Mennyms in the Wilderness [Library Binding]

Sylvia Waugh (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1996 | Age Level: 10 and up

The Mennyms -- that family of living dolls -- are in a terrible state. They have just learned that their wonderful old house at 5 Brocklehurst Grove is to be torn down to make way for the new highway.Then Albert, the first human ever to learn the Mennyms' secret, takes them to live in the country, where they are all quite miserable. Living outside the big old house that's been their only home for all of their forty years is very frightening.The Mennyms begin to wonder if they can survive in this new world ... and keep their secret safe from prying eyes.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In a starred review, PW called this follow-up to The Mennyms "just as good... maybe even better [than the first]; an odd, enchanting and thoroughly satisfying fantasy." Ages 10-up.
-; an odd, enchanting and thoroughly satisfying fantasy." Ages 10-up.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-8?The Mennyms (Greenwillow, 1994) have returned with a similar dilemma to that of Mary Norton's miniature folk, The Borrowers (Harcourt, 1953): they must leave their familiar and comfortable home. The family of rag dolls, mysteriously given life and personalities by their creator, the deceased Kate Penshaw, has lived peaceably for 40 years in Kate's home in Brocklehurst Grove. Now the Mennyms are being threatened by a proposed motorway that may take their house and others in the Grove. This crisis prompts Kate's ghost to appear to her great-nephew, Albert Pond, asking him to intervene on their behalf. The dolls' contact with humans has been, of necessity, limited; Albert is incredulous, but willing. What ensues is a totally believable series of events in which the man transports them to a country mansion that has long been vacant but is still in his family. Each of the Mennyms reacts to the move differently, and that is the strength of Waugh's writing?the characterizations are exceptionally vivid and true. Plotting is stronger and faster paced than in the first book, and children will enjoy the excitement of motorbike rides and a kidnapping as well as the family's dilemma, which is resolved in the end. A great read-aloud choice.?Connie C. Rockman, The Ferguson Library, Stamford, CT
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Library Binding
• Publisher: Econo-Clad Books (March 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0613063120
• ISBN-13: 978-0613063128
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #10,365,378 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Haley and Annie think this book is destined to be a classic!, December 30, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Mennyms in the Wilderness (Paperback)

we are twins, and usually have the same taste in books. when annie brought home this book and started reading it, she couldn't stop!!! she read the whole book in one day!! then, i tried reading it and read it all in one day! this book really keeps you on your toes. it is full of adventure and is extremely humorous. we especially liked the part when they were following Albert Pond through the wilderness, because it was full of adventure, and you never knew what was going to happen next!!! we think every person should have the oppurtunity to read this wonderful book!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Awsome! A MUST READ FOR BOOK WORMS!, October 23, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Mennyms in the Wilderness (Hardcover)

I read this book before I read the prequil, The Mennyms. It didn't really matter, because this one is soooo much better and easyer(sp) to understand than the 1st one. I love my copie. I've read this book( and I'm proud ) 4 TIMES! I read the first one recently, and It was not very informative. I learned more about the Mennyms in Mennyms in the Wilderness than in The Mennyms! I'm not saying don't read The Mennyms, But this is a must read Like I said. Too Bad My Library Only Has The Mennyms and The Mennyms in the Wilderness. I am HOPING to get the rest of the Mennym books this X-mas. See Ya!

4.0 out of 5 stars Becoming too Human?, May 9, 2011

By 

Gale Finlayson "PLUME45" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Mennyms in the Wilderness (Paperback)

With tender insight into human nature, extremely clever plotting and stormy family dynamics, Sylvia Waugh has written a delightful sequel to THE MENYMS. This large family of rag dolls--made by dear, deceased Aunt Kate--leads a secluded life in a quiet residential area; they Pretend both indoors and outside (for the benefit of neighbors) to perform the normal daily tasks of real people. But the fear of discovery--that they are not human after all--demands both caution (usually) and deception as ways of life.

This story opens with a warning letter from the Real Albert Pond that the area will be razed for a new highway project. Having been instructed by Aunt Kate's ghost to protect her endangered creations, modest Albert loyally undertakes to defend his new "relatives" by transferring them to his ancient homestead in the country, Comus House. In learning to love this family--with all their foibles, squabbles and passionate attitudes--Albert must learn to live in two worlds. Can he become man enough to face a variety of dangers for love of this group of oddball rag dolls? The fascinating storyline is interspersed with struggles of intergenerational relationships: a runaway and a kidnapping and an impending Bonfire provide literary excitement. A charmer--for kids of all ages!