Customer Reviews

The Stupids Die

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I read this book to my daughter 15 years ago. We both laughed till we cried. She's getting married in one year, and wants her own copy of the book for her wedding present, along with any other Harry Allard's I can find!! I hope the others that I found at Amazon.com aren't even funnier because we might die from laughter!!

We recently discovered this book and, given the word "die" in the title, I wasn't so sure it would be appropriate. I was quickly reassured by the good-natured tone of Allard's prose, and the kids (5 and 7, both reading) had a great time hunting for quirky "in-jokes" in the background on each page (like a picture, hanging in the Stupids' home, of three beach balls with the caption "The Pyramids").

This book was originally published in the 1977, and it's amazing to see how innocent its prose is in contrast to kids' books today. But this book is never dull or didactic, and it will delight the entire family over and over, while its simple dialogue will thrill early readers (when the lights go out, the Stupids simply declare, "We must be dead."!!!). I'm thrilled this book has been reprinted; we will definitely be hunting down other "Stupids" books in future.

I think the controversy surrounding "The Supids" childrens books all boils down to context. My parents read all of this series of books to my siblings and I as children and we NEVER thought it was acceptable to call each other stupid, nor did we take that away from these stories. I feel that, when read to children in the correct context, these books are fun, silly, and help teach us to be able to laugh at ourselves. I think those that are getting so upset about the word "stupid" in these books are not seeing the big picture. They can be presented in the context of the fun adventures that this family has together, and not their last name.

I am a student of West Virginia State College, currently taking a class on Children's Literature. Mr. Samples (A Wonderful Teacher) has instructed us to review a Challenged/Censored book and write our thoughts on it. I read this book as a child and wanted to read it again to see what the fuss was about and why it would be censored. As a child, I read these books because they were ridiculous, therefore funny! As an adult, I can see that some might object to the use of the word "Stupid" and the use of confusing illustrations. Some of the illustrations may be a picture of a dog with the label "fish" on it. This would obviously confuse a younger child, but I remember finding that hilarious! As I said, I can see why some would find the use of the word "Stupid" objectionable, but I sure wasn't ruined by it.

We have read several of the Allard and Marshall books about the Stupid's. We normally don't even say the word "stupid" in our home so when my son brought a book home from the school library with the word in the title, I was reluctant. But what a funny concept....this family does everything opposite of normal; the storylines and illustrations are hilarious! This book we just read tonight and Allard and Marshall did not let us down!

I was introduced to the Stupids when we began reading the series to my young daughter. They're all great, but I think The Stupids Die might have a slight edge, because it's such a deliciously loony premise. James Marshall's cartoony illustrations are the perfect counterpoint to the simple but clever text.

I find it funny that these books could be the subject of any controversy. The Stupids don't call each other (or anyone else) "stupid" -- they just ARE stupid, it is after all their family name! They are a cheerful bunch and extremely fond of each other. And all of the books I've read end with Mr. Stupid telling his family "Well, we had fun. We always do." Sounds pretty smart to me.

As a child of the 80's, The Stupids were books that my mom always got me from the library because I adored them. I was the most well behaved child so these books have nothing to do with warping a child. Its society today which makes kids talk and act the way they do, not because of books like these.

I think these books were great! My mom and I would pick out what they were doing wrong (eating with their toes, watering the carpet) and this short book turned into a fun experiance.
I highly recommend these books! I am doing a presentation on these for college... who knew the Stupids would get to College level!

All of the "Stupids" books are halarious, and kids will have hours laughing at them and reading them over and over (along with the "Ms. Nelson" books!) I treasure all of my Harry Allard/James Marshall books, they made kids like me love reading!

I first brought this book for my son who was 4 when my 39 year old brother died. I thought it might help him understand death. To my surprise the book was a wonderfully silly fun book which made him laugh everytime he read the book. Now that he is a father of a baby boy old grandma here wanted my son to enjoy reading his favorite book to his own son and relive a part of his childhood. It is a delightful book

The series of books relating to the Stupids family are enjoyable for all reading levels. No child will ever forget reading about the Stupids. The story lines are full of wit and playful humor. Each story contains a lesson that will be be retained life-long. I would encourage any parent to get their child to read such classics!! Wonderful job, Mr.Allard and Mr.Marshall!!