The Stupids Take Off

The Stupids #4

by Harry Allard, James Marshall (Illustrator)

To avoid a visit from boring Uncle Carbuncle, the Stupids take off in the family plane but end up meeting even more stupid relatives in their travels.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Banned Books, Humor, Fiction, Kids

32 pages, Paperback

First published October 30, 1989

About the author

Harry Allard was an American writer of children's books. Many of his books have received awards; a few have also been banned and challenged in the United States.

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a child, I remember loving these books. Reading them again with one of my sons, I realize they've lost their appeal to me, but they very much appeal to him, and he is the target audience. Much like the Amelia Bedelia books, The Stupids series is about a family who does almost everything wrong and kids pick up on it quickly.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love George Washingmachine

[Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite in the Stupid series is actually book two in which The Stupids Have a Ball, but this Stupid book has it's charm as well. Interestingly, both Stupid books deal with the Stupid extended family, but where in the second Stupid book, the Stupid Family invites their relatives to a Stupid party (ball), in this Stupid book they are trying to avoid a Stupid uncle so they take off and in the meantime run into many Stupid relatives including Stupids we have not met previously. Here is just a sample of the Stupidness:

At 10,000 feet the Stupids happened to pass Cousin Fifi Stupid.
"Can't stop to talk," said Cousin Fifi.
"I'm off to Grandfather Stupid's graduation from kindergarten. Au revoir!"
"Isn't Spanish a beautiful language?" said Mrs. Stupid.

On the spur of the moment the Stupids decided to attend little Patty Stupid's sixth birthday party.
"Why are there eight candles on the cake?" said Buster.
"Because I didn't have six," said Patty.
"That makes sense," said Buster.

Sadly, while book three was titled, The Stupids Die The Stupid's Didn't really die :-), it appears that since book four was published in 1989 and we have not seen them in another adventure, they are in fact now dead or perhaps they have just moved from Cleveland and forgot to tell everyone. At any rate, perhaps you and I will have the joy have finding other Stupids to entertain us.

[Hannah · Rating 2 out of 5]

When I was in Elementary School we would rush to the shelf to see who would get to check out the "Stupid" books. They really are so goofy and probably of no educational value, but I loved them as a kid!

[Kendall · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love these stupid books!

[Dione Basseri · Rating 1 out of 5]

*deepest sigh* Look...maybe this was the height of humor in 1989. Maybe this was all a now-mid-thirties child would read. Maybe it helped spark someone's lifelong love of literature.

But holy balls, please do not buy this in the modern age. I mean, luckily it's out of print, so it's not under high demand. But just...do not.

It's obnoxious. It's boring. And, yes, it's a bit offensive. I know some people will be like "Stupid isn't a bad word!" to which I respond "okay, but why does pretty much every parent say it's not nice to call someone stupid? Why?"

I'm big on intellectual freedom and not banning books, but as far as this one goes, if it is returned to the library irreparable, don't bother spending the money on getting a replacement. It's not worth it on so many fronts.

[Rachel C · Rating 1 out of 5]

So lately, Riley has been bringing home books from his school library. I have been dismayed that they are all crap. This one included. The book twice calls children “Stupid kids” (see p. 8) and uses the word stupid at least 40 times. Children should be encouraged to learn and excel in school. Stupidity should not be encouraged, advocated, or found funny. I can't believe this is a series of books.

[Josiah · Rating 1 out of 5]

Of the three books about the Stupids that I've read, this one is the best. There are some clever laughs in the simple story, and even some light-hearted food for thought, such as when Buster Stupid remarks on how their relatives live all over the place by saying, "The Stupids are everywhere." The Stupids Take Off is an entertaining read.

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Stupid family flees their house when they receive a telegram announcing the Uncle Carbuncle plans to visit. They hop into their very own airplane and throughout their journey visit with other members of the Stupid family. Great funny read aloud.

Readalikes: Amelia Bedelia series, Dav Pilkey books

[Heidi-Marie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I know I read another "Stupids" book, but I can't remember if it was this one. I just remember as a teenager being surprised that there were more books using characters that I had grown up lauging at.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Stupids are a hilarious family mostly because they aren't the sharpest tools in the shed. But the fun is not so much mean-spirited as it is ironic and goofy. The illustrations play a large role in the humor. Excellent for the easily bored.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

To avoid a visit from Uncle Carbuncle, the Stupids take off in their plane with their cat, Xylophone at the controls to visit various other Stupids. Text and illustrations work together to create gags.

themes: family, silliness, travel

[Magila · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5

I though I would like this far more than I actually did. Some parents may find the overall theme and themes a bit offensive, but I'm ok with a little bit of subversive humor for the right children.

[Mark Baker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not one of the stronger entries in this series as some of the jokes are, well, stupid.

Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.

[Kathleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Stupids go around the world by plane, visiting relatives all over while attempting to avoid another! This isn’t as cohesive a story as something like “The Stupids Die,” just a series of jokes and sight gags.

[Evan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Puns!

[Lesley Looper · Rating 4 out of 5]

This nonsensical book tickled my funny bone! James Marshall's illustrations are really fun in this one, too!

[Kaylin and Liam · Rating 2 out of 5]

7 years old

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sometimes silly, sometimes "stupid,"...this book was funny and strange!

[Sarah Stumphf · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I read these books, I feel like I get stupider, but my three year old likes them. Another silly story about the adventures of the Stupids.

[Bree · Rating 3 out of 5]

Notes:
the books in this series are definitely fluff but they sure are funny; best for age 5-7

[Kaethe · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Stupids want to avoid running into Uncle Carbuncle, so of course they end up visiting all kinds of family. Long live the Stupids!

[Marianac · Rating 4 out of 5]

The stupids is a good book to read. It was a cool, funny, and a family book. I would like for my mom to read it.

[Bexa · Rating 1 out of 5]

Read for banned book week preparation. Not funny, not worth the time to read it.

[Kathryn · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is terrible. It's condescending. And while it might be popular with kids, it has a terrible moral.

[Khari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another iteration of 'The Stupids' series.

I find these books quite amusing. I think Harry Allard has a gift for the absurd. I'm always engaged with wondering what on earth he is going to come up with next. What thing that we say without even thinking is he going to interpret literally to show how odd of an expression it is? What expression is he going to tweak just a tiny bit to lead to a wholly different, ludicrous, and yet still somehow logical, direction?

Quite a fun read.

Story: Narrative
Art: Meh
Price: $16.00

[Anthony · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Stupid family takes evasive action to avoid a visit from their Uncle Carbuncle, but taking off in their plane for an early vacation. During their travels they stop and visit other relatives of the Stupid family. Silly zany fun, if you can stand the stupid.

[Samantha Ulsund]

I do not like this book. It was kind of infuriating to read. Although, I think kids would think it is funny. However, I do not think it should be shared with kids as it could promote the wrong message.

[Amanda Schwind · Rating 1 out of 5]

I strongly disliked everything about this book. It was just mockery. As parents we are trying to teach our children to be kind and use gentle words (unlike "stupid"), and this book thwarts these efforts.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

My 5 year old cracked up, and his Dad and I got a chuckle out of it too!