The Willoughbys

From the New York Times bestselling and two-time Newbery Medal-winning author of The Giver and Number the Stars comes a delightfully tongue-in-cheek story about parents trying to get rid of their four children and the children who are all too happy to lose their beastly parents and be on their own.

The Willoughby children—Timothy, twins Barnaby A and Barnaby B, and their sister Jane—are fond all old-fashioned things, but especially old-fashioned adventures. What they aren't fond of, however, are their parents. Truth be told, their parents aren't the fondest of them, either, and they're concocting an evil plan to get rid of their children once and for all!

Both parents and children have plenty of dastardly ideas and tricks up their sleeves. The only thing they don't have is any idea of what lies between them and a happily-ever-after.

Complete with a cheeky glossary and bibliography, this hilarious and wonderfully old-fashioned parody pays playful homage to classic works of children’s literature like Mary Poppins and A Christmas Carol. Now a Netflix animated film, starring Ricky Gervais, Maya Rudolph, Terry Crews, Martin Short, Jane Krakowski, Will Forte, Alessia Cara, and Séan Cullen!

What happens when beastly parents and their clever children decide to get rid of each other once and for all?

• Dark Humor for Kids: The Willoughbys are a very old-fashioned family, which is to say their parents are dreadful and the children would much rather be orphans. The trouble is, their parents feel exactly the same way.
• Found Family: When the children are left with an “odious nanny,” they might just discover that the family you choose is better than the one you’re given.
• A Parody of the Classics: A clever, tongue-in-cheek homage to beloved children's books, complete with a cheeky glossary that turns literary conventions upside down.
• Perfect for Reading Aloud: With witty prose and a story that will have both kids and adults laughing, this book is a fantastic choice for family reading time.
• Now a Netflix Animated Film: See the story come to life in the hit animated movie starring Ricky Gervais, Maya Rudolph, and Will Forte!