from the main theme - which was really pushing evolution and a progressive society where: "Man now has the same power as God so we must be responsible in how we use it and use it for good." (good luck, sinners)
Because of that theme - I would be reluctant to give it to really young readers - but this would make the loveliest read aloud.
I read the book in one sitting and was transported on the most wild adventure - where the plot twists are just as scrumptious and complex as the delightful words that permeate the book - words like Whangdoodle, Gazook and Wiffle Birds - it's like being stuck in a colorful, narrative novel of the Jabberwocky.
I especially loved Professor Savant and related to him in many ways - able to be childlike, but still the responsible adult - forgiving but never letting the children get away with nonsense - leading the charge into a life of magical living - but the tenderhearted safety line when things get too scary.
In all honesty - this is was I would most like to be for the rest of my life - a magical guardian that takes children on all kinds of romps and magical adventures. Now THAT would be perfection. I could happily do that for the rest of my life. :)
This book is very reminiscent of the Oz series (one of my favorite childlike escapes of all time) - and overall, has that wonderful old fashioned feel and tone - aside from the main theme - which was really pushing evolution and a progressive society where: "Man now has the same power as God so we must be responsible in how we use it and use it for good." (good luck, sinners)
Because of that theme - I would be reluctant to give it to really young readers - but this would make the loveliest read aloud.
May 16, 2011
This was my all time favorite book growing up. Remembering saving my quarters to purchase it. I should have known I would become a bibliophile! It was great fun describing the machinations of actually BUYING the book to my children, pre internet, massive bookstore days. Managing to get out of the small farming town and having to walk down main street in Ventura CA to the ONLY bookstore around. Of course, they did not have the book so I had to place the order and wait, wait, wait for it to arrive. When I received the phone call, it was another wait for a free Saturday to drive and pick it up. I have been known to call my children by the wrong name but just as if it were yesterday, I can remember standing at the counter paying for my book and it being placed in a small white bag with the name of the bookshop elegantly written in black. Man, I'm old! The smell of the book when opened was like a drug and I was soon enveloped in the euphoria of being the very. first. reader. The story is delightful as well. An imaginary world that mimics our own, hopefully searching for what is good and beautiful. When I recently re read this book for my 10 yr old daughters book club, I was struck at how there were Christian themes that drew the reader in. The girls truly enjoyed discovering them. Since I read it as a pagan, I was not sure what my take would be now but I loved it just as I did when I was 10!
October 20, 2017
This book was very fun to read and I connected to Lindy, the youngest sibling, a lot because I have been the youngest in my family for ages. I wasn't able to connect to everything, like the moments when the "Prock", the antagonist, uses Lindy's innocents to know what professor Savant is up to because I've never been in a situation like Lindy. I can also connect with Lindy because of how the siblings treat her. Not in a bad way but just how they treat her in general. Like manipulating her to knock on the door on halloween. My sister did that once or twice with me but not in as scary moments as Lindy. A final connection is to the Whangdoodle who has gone through experiences that prevent him from trusting the children. It's always hard to regain the trust of someone who you got into a fight with but I think the Whangdoodle is amazing because he gives them a new chance. He learned that every human is different and you have to notice if you can trust them or not. I connect to him because in the past I've also fought with some of my friends but the fights never lasted forever and then after a while you regain the trust of them.
September 9, 2018
Sooooo amazing. One of the greatest kids' books ever written. And by Julie Andrews - yes, that Julie Andrews! A lady who clearly has an incredible mind and imagination. Every kid should read this book.
November 20, 2008
There are many things you learn from books. You learn about new worlds, imagination, and how to believe. Well, this book acquires all of these things. “The last of the really great Whangdoodles” is such a good book for the young and old. It is one of my favorite books because it made my imagination 10x’s stronger than it was before. This book deals with good and bad mythical creatures, beautiful landscapes, and a very difficult quest. The things I liked most about this book was the professor, the forest, and the imagery of the story.
