Beloved author, Lois Lowry, offers a modern tale with a twist of classic children’s literature.
Abandoned by their ill-humored parents to the care of an odious nanny, Tim, the twins, Barnaby A and Barnaby B, and their sister, Jane, attempt to fulfill their roles as good old-fashioned children. Following the models set in lauded tales from "A Christmas Carol" to "Mary Poppins", the four Willoughbys hope to attain their proscribed happy ending too, or at least a satisfyingly maudlin one. However, it is an unquestionably ruthless act that sets in motion the transformations that lead to their salvation and to happy endings for not only the four children, but their nanny, an abandoned baby, a candy magnate, and his long-lost son too. This hilarious and decidedly old-fashioned parody pays playful homage to classic works of children's literature.
The four Willoughby children can't stand their parents, and the feeling is mutual. When their parents set off on a dangerous world tour, leaving their children with a nanny and putting the house on the market, the children hope they'll wind up orphans. Is a happy ending possible? Artfully, Lowry plays on gothic traditions of old. Arte Johnson nurses the irony in the story and pounces on its wordplay. He highlights the cruelty of older, controlling brother Tim; the meekness of youngest sister Jane; and the cool, comforting tones of Nanny. Throughout he walks the delicate balance of humor and saccharine tones the author intends. This delightful story pulls in children and their parents for a great family listen. S.W. (c) AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine
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