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56th out of 238 books
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306 voters
My rating:
add to my books
The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles
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
...moreHardcover, 224 pages
Published
December 16th 1996
by Julie Andrews Collection
(first published January 1st 1989)
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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!
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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!
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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 for...more
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 amazin...more
In between all of her amazin...more
This is a book for young elementary school children. Re-reading it recently to my middle schoolers brought out their nostalgia but it didn't entertain them as much as the first time. The 13-year-old noticed how all the perilous situations turned out to be utterly banal and realized that nothing bad could ever really happen in this book. Both children rolled their eyes at the gullibility of the Potter children's parents and how blithely the children themselves ignored all commonsense warnings ...more
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 ...more
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 ...more
I first read this when I was about 12, and have re-read it at least 10 times. I adore this book and its message to never give up your imagination. My random thoughts on this book:
+ I think it is actually a much more poignant book to read as an adult.
+ When I was 12, I wanted to be in an all-girl band (Gem was huge then) called "Crash Pink"
+ As an adult who spent over 12 years working in professional theatre, I finally saw some of Prague's black-light theatre (with ama...more
+ I think it is actually a much more poignant book to read as an adult.
+ When I was 12, I wanted to be in an all-girl band (Gem was huge then) called "Crash Pink"
+ As an adult who spent over 12 years working in professional theatre, I finally saw some of Prague's black-light theatre (with ama...more
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, un...more
'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 pa...more
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 pa...more
Sade
rated it
Recommends it for:
EVERYONE!!!
Recommended to Sade by:
i found this book in my basement
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, th...more
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 Pr...more
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 Pr...more
Raquel and I read this together. I'm surprised a movie hasn't been made of this book (written by Julie Andrews). I was a little bugged by the discussions regarding cloning.
Memorable quotes include:
The Whangdoodle's motto is: Pax amor et lepos in iocando, which translates "Peace, love and a sense of fun."</>
The professor spoke of the Swamp Gabbons: There will be many times in your lives -- at school, and more particularly when you are grown up -- when people wi...more
Memorable quotes include:
The Whangdoodle's motto is: Pax amor et lepos in iocando, which translates "Peace, love and a sense of fun."</>
The professor spoke of the Swamp Gabbons: There will be many times in your lives -- at school, and more particularly when you are grown up -- when people wi...more
Talk about painting a picture with words. The two siblings, introduced at the beginning of the story are similar to the brother and sister duo in Mary Poppins. They meet an interesting character, and renowned scientist, and he invites the children to be his helpers in saving the last of the really great whangdoodles. My students were riveted by this story as it allowed them to escape to Whangdoodle land. The brother and sister in the story meet all types of creatures and characters in Whangdoodl...more
I was one of the lucky ones to be able to read this as a child. I'm about to re-read it as a teen, and I have no doubt I will enjoy it just as much as I did when I was 9!
One part has always stuck with me throughout my life. I don't remember it word for word, but the professor mentioned that most people go through life shuffling down the street with their heads down and forget to look up when walking. I didn't understand at the time how the Professor could always walk while looking u...more
One part has always stuck with me throughout my life. I don't remember it word for word, but the professor mentioned that most people go through life shuffling down the street with their heads down and forget to look up when walking. I didn't understand at the time how the Professor could always walk while looking u...more
This an average of my & Anthony's opinions - he liked it a lot better than I did, and since he's the target audience, his opinion should really count for more. I remember absolutely loving The Secret Garden when I was a kid, but this wasn't more of the same. There were plenty of things to like about the book - mainly that she creates a vivid and interesting imaginary world. But the conflict didn't interest me. The problem was that none of the "bad guys" were really bad, and we knew ...more
I thought I was one of the only people on earth who had heard of the Whangdoodle. My third-grade teacher read this book to the class, and I loved it immensely. At various times over the years and I had tried to pick up a copy but didn't entirely remember the title or the author. It was a joyous day in our household when I discovered a copy of this book in Kisa's room, apparently one that Ciara brought with her when we were married. Yes, I stole this book from a toddler.
It was great...more
It was great...more
My 8-year-old self would have undoubtedly given this 4 stars and, although this re-read didn't quite live up to that original delight, I would continue to recommend the book to many kids. (When I was 16, I gave a copy to my friend's little sister and she went gaga over it and later proudly showed me a copy of her book report.)