The thing I last about this book was the professor. I forgot his name but he is my idol. He is a short man, lives in a mansion, and is a genius. He discovers the portal to the land of the great Whangdoodles. The professor is my idol because instead of worrying about bills and mortgage and the government, he wants to save the last of the really great Whangdoodles. Wouldn’t you like an adult who cares about mythical creatures rather than the bills?
The part I liked second about this book was the forest. The way Julie Andrews Edwards described it made me fall in love with it. The forest had humongous flowers, a river that looked like a field of diamonds, and fruits your not supposed to eat. In the forest, your not supposed to pick flowers or eat the fruit. The point of those things is to keep everything beautiful. The forest in the story made me think of the damage we humans have done to our most precious forest. If only this book was made a mandatory story in schools, more people and children would want to keep our forest beautiful and restore the natural beauty they once had.
The thing I liked most about this book was the wonderful imagery. This book is filled with blacks and whites and rainbows and squares and circles that I don’t know where to begin. The way the scenes were described and depicted, I feel in love immediately. As I have described above, the forest to me was the most colorful scene. The darkest scene was the professor’s mansion. I saw so many blacks and whites that I thought I was watching a black and white movie. I loved how even the smallest thing was described in perfect detail. A good example was the hats the children and the professor had to wear to enter the land of the Whangdoodles. Even the shape was described. At one point, I thought I could taste the fruit and smell the flowers.
This book has all of the elements any good book should have. Even though this book is for kids, this book should is good enough for anyone. I guarantee it! Even though most people assume the best books are books about real life problems or events, some of the best books could be about a Whangdoodle or Jaborwock. I truly recommend this book to anyone who wants to go a little out of the comfort area or for a parent trying to find a good book for there child. If you see a book with a bird with fish scales, don’t just pass it, read it. What would you do if a short, old man offered you to go the land of the really great Whangdoodles?
The thing I last about this book was the professor. I forgot his name but he is my idol. He is a short man, lives in a mansion, and is a genius. He discovers the portal to the land of the great Whangdoodles. The professor is my idol because instead of worrying about bills and mortgage and the government, he wants to save the last of the really great Whangdoodles. Wouldn’t you like an adult who cares about mythical creatures rather than the bills?
The part I liked second about this book was the forest. The way Julie Andrews Edwards described it made me fall in love with it. The forest had humongous flowers, a river that looked like a field of diamonds, and fruits your not supposed to eat. In the forest, your not supposed to pick flowers or eat the fruit. The point of those things is to keep everything beautiful. The forest in the story made me think of the damage we humans have done to our most precious forest. If only this book was made a mandatory story in schools, more people and children would want to keep our forest beautiful and restore the natural beauty they once had.
The thing I liked most about this book was the wonderful imagery. This book is filled with blacks and whites and rainbows and squares and circles that I don’t know where to begin. The way the scenes were described and depicted, I feel in love immediately. As I have described above, the forest to me was the most colorful scene. The darkest scene was the professor’s mansion. I saw so many blacks and whites that I thought I was watching a black and white movie. I loved how even the smallest thing was described in perfect detail. A good example was the hats the children and the professor had to wear to enter the land of the Whangdoodles. Even the shape was described. At one point, I thought I could taste the fruit and smell the flowers.
This book has all of the elements any good book should have. Even though this book is for kids, this book should is good enough for anyone. I guarantee it! Even though most people assume the best books are books about real life problems or events, some of the best books could be about a Whangdoodle or Jaborwock. I truly recommend this book to anyone who wants to go a little out of the comfort area or for a parent trying to find a good book for there child. If you see a book with a bird with fish scales, don’t just pass it, read it. What would you do if a short, old man offered you to go the land of the really great Whangdoodles?
December 9, 2012
Seemed to have a bit of an agenda. Not nearly as good as the Narnia books.
