The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles by Julie Andrews Edwards is praised for its imaginative storytelling and enchanting world, engaging young readers with themes of creativity and wonder. Critics appreciate the book's ability to inspire imagination and exploration. Some note the pacing as uneven, but overall, it remains a beloved classic for its whimsical charm and positive messages.

A reader who treasures imaginative adventures and fantastical worlds will enjoy The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles. Fans of The Chronicles of Narnia and A Wrinkle in Time who appreciate themes of curiosity, courage, and enchantment will find this book appealing.

In The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles, three siblings embark on a fantastical journey guided by a professor to find the elusive Whangdoodle, a creature with unrivaled imagination. The story explores themes of creativity and perseverance, as the siblings navigate whimsical challenges in a magical land, fostering a deeper understanding of wonder and possibility.

Fantastical / Adventurous / Mysterious / Playful

- The author, Julie Andrews Edwards, is best known for her acting career, particularly for iconic roles in films like Mary Poppins and The Sound of Music, before establishing herself as a children's book author.
- The book was first published in 1974, showcasing Julie Andrews Edwards' talent beyond the performing arts as she ventured into writing imaginative children's literature.
- The novel emphasizes the power of imagination and creativity, themes that are integral to Andrews' career both as an author and an entertainer.

**Lindy (Melinda Potter)**  
The novel’s protagonist and a seven-year-old girl who grows considerably throughout the story, showcasing courage and determination on her adventures with her brothers and Samuel Savant.

**Samuel Savant**  
An accomplished professor and mentor who introduces the Potter children to the world of Whangdoodleland, emphasizing the importance of imagination and serving as their guide.

**Tom and Ben (Thomas and Benjamin Potter)**  
Lindy’s older brothers; Ben is mature and thoughtful, while Tom is more impetuous, though both care deeply for their sister during the journey.

**The Prock**  
Acts as the primary antagonist for much of the story, opposing Savant's and the children's efforts, but has a nuanced character that evolves through the narrative.

**The Whangdoodle**  
A whimsical creature that embodies imagination, he lives in Whangdoodleland and interacts with the main characters, revealing themes of belief and trust.

**Whangdoodleland Creatures**  
Include a variety of fantastical beings who either aid or challenge the protagonists, such as the helpful Whiffle Bird and the initially antagonistic Splintercat.

Julie Andrews Edwards

Middle grade

Novel

Fiction

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Overview

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The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles Summary and Study Guide

Background

The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Challenge”

Part 1 The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Capture”

Part 2 The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles Part 2 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “Conquest”

Part 3-Epilogue

The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles Part 3-Epilogue Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles Character Analysis

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Themes

The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles Essay Topics

The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles

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