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4.1 AVERAGE
4.1 AVERAGE
Ok, if you don't approve of spanking, do NOT read this book! Otherwise, thsi is a pretty funny (if dated) book about crazy things parents will do to get their kids to behave. I liked the wacky reverse psychology... and I think that some kids might even learn a few lessons from reading/listening to this.
I love reading about bratty children and the seemingly sweatless efforts Mrs. Piggly-Wiggle goes to set them straight. The best part is that she loves the children even when they're bratty, and praises and loves them EVEN MORE when they learn to behave. I wish that there were more mothers --or even grandmothers -- like Mrs. Piggly Wiggle.. She's like Supernanny! If there were more mothers like her, then I'm sure no child would be abused, abandoned, or mistreated...
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Characters: 9/10
The characters in Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle are charming, memorable, and distinctive. Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle herself is an unforgettable figure with her whimsical nature, unique methods, and insightful understanding of children. The secondary characters, particularly the children and their parents, add depth and humor to the story. They are exaggerated but intentionally so, making them engaging and easy to describe. While most characters are one-dimensional due to the book's episodic structure, they serve their purpose of delivering the moral lessons effectively.
Atmosphere/Setting: 8/10
The setting is cozy and fantastical, with Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle's upside-down house acting as a delightful hub of magic and mystery. While the descriptions aren't overly detailed, I found the atmosphere warm and inviting, perfectly fitting the tone of the story. The imaginative cures and quirky situations felt vivid and enhanced the whimsical, fairy-tale-like quality of the book. However, the settings outside of Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle's home felt less immersive to me.
Writing Style: 8/10
Betty MacDonald's writing is engaging, humorous, and accessible. The style is straightforward and enjoyable, with a good balance between narration and dialogue. I appreciated her clever use of absurdity and wit, which made the book appealing for both children and adults. The prose isn’t ornate or groundbreaking, but it perfectly suits the book's tone and target audience. The episodic structure allows for quick and satisfying reads, though I did find it somewhat repetitive at times.
Plot: 7/10
The plot is episodic, focusing on individual children with specific behavioral quirks and how Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle’s creative solutions help them improve. Each story felt cohesive and satisfying, but I found the formulaic nature predictable after a while. The pacing was brisk and worked well for the structure, though the lack of complexity or twists made it less engaging for me in the long term. The book offered a unique and playful perspective on parenting and problem-solving, but I missed having an overarching narrative to tie the stories together.
Intrigue: 8/10
I found the book engaging, particularly because each chapter presented a new problem and an inventive solution. I was curious about Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle’s next clever cure and appreciated the humor and creativity in each scenario. The repetition of the episodic structure dulled my interest slightly as the book progressed, but the charm and cleverness of the writing kept me entertained.
Logic/Relationships: 7/10
The characters' actions and motives aligned well with the exaggerated, whimsical tone of the book. The cures followed their own internal logic, rooted in humor and morality, and remained consistent within the world Betty MacDonald created. The relationships, particularly between parents and children, were over-the-top but served the story's purpose of satire and life lessons. While the world-building was minimal, it fit seamlessly into the lighthearted and fantastical nature of the book.
Enjoyment: 9/10
I thoroughly enjoyed Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle. The humor, creativity, and timeless lessons made it a delightful read from start to finish. Its nostalgic charm appeals to adults who grew up with it, while still being accessible and entertaining for a first-time audience. Although the structure felt repetitive, the book's whimsy and warmth more than compensated. I would highly recommend it to others, especially for those seeking light, moral-driven children’s literature.
funny
informative
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
We read this one aloud and my 7 year old thought it was hilarious. Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle is a fantastic larger-than-life character and her cures for common childhood (mis)behaviors were funny. We all enjoyed trying to figure out what advice she was going to give the parents. Also, the names of the children were outrageous (Paraphernalia, for instance) and we laughed at the quirkiness they added.
Some content considerations: I didn't like that the moms were kind of gossipy about their children's behavior, and it should be noted that it does mention some of the kids getting spankings. It's a bit dated, but that's expected for a book published in 1947.
Some content considerations: I didn't like that the moms were kind of gossipy about their children's behavior, and it should be noted that it does mention some of the kids getting spankings. It's a bit dated, but that's expected for a book published in 1947.
The 4 year old loves Mrs. Piggle Wiggle! Demands it when we get in the car, listens quietly, raptly.
I find it outdated and formulaic, but I can see the appeal of the repetition at least to her.
I'm sure she'll be asking for more, but maybe we can take a break with another early chapter book instead.
I find it outdated and formulaic, but I can see the appeal of the repetition at least to her.
I'm sure she'll be asking for more, but maybe we can take a break with another early chapter book instead.
I reread this and my goodness did it bring back nostalgia! I read these all the time growing up and I still think they are adorable, cute stories. Love them every time, even as I’ve gotten older 😁
My boys were rolling with laughter reading this book! Age 4 and 7
I read this aloud to my 4 year old - she gave it 5 stars.
As a parenting book this is interesting but dated. But as a children's book this is just horrid. I can't imagine this being fun to listen to or read. Ick.