The Fantastic Family Whipple

February 1, 2014

Gr 3-6-Poor Arthur Whipple is unlike his insufferably self-satisfied 12 siblings and his parents in that he has not won a world record in anything. They've all won multiple honors; in fact they hold the world record as the winningest family in the world. It is Arthur's dream to contribute to his family's success, but he just cannot seem to do it. He's too good-hearted and has a unfortunate tendency to help wounded competitors instead of taking advantage of the situation. Meanwhile, someone appears to be sabotaging the Whipple family's latest record-setting efforts, even perhaps trying to kill them. Arthur is the only one with any sense, and he begins to investigate. Stephen Crossley narrates the British book, obviously the first in an intended series, with flair, embodying each character with different accents and personalities. The listener always knows whom he/she is hearing. He does his best to keep things lively and funny; unfortunately, the monotony of the constant attempts at world record-breaking begins to wear after awhile. The story (Razorbill, 2013) isn't quite as amusing as it was likely meant to be and could have been more effective with some editing. However, for that child feeling a little underappreciated and looking for something along the lines of Roald Dahl, this might fit the bill.-B. Allison Gray, Goleta Library, Santa Barbara, CA

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 8, 2013
As the only ordinary member of a family obsessed with breaking world records, 11-year-old Arthur Whipple has long disappointed his overachieving parents. While his siblings hold records like Most Accomplished Four-Year-Old Painter on Earth and Highest Note Ever Sung in Live Performance, Arthur has never set a single one. With the Unsafe Sports Showdown and the World Records World Championship fast approaching, Arthur anticipates finally making a contribution to the Whipple legend and redeeming himself. However, when mysterious accidents start befalling his family, he turns his talents toward mystery-solving instead, a task involving evil clowns, a rival family, and more. Ward’s debut has echoes of Roald Dahl, with the setting and story line falling somewhere between whimsical and pleasantly absurd. The idea of a world obsessed with extremes, such as Most Awards Presented in a Single Day, is played with tongue-in-cheek seriousness, allowing for humor, drama, and a healthy dose of adventure. It’s a genuinely fun and comically ludicrous romp, clearly worthy of Most World Records Outside of a World Records Book. Ages 8–up. Agent: Laura Rennert and Lara Perkins, Andrea Brown Literary Agency.