March 2, 2018
Julie Andrews, it is safe to say, is very cool. She told us that the hills were alive in The Sound of Music. James Garner was attracted to her in Victor/Victoria (even when he thought she was a man). More recently, Andrews has held her own next to the Plaza's favorite resident in Eloise at the Plaza and Eloise at Christmastime. Oh, and she was Mary Poppins (and Millie) before Mary Poppins (and Thoroughly Modern Millie) got all trendy with Broadway show(s).
In between all of her amazing film credits, Julie Andrews wrote a book under her pen name Julie Andrews Edwards in 1974 called The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles. I have been meaning to read it for close to a decade, but things always got in the way. After starting the book (again) last month I made a promise that I would finish it this time even if it killed me. Clearly, I lived to tell the tale.
The story starts when Ben, Tom and Lindy Potter are sent to the zoo by their parents. Initially resistant to the idea, the trip proves quite enjoyable. When the children begin to discuss truly unusual animals, a stranger butts in with a straightforward question: "If you're looking for something really unusual, have you considered a Whangdoodle?"
The Potter children, of course, have not. Tom goes as far as to say that the Whangdoodle could not possible exist. This assertion is thrown into question when a dictionary provides a rather accurate definition of the word. The Potter's initial interest turns into an alliance with their new friend Professor Savant to try to reach Whangdoodleland and meet the fanciful creature for themselves.
The road to Whangdoodleland is not straightforward. Along the way the children have much to learn, including relearning the very ways in which they look at the world. The journey is filled with wondrous creatures both friendly and dangerous, but the children are now committed to finishing the journey one way or another regardless of the challenges thrown in their path. When the quest reaches its final climax none of the characters' lives will ever be the same.
I liked this book, but not really as much as I had hoped. As I mentioned it took me a long time to actually start the book and, once it was started, it took a long time for me to finish it. Unfortunately, I think part of that has to do with my coming to this book at the age of 22 when I was unwilling to accept certain aspects of the story. (The feminist in me made it very difficult to appreciate parts of the end of the story.)
At the same time, the book was originally written in 1974. The text is not dated in the usual way, with references to old technology, rather it all feels very different from a 2008 novel. The children befriend a strange man in the zoo. All of the Potters seem younger and more innocent than I would have expected (from children of the same age in the present). I was able to get more into the story once I accepted those things, but it also made me sad because I started to think about what I had lost and, also, what our culture had lost in terms of faith and trust. I wish I had been able to read the book without so many questions and doubts because I do want to see things the way the Potters and Professor Savant do--I'm just not sure that way of thinking is always possible in the twenty-first century.
You can find this review and more on my blog Miss Print
In between all of her amazing film credits, Julie Andrews wrote a book under her pen name Julie Andrews Edwards in 1974 called The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles. I have been meaning to read it for close to a decade, but things always got in the way. After starting the book (again) last month I made a promise that I would finish it this time even if it killed me. Clearly, I lived to tell the tale.
The story starts when Ben, Tom and Lindy Potter are sent to the zoo by their parents. Initially resistant to the idea, the trip proves quite enjoyable. When the children begin to discuss truly unusual animals, a stranger butts in with a straightforward question: "If you're looking for something really unusual, have you considered a Whangdoodle?"
The Potter children, of course, have not. Tom goes as far as to say that the Whangdoodle could not possible exist. This assertion is thrown into question when a dictionary provides a rather accurate definition of the word. The Potter's initial interest turns into an alliance with their new friend Professor Savant to try to reach Whangdoodleland and meet the fanciful creature for themselves.
The road to Whangdoodleland is not straightforward. Along the way the children have much to learn, including relearning the very ways in which they look at the world. The journey is filled with wondrous creatures both friendly and dangerous, but the children are now committed to finishing the journey one way or another regardless of the challenges thrown in their path. When the quest reaches its final climax none of the characters' lives will ever be the same.
