The Willoughbys

Abandoned by their parents, Tim, the twins Barnaby A and Barnaby B, and their sister Jane are left in the care of an odious nanny. They try to follow the models set by stories from A Christmas Carol to Mary Poppins to reach a happy ending. However, it is a ruthless act that sets in motion their transformation and leads to happy endings not only for them but also for their nanny, an abandoned baby, a candy magnate, and his long-lost son. This humorous and old-fashioned parody includes a glossary and bibliography, paying homage to classic children’s literature. 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 of 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!