Raging Robots & Unruly Uncles (Lythway Large Print Children's Series) [Large Print] [Hardcover]

Margaret Mahy (Author), Peter Stevenson (Illustrator)

Book Description

Series: Lythway Large Print Children's Series

The arrival of two single-minded robots convinces twin brothers, wicked Jasper and virtuous Jason, that their own children, who have run away, aren't so bad after all.

Editorial Reviews

From Kirkus Reviews

The irrepressible New Zealander strikes again with a comic tale (coming to the US long after its 1981 publication) about twin brothers--Jasper, who dedicates himself to villainy, and sanctimonious Julian--and their rebellious progeny, loath to emulate their parents. Jasper's seven sons (Caligula, Tarquin, Ghengis, et al.) fail miserably to excel in a school with courses like ``Despicable Treason'' and ``Utter Selfishness,'' while Julian's daughter Prudence, scorning roles like goody-goody or heroine, likes to fix TVs. Escaping their zealous fathers, the eight set up a remarkable business incorporating their several talents--a garden/restaurant/library also offering fortunetelling and TV repair. Meanwhile, the dads are dogged by robots that carry their doctrines to the ultimate--a blue-eyed, candy floss- haired doll that harasses Julian with improving stories, and the larcenous ``Nadger,'' whose depredations keep the police hot on Jasper's trail. All of this is served up in ebullient wordplay, especially with the vocabulary (and clich‚s) of iniquity and righteousness, which will be most hilarious to those already familiar with it. As Mahy neatly ties up the rambunctious events, the Nadger observes that ``They made us too simple in the wrong way...we are their thoughts...we go on and on for ever, unchanging.'' Indeed; and these shenanigans illustrate this serious thought with notable wit. Stevenson's comical drawings, on almost every page, add substantially to the fun. (Fiction. 9- 12) -- Copyright ©1993, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Chivers (May 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0745115268
• ISBN-13: 978-0745115269
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 5.8 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)

More About the Author

Margaret Mahy lives in New Zealand and is internationally acknowledged as one of the most outstanding children's writers today. She is the author of more than two hundred books for children of all ages, two of which have received England's Carnegie Medal and others of which have garnered numerous citations from the American Library Association. She is also the recipient of An Order of New Zealand, the highest honor a citizen can receive. In 2006 she received the Hans Christian Andersen award for her contributions to international children's literature.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Irresistably fun!, November 30, 2000

By 

Gisela (Grahamstown, South Africa) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Raging Robots and Unruly Uncles (Hardcover)

Two brothers who are total opposites and have children who refuse to adopt their ways of life, wish that they could have children more like themselves-with disastrous results, but all the commotion forces them to realise the mistakes they've made, and unite for a common cause. This book is absolutely hilarious! It's perfect for young children, but at the same time, will amuse the adults with it's sophisticated wit. Although a bit predictable at times, it is definitely a must-read for those (of any age) who like a bit of humour combined with a feel-good story.