I liked this book, but not really as much as I had hoped. As I mentioned it took me a long time to actually start the book and, once it was started, it took a long time for me to finish it. Unfortunately, I think part of that has to do with my coming to this book at the age of 22 when I was unwilling to accept certain aspects of the story. (The feminist in me made it very difficult to appreciate parts of the end of the story.)
At the same time, the book was originally written in 1974. The text is not dated in the usual way, with references to old technology, rather it all feels very different from a 2008 novel. The children befriend a strange man in the zoo. All of the Potters seem younger and more innocent than I would have expected (from children of the same age in the present). I was able to get more into the story once I accepted those things, but it also made me sad because I started to think about what I had lost and, also, what our culture had lost in terms of faith and trust. I wish I had been able to read the book without so many questions and doubts because I do want to see things the way the Potters and Professor Savant do--I'm just not sure that way of thinking is always possible in the twenty-first century.
You can find this review and more on my blog Miss Print
March 31, 2014
It truly is indeed the best fantasy book I have ever read. The adventure of an old professor and three little children; Benjamin, Thomas, and Melinda. I find that stories with younger children as the main characters have such a thrill to them. Even stories with old people as main characters are lovely, because you know it will not be some stupid nonsense story, it will have some meaning, no matter how small. Little children have amazing adventures, beyond your wildest imagination, it makes you really have to think hard about it. Not the meaning, but how much it means to them. Their minds are young and fresh, and they are just so beautiful. Ben, Thomas, Lindy, and even the professor are astonishing characters. Ben, the oldest of the Potter sibling, he always feels as if he must take care of his younger siblings, he bears a great responsibility on his shoulders. Thomas, the middle child, he teases his younger sister but loves her dearly. Lindy, the youngest, the one with the most bright imagination easily scared and amazed. Professor Savant, and old man, curious stubborn determined and eager, it has always been his dream to see the Whangdoodle. Gosh, I just love this book to teeny tiny bits. It is most definitely one of my most favourite books of all time. First time reading it was in grade three, and is still absolutely adore it.
July 1, 2017
I love this book!! When I found my original copy to be ripped up and tattered, I immediately bought another copy (with the 30th anniversary cover) and kept both!
This story begins on Sunday, October 29, and the fall season definitely takes center stage with crisp air, cool nights, and Halloween preparations. (I was going to read this closer to fall, but I couldn't wait that long for a reread!) On an afternoon trip to the zoo Ben, Tom, and Lindy meet Professor Savant and their lives are changed forever. They begin an unconventional friendship with him as he teaches them to notice the whole world around them and to hone their imaginations. The quartet then embark on a fantastic trip to meet a legendary creature called the Whangdoodle, who has the ability to change color and to grow his own bedroom slippers.
I loved how the children learned lessons along the way, even as they meet wonderful creatures that they had never known of before. One of my favorite parts, of course, is the magical soda fountain on the Jolly Boat. I love how I've read this book so many times that it plays out like a movie in my head.
I could go on and on about this book. I think it would be a fun read-aloud, a great book to discuss.
This story begins on Sunday, October 29, and the fall season definitely takes center stage with crisp air, cool nights, and Halloween preparations. (I was going to read this closer to fall, but I couldn't wait that long for a reread!) On an afternoon trip to the zoo Ben, Tom, and Lindy meet Professor Savant and their lives are changed forever. They begin an unconventional friendship with him as he teaches them to notice the whole world around them and to hone their imaginations. The quartet then embark on a fantastic trip to meet a legendary creature called the Whangdoodle, who has the ability to change color and to grow his own bedroom slippers.
I loved how the children learned lessons along the way, even as they meet wonderful creatures that they had never known of before. One of my favorite parts, of course, is the magical soda fountain on the Jolly Boat. I love how I've read this book so many times that it plays out like a movie in my head.
I could go on and on about this book. I think it would be a fun read-aloud, a great book to discuss.
