The Willoughbys
The Willoughbys Series
on Goodreads (16,067)
What’s inside...
Abandoned by their parents, Tim, the twins Barnaby A and Barnaby B, and their sister Jane are left in the care of an odious nanny. They try to follow the models set by stories from A Christmas Carol to Mary Poppins to reach a happy ending. However, it is a ruthless act that sets in motion their transformation and leads to happy endings not only for them but also for their nanny, an abandoned baby, a candy magnate, and his long-lost son. This humorous and old-fashioned parody includes a glossary and bibliography, paying homage to classic children’s literature.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-11
Length
176 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think about the Willoughby children's plan to become orphans? How did it make you feel?
How do different characters in the book show what it means to be a family? Can a family look different from the usual?
What role does adventure play in the children’s lives? What do you think about their adventures?
How do the characters change from the beginning to the end of the story? Which change was the most surprising?
If you could give the Willoughby children one piece of advice, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the family dynamics in the book, fostering a deeper understanding of the diverse forms of family.
Discuss the moral dilemmas the characters face to help your child develop empathy and ethical reasoning.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next after key events to enhance their analytical thinking.
Compare and contrast the siblings’ adventures with those your child might experience or imagine, tying the story to their personal experiences.
Highlight the humorous elements within the book's plot to maintain a light-hearted, engaging discussion atmosphere.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of family bonds
Explanation: Despite the quirky and neglectful nature of the Willoughbys' parents, the siblings learn to rely on each other and create a supportive family dynamic.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of supporting family members and sticking together during tough times.
Example Lesson: Resourcefulness and resilience
Explanation: The Willoughby children devise clever plans to navigate their challenging circumstances, showcasing adaptability and resilience.
Real-World Application: This encourages kids to think creatively and persistently when faced with difficulties, fostering problem-solving skills.
Example Lesson: The impact of kindness
Explanation: Throughout the story, acts of kindness from characters like Nanny and Commander Melanoff change the children’s lives, highlighting the positive impacts of compassion.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to practice kindness in their daily interactions, which can lead to positive changes in their communities.
Example Lesson: The consequences of actions
Explanation: The Willoughby children learn that their actions, whether good or bad, have consequences.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to consider the outcomes of their actions and encourages responsibility.
Example Lesson: Adapting to change
Explanation: As the story progresses, the children adapt to new environments and situations, learning to embrace change rather than fear it.
Real-World Application: This lesson prepares children to be flexible and open-minded when encountering changes in their lives.