The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles [Hardcover]

Julie Andrews Edwards (Author)

Book Description

Release date: September 8, 1999 | Age Range: 8 and up

The Whangdoodle was once the wisest, the kindest, and the most extraordinary creature in the world. Then he disappeared and created a wonderful land for himself and all the other remarkable animals -- the ten-legged Sidewinders, the little furry Flukes, the friendly Whiffle Bird, and the treacherous, "oily" Prock. It was an almost perfect place where the last of the really great Whangdoodles could rule his kingdom with "peace, love and a sense of fun"-- apart from and forgotten by people.

But not completely forgotten. Professor Savant believed in the Whangdoodle. And when he told the three Potter children of his search for the spectacular creature, Lindy, Tom, and Ben were eager to reach Whangdoodleland.

With the Professor's help, they discovered the secret way. But waiting for them was the scheming Prock, who would use almost any means to keep them away from his beloved king. Only by skill and determination were the four travelers able to discover the last of the really great Whangdoodles and grant him his heart's desire.

Julie Andrews Edwards, star of stage and screen, has written a unique and beloved story that has become a modern classic. The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles is sure to continue to delight readers everywhere. This edition includes a new foreword by the author.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

What on earth is a Whangdoodle? A "fanciful creature of undefined nature," it was also once the wisest, kindest, most fun-loving living thing in the world--until people stopped believing in it. When that lack of faith became widespread, the last of the really great Whangdoodles created a special land full of extraordinary creatures: furry Flukes, the sly High-Behind Splintercat, and the wonderful Whiffle Bird. But when an open-minded professor--the one adult who still believes in the Whangdoodle--joins forces with three children with active imaginations, they become an unstoppable team on a fantastic and sometimes terrifying journey to Whangdoodleland.

Readers who have explored Narnia, Oz, or Willy Wonka's chocolate factory will be thrilled at this new destination--a marvelous land that will inspire and stimulate creative and scientific minds. And who better to expose young readers to new ways of seeing, smelling, and hearing than Julie (Andrews) Edwards of Mary Poppins and The Sound of Music fame? Her lively and clever style pulls readers along effortlessly; she, like the professor, is one grownup who can teach children never to close their minds to possibility. (Ages 9 to 12) --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Review

"A book many children are going to love." -- -- Publishers Weekly

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Age Range: 8 and up
  
• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins; 25th edition (September 8, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060218053
• ISBN-13: 978-0060218058
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (295 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #147,464 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Julie Andrews Edwards is one of the most recognized figures in the world of entertainment. She is perhaps best known for her performances in Mary Poppins, The Sound of Music, and The Princess Diaries. Ms. Edwards is the author of many favorite children's books, including Mandy and The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

208 of 212 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Whangdoodles! January 13, 2000

By Debbie Goggins

Format:Paperback

I had a teacher who read this book to our class when I was in fourth grade. I am now 30, and the book is still one of the most creative, entertaining books I have ever read. Lindy, Tom, Ben and the professor have the most wonderful adventures and meet up with the most incredible creatures. Julie Andrews Edwards has a gift for making the reader feel that she (or he) is actually along on the adventure. Her writing style is so descriptive, it's almost as if you can actually see, smell and taste all of the fantastic things in the book. This book truly recognizes the importance of exercising a child's imagination. I really look forward to reading it to my children someday.

138 of 141 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars If you like Harry Potter or the Oz books.... December 1, 1999

By "ohlaurie"

Format:Paperback

...you'll like this look into the collective imagination of two brothers, their sister, and an eccentric professor. Journey with them as the go in search of a magnificent creature that can exist only if someone believes in it.

I first discovered this book when I was in elementary school, around the time it was written, and I fell in love with it. Fast forward about 10 years to a summer spent as a camp counselor when I read it to a cabin full of 9-11 year old girls who couldn't wait for me to read the next chapter each night. Fast foward another 15 years to a mother purchasing a Harry Potter book from Amazon. Lo and behold the title comes up again in the "people who bought this book also purchased..." line. What a treat to rediscover what I consider a classic.

If you like the Harry Potter books or the Oz books or any book that takes the you to imaginary places with imaginary creatures and imaginary landscapes then you'll love it.

35 of 37 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The Wonders of Whangdoodleland :-l :>) =) :>/ :-} March 24, 2000

By A Customer

Format:Paperback

I'm in the 6th grade and I currently read The Last of The Really Great Whangdoodles- I loved the book! The book is about 3 young kids,Ben, Tom, and Lindy Potter, who, with the help of their friend, Professor Savant, search out for the Whangdoodle.The Whangdoodle looks a bit like a moose or horse, it grows a new pair of slippers on it's feet each year. The Whangdoodle isn't the only strange creature in Whangdoodleland there's also the adorable Whiffle Bird, the mean and nasty Swamp Gaboons, the awful "oily" Prock, the playful High-Behind Splintercat, and many more. I'd keep going but that would defeat the purpose of reading the book, and you deffinetly wouldn't want to miss this book!I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I hope by writing this review I persaude others to read it too! P.S. Be sure to smell the flowers of Whangdoodleland!