June 15, 2015
I haven't read this book in many, many years, and I had fun reading it as an adult. (I did, however, have to suspend my concerns about the Potter children being told by the professor, a relative stranger at the time, to keep their project a secret from their parents. A mother's perspective, I suppose.)
A tale of complete fantasy that's simple and fun and sweet. I'm looking forward to reading this to my own kids someday.
I would probably give this four stars as an adult, but I remember being so enchanted with this story as a child that I have to keep my rating at five.
A tale of complete fantasy that's simple and fun and sweet. I'm looking forward to reading this to my own kids someday.
I would probably give this four stars as an adult, but I remember being so enchanted with this story as a child that I have to keep my rating at five.
November 16, 2014
This is a really weird book, and I find a great deal unsettling. I do not recommend it as a read aloud, even though my four year old is enjoying it. I hate that the children are asked to keep their adventures a secret from their parents. I also an unclear why the professor is insisting that travel to a place where they are clearly not wanted. I will probably not finish it since it is clearly not going to resolve any way I would want it to.
November 15, 2012
Review by Karen, intended for young readers:
What’s a whangdoodle? According to my dictionary, it’s “a fanciful creature of undefined nature.” That’s not a lot of detail, so I think I’d really like to see one in person. Wouldn’t you? That’s definitely how the characters feel in The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles by Julie Andrews Edwards!
Lindy, Tom, Ben, and their friend Professor Savant are all determined to meet the only remaining whangdoodle in the world, and so they embark on a fantastic adventure through another land that’s both marvelous and dangerous.
They encounter delights like a boat powered by jokes — with a magical ice cream machine on board, no less — but they also face terrifying monsters like the vicious Sidewinders and the bullying Flukes. Obviously, these obstacles are not great for the kids and the Professor, but they sure make for a gripping tale! Too bad for them; hooray for us!
I first read The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles when I was about your age. (Yes, I really was once a kid instead of the crusty old person I am now.) I looooooooved the book back then, and I’ve been meaning to re-read it for years — but unfortunately, I could never find my copy of the book in the depths of my childhood bedroom whenever I looked for it at my parents’ house. Then recently, I spotted a used copy at the bookstore where I volunteer and snatched it up right away.
On the one hand, it probably would have been nice for me to leave the book for an actual kid to purchase and enjoy. On the other hand, now that I’ve finally re-read the book and written this review, I’m spreading the Whangdoodle word to everyone. And that’s a benefit to multiple kids, right? Yeah, I’m just going to go with that…
This review also appears on Kidsmomo.com.
What’s a whangdoodle? According to my dictionary, it’s “a fanciful creature of undefined nature.” That’s not a lot of detail, so I think I’d really like to see one in person. Wouldn’t you? That’s definitely how the characters feel in The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles by Julie Andrews Edwards!
Lindy, Tom, Ben, and their friend Professor Savant are all determined to meet the only remaining whangdoodle in the world, and so they embark on a fantastic adventure through another land that’s both marvelous and dangerous.
They encounter delights like a boat powered by jokes — with a magical ice cream machine on board, no less — but they also face terrifying monsters like the vicious Sidewinders and the bullying Flukes. Obviously, these obstacles are not great for the kids and the Professor, but they sure make for a gripping tale! Too bad for them; hooray for us!
I first read The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles when I was about your age. (Yes, I really was once a kid instead of the crusty old person I am now.) I looooooooved the book back then, and I’ve been meaning to re-read it for years — but unfortunately, I could never find my copy of the book in the depths of my childhood bedroom whenever I looked for it at my parents’ house. Then recently, I spotted a used copy at the bookstore where I volunteer and snatched it up right away.
On the one hand, it probably would have been nice for me to leave the book for an actual kid to purchase and enjoy. On the other hand, now that I’ve finally re-read the book and written this review, I’m spreading the Whangdoodle word to everyone. And that’s a benefit to multiple kids, right? Yeah, I’m just going to go with that…
This review also appears on Kidsmomo.com.