I still thrill over the soda fountain and enjoy the American/English blend of language and culture. As a kid, I paid no attention to the genetics issues, but now...more
I still thrill over the soda fountain and enjoy the American/English blend of language and culture. As a kid, I paid no attention to the genetics issues, but now...more
I gave this book a four star because i'm not a big fan of fantasy books. I gave it a high rate, though, because it had so many details to it, but it actually was a good book. I recommend this to people who do like fantasy books and like the setting changing quite a bit. Also, who like things from other demensions. Do you think the Professer, Ben, Tom, and Lindy will make it to the Whangdoodle? On this adventure, you will find amazing creatures that have so many different characteristics suc...more
Another book by Julie Andrews Edwards (The Sound of Music, Mary Poppins, etc.). It is a fun, imaginative, adventure story which has the same magical feeling as Charlie & the Chocolate Factory. I read this to my 3rd graders every year and they love it! One year, someone mentioned that this story would make a great movie; every day involved an impromptu discussion of how that day's chapter would translate onto the big screen. I'm pretty sure if it hasn't already happened by then, it very well ...more
I LOVED this book. I first read it in the fifth grade and got hooked on the literary style of Ms. Julie Andrews Edwards (of "Sound of Music" and "Mary Poppins" fame. This was a delightful, quick-paced read that takes us into the hum drum life of the three Potter children, Peter, T[h:]om and Mindy. While visiting the zoo one afternoon, they encounter an eccentric professor whose mention of a fanciful creature known only in the imagination as the "Whangdoodle" takes t...more
A fanciful story that follows three British siblings and an eccentric professor on an adventure to find a magical creature called the Whangdoodle. The journey to Whangdoodleland requires keen powers of observation and lots of imagination. Along the way, the children meet many amazing creatures, learn a little science, and come to understand the value of having an open, curious mind. For fantasy lovers, Whangdoodleland is as enticing as Oz, Willy Wonka's Factory, Narnia, and Hogwarts. And yes, th...more
This is definitely not my genre of choice, but I enjoyed it. I love the idea of searching for a whangdoodle, a creature mentioned in Roald Dahl's "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory." I love the descriptions of the fanciful creatures and settings.
As others have mentioned, I question whether kids would really trust this eccentric guy. It also annoyed me how Lindy was treated differently than Tom and Ben, it seemed because she was a girl, not because she was the youngest.
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As others have mentioned, I question whether kids would really trust this eccentric guy. It also annoyed me how Lindy was treated differently than Tom and Ben, it seemed because she was a girl, not because she was the youngest.
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Shelby Troutman
rated it
This wonderful childrens book is great for the 4-5 grade reading level. It would also be good for 3rd grade if it was being read to the students. It helps to show the wonders of the imagination as well as the beauty of friendship. It helps to show that outwardly appearences of people can be very different from what is on the inside. By reading this book children will learn that friends can come in every shape and size and can be of any age. Some friendships form when they are least expected...more
Recommended by the children's librarian, I read this aloud to my six and four-year-old. They were enwrapped. So fun!
I appreciated the life's lesson the author hid within the tale.
I can't say this book is my kind to cuddle up with, but it was ideal to read to my kiddos. We're starting on Pippi Longstocking now and I'm not enjoying it as much (from a parent's perspective) because of the tall tales she spins and the flippant way she speaks to the other kids. I remember li...more
I appreciated the life's lesson the author hid within the tale.
I can't say this book is my kind to cuddle up with, but it was ideal to read to my kiddos. We're starting on Pippi Longstocking now and I'm not enjoying it as much (from a parent's perspective) because of the tall tales she spins and the flippant way she speaks to the other kids. I remember li...more
This is one of my all time favorite children novels (but believe me that this book can be enjoyed by all ages) I don't love this book because of how it helps expand my vocabulary, or shows amazing figures of speech, or even the characters. The reason I love this book is because it challenges what you think that you know.
There are these 3 kids that join forces with this professor to enter the land of wondrous magical creatures. They can't enter by muttering magic words or secret hand...more
There are these 3 kids that join forces with this professor to enter the land of wondrous magical creatures. They can't enter by muttering magic words or secret hand...more
This is yet another book recommended to me by students. If you're starting to see a trend, it's because a large chunk of my summer reading time has been devoted to books recommended by students (or books that I think my students might enjoy). That's not to say I haven't enjoyed many of them, because I have. :)
This book was silly, but fun. It would be a great book to read aloud to kids 10 and younger, probably. And, in fact, many of my students told me that their 4th or 5th grade...more
This book was silly, but fun. It would be a great book to read aloud to kids 10 and younger, probably. And, in fact, many of my students told me that their 4th or 5th grade...more
A slow start that had my 5th grade class ready to skip the rest of the story...picked up in part 2 and was a race to the end in part 3 to find out the outcome!
"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...more
"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...more
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 arr...more
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 develo...more
Whangdoodle is a great example of what happens when characters are not develo...more
From Amazon: What on earth is a Whangdoodle? A "fanciful creature of undefined nature," it was also once the wisest, kindest, most fun-loving living thing in the world--until people stopped believing in it. When that lack of faith became widespread, the last of the really great Whangdoodles created a special land full of extraordinary creatures: furry Flukes, the sly High-Behind Splintercat, and the wonderful Whiffle Bird. But when an open-minded professor--the one adult who still beli...more
I thought that this book was one of the best books that I have ever read.I would really suggest reading it if you like adventures and journeys. Also if you like books where you use a lot of imagination. This is a really great book where three kids and a professor who go on an amazing adventure to a magical land where they meet lots of fun and interesting creatures while they are on there way to find the whangdoodles palace so they can meet the last of the really great whangdoodles
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
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| Mrs. Fabsik's LA/SS: The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles | 5 | 5 | Sep 28, 2011 05:24am |
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Dame 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 Poppi...more
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“Miracles, contrary to popular belief, do not just happen. A miracle is the achievement of the impossible, and it is only when we put aside out greed, anger, pride and prejudice so that our minds are open and ready to accept it, that a miracle can occur.”
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