Forget-Me-Nots: The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles

This is a feature on my blog for highlighting books I enjoyed in childhood and the teenage years that I don't see getting much attention nowadays.

This week's pick:

The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles by Julie Andrews Edwards

This book has officially the most awesome title ever. Seriously.

Also, it's written by Julie Andrews. That's right. THE Julie Andrews. From the Sound of Music.

Review from Amazon.com:

"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."

Pure and simple, this book is all about imagination, creativity, and believing in what everyone else thinks is impossible. There are so many fabulous make-believe creatures in this book! It is aimed at middle-grade readers (ages 9-12), and the kids do learn some 'lessons' throughout the story...but you can't help but love the Whangdoodle (and the Whifflebird!!)

Anyone else enjoy this book when they were younger?