January 19, 2012
The Whangdoodle was once the wisest, the kindest, and the most extraordinary creature in the world. Then he disappeared and created a wonderful land for himself and all the other remarkable animals — the ten-legged Sidewinders, the little furry Flukes, the friendly Whiffle Bird, and the treacherous, "oily" Prock. It was an almost perfect place where the last of the really great Whangdoodles could rule his kingdom with "peace, love and a sense of fun"— apart from and forgotten by people.
But not completely forgotten. Professor Savant believed in the Whangdoodle. And when he told the three Potter children of his search for the spectacular creature, Lindy, Tom, and Ben were eager to reach Whangdoodleland.
With the Professor's help, they discovered the secret way. But waiting for them was the scheming Prock, who would use almost any means to keep them away from his beloved king. Only by skill and determination were the four travelers able to discover the last of the really great Whangdoodles and grant him his heart's desire.
Julie Andrews Edwards, star of stage and screen, has written a unique and beloved story that has become a modern classic. The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles is sure to continue to delight readers everywhere. This edition includes a new foreword by the author.
January 15, 2010
This is such a classic children's fantasy book! I'm kind of disappointed that I didn't get to read it as a kid, but I am glad that I found it later on. It seems like it would make a really great read-aloud to a group of students. As often seen in children's fiction, a lot of it is really convenient, parts of it are really predictable, but it all makes for a great story, and there are some great suspenseful bits along the way. There are a lot of smaller conflicts that quickly get resolved, under the umbrella conflict of finding the Whangdoodle, and then the greatest conflict of all that isn't revealed until near the end. A really cool part of this book is its exposition to vocabulary through the Professor's narration. I'm really glad we didn't get the cop out "it was all a figment of their imaginations/a dream" ending. I'm also really glad that in the end, it's a story about the Professor and the realization of his dream, rather than a focus on the kids, although they are still a big part of the story. There are parts of the book near the ending that do get a little preachy, but it's still a fantastic fantasy read for kids and their parents/teachers.
May 17, 2009
A 3 from me, but a 4 from my six year old daughter. We both thought it started out slow but got better as it progressed. I really had an issue with the setup - 3 siblings meet a strange old man, secretly go to his home and return numerous times for adventures of which they must promise not to tell their parents! My daughter even picked up on it, remarking that they probably should be talking to strangers.
Whangdoodle is a great example of what happens when characters are not developed fully. At one point my daughter and I speculated on what each of the children looked like. A fun exercise, but it spoke volumes of how little we were introduced to the characters. Whereas the characters in "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" were richly described and had purpose to their adventures, it was never clear what was driving these children. I know I'm overthinking for a YA book, but the point is that it CAN be done in the hands of a master.
Why I've kept this book for 32 years I really can't say. But it was fun reading it with my daughter.
Whangdoodle is a great example of what happens when characters are not developed fully. At one point my daughter and I speculated on what each of the children looked like. A fun exercise, but it spoke volumes of how little we were introduced to the characters. Whereas the characters in "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" were richly described and had purpose to their adventures, it was never clear what was driving these children. I know I'm overthinking for a YA book, but the point is that it CAN be done in the hands of a master.
Why I've kept this book for 32 years I really can't say. But it was fun reading it with my daughter.
August 19, 2009
This book is pure fun!
I stumbled upon our tattered edition with the red sky, golden river, and blue grass when skimming the book shelf and remembered how much I loved this book. I had read it many times during elementary school; it was a beloved favorite.
I thought that as this is a whimsical imagination story, it would not call up images as other, more realistic books do. Instead, I found myself living the story more than I had in a while, feeling Lindy's terror at the Prock, being in Ben's shoes as his giant bubblegum bubble burst and he fell from the sky, and understanding everyone's amazement at the Whangdoodle.
I was not disappointed at all upon rereading it for the first time in a few years. In fact, to the contrary, I was pleasantly surprised.
