Desperate parents turn to a kind little woman in an upside-down house, who has a clever cure for every bad childhood habit
A cure for every habit
Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle lives in an upside-down house, smells faintly of cookies and adores children, who adore her back. Her late husband was a pirate who buried treasure in the garden. When the parents of the neighbourhood reach the end of their patience with a child who will not take a bath, answers back, refuses to go to bed or never puts toys away, they telephone Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle, who always knows exactly what to do.
Who will enjoy it
Families looking for a funny read-aloud, children who enjoy Mary Poppins, and parents who could use a little inspiration.
What you will get
A gently funny classic about a beloved neighbour with an upside-down house and a clever, harmless cure for every bad habit a child could possibly have.
Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle Facts: Pages, Genre and Setting
Genre
Children’s Books · Magic cures · Naughty children · Funny classic
Length
144 pages · ≈ 4 h
More about this book
Each chapter tells the story of one child and one cure. The girl who will not bathe is left alone until she is so dirty that radish seeds can be planted on her. The boy who answers back gets a parrot that repeats his rude remarks. The child who will not pick up toys simply finds his room so full that he cannot get out. The cures are absurd but logical, and the children always learn the lesson themselves.
MacDonald's humour is aimed at both children and adults. The parents' phone calls, full of exasperation, are just as funny as the children's antics, and grown-ups reading aloud will recognise every situation. Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle herself is never cross or preachy, which is the secret of her success.
Written in the forties, the book reflects the gender roles and household routines of its time, and some readers may find a few details dated. Newer editions have updated illustrations. As a read-aloud for children with a sense of humour, it is still a joy. Hilary Knight's drawings are a delight. About 144 pages in the HarperCollins paperback.
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