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The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1974

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Book Brief

Julie Andrews Edwards

The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1974
Book Details
Pages

209

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Whangdoodleland • Contemporary

Publication Year

1974

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

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Super Short Summary

In The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles, three siblings embark on a fantastical journey guided by a professor to find the elusive Whangdoodle, a creature with unrivaled imagination. The story explores themes of creativity and perseverance, as the siblings navigate whimsical challenges in a magical land, fostering a deeper understanding of wonder and possibility.

Fantastical

Adventurous

Mysterious

Playful

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles by Julie Andrews Edwards is praised for its imaginative storytelling and enchanting world, engaging young readers with themes of creativity and wonder. Critics appreciate the book's ability to inspire imagination and exploration. Some note the pacing as uneven, but overall, it remains a beloved classic for its whimsical charm and positive messages.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles?

A reader who treasures imaginative adventures and fantastical worlds will enjoy The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles. Fans of The Chronicles of Narnia and A Wrinkle in Time who appreciate themes of curiosity, courage, and enchantment will find this book appealing.

Character List

Lindy (Melinda Potter)

The novel’s protagonist and a seven-year-old girl who grows considerably throughout the story, showcasing courage and determination on her adventures with her brothers and Samuel Savant.

An accomplished professor and mentor who introduces the Potter children to the world of Whangdoodleland, emphasizing the importance of imagination and serving as their guide.

Lindy’s older brothers; Ben is mature and thoughtful, while Tom is more impetuous, though both care deeply for their sister during the journey.

Acts as the primary antagonist for much of the story, opposing Savant's and the children's efforts, but has a nuanced character that evolves through the narrative.

A whimsical creature that embodies imagination, he lives in Whangdoodleland and interacts with the main characters, revealing themes of belief and trust.

Include a variety of fantastical beings who either aid or challenge the protagonists, such as the helpful Whiffle Bird and the initially antagonistic Splintercat.

Book Details
Pages

209

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Whangdoodleland • Contemporary

Publication Year

1974

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

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