This book is wonderful for young readers. It is a great stretch of the imagination, which feels good to exercise every now and then. :) Long live the Whangdoodles!
I stumbled upon our tattered edition with the red sky, golden river, and blue grass when skimming the book shelf and remembered how much I loved this book. I had read it many times during elementary school; it was a beloved favorite.
I thought that as this is a whimsical imagination story, it would not call up images as other, more realistic books do. Instead, I found myself living the story more than I had in a while, feeling Lindy's terror at the Prock, being in Ben's shoes as his giant bubblegum bubble burst and he fell from the sky, and understanding everyone's amazement at the Whangdoodle.
I was not disappointed at all upon rereading it for the first time in a few years. In fact, to the contrary, I was pleasantly surprised.
This book is wonderful for young readers. It is a great stretch of the imagination, which feels good to exercise every now and then. :) Long live the Whangdoodles!
September 21, 2017
The Potter children are at the zoo, discussing what sort of animal they might like to take home, when a stranger speaks up. "Have you ever considered a Whangdoodle?" Over the next several weeks, Ben, Tom, and Lindy spend time with the quirky Dr. Savant, who helps them open their eyes, use their imaginations, and believe in possibilities ... and in preparation to take them to visit Whangdoodleland.
This is a whimsical, well-behaved story with a strong moral compass. It's silly and punny and full of nonsense words that would make it fun as a read-aloud bedtime story. Simple lessons are woven throughout. If your kids enjoyed the Miss Piggle-Wiggle books, this would be an excellent follow-up.
Should I ever have the honor of meeting the Dame authoress and find myself tongue-tied, I'll know just what to say. (And it won't be supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.) I've found a finer expression by far.
"Umbledumbledum."
This is a whimsical, well-behaved story with a strong moral compass. It's silly and punny and full of nonsense words that would make it fun as a read-aloud bedtime story. Simple lessons are woven throughout. If your kids enjoyed the Miss Piggle-Wiggle books, this would be an excellent follow-up.
Should I ever have the honor of meeting the Dame authoress and find myself tongue-tied, I'll know just what to say. (And it won't be supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.) I've found a finer expression by far.
"Umbledumbledum."
April 1, 2017
I am torn between 3.5 and 4 stars. I love Julie Andrews and the world she has created in this book. The imagination in this book is wonderful and Whangdoodle land is fun and cleverly thought out. The one reason I am having a hard time giving this book a solid 4 stars is because of some of the narration from the professor. The children are faced with many obstacles they must overcome, and with the help of the professor, they are able to overcome them and learn something in the process. To me, I think those lessons are shown well enough that the professor does not need to "lecture" the children on what they just learned. This narration kind of broke up the magical nature of the story for me.
That being said, it was a cute story that I will share with my children one day. I have a feeling 10 year old me would have absolutely loved it!
That being said, it was a cute story that I will share with my children one day. I have a feeling 10 year old me would have absolutely loved it!
December 27, 2018
So much whimsy....it's like a plateful of nothing but cake frosting.
I feel this book has set itself a nearly impossible task - what is the audience that will get even the basic idea of genetics and will also not find the utter silliness of the fantasy elements too childish.
The author makes an admirable attempt to elevate and educate, both in terms of vocabulary and ideas, but the plot and characters detract from this.
It works when taken in bits, but as a whole it is quite unsatisfying.
I feel this book has set itself a nearly impossible task - what is the audience that will get even the basic idea of genetics and will also not find the utter silliness of the fantasy elements too childish.
The author makes an admirable attempt to elevate and educate, both in terms of vocabulary and ideas, but the plot and characters detract from this.
It works when taken in bits, but as a whole it is quite unsatisfying.
September 27, 2015
2011 review: A magical tale. 2015: I read it as a child and I still love it. I just read it aloud to my daughter and she fell in love. This book is amazing.
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