The Last Noo-Noo

Marlon #1

by Jill Murphy

His grandmother thinks he is too big to have a pacifier, his mother agrees, and the other monster children make fun of him, but Marlon will not give it up until he is ready

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Humor

32 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1995

About the author

Jill Murphy was a London-born English children's author, best known for The Worst Witch series and the Large Family picture books. She has been described as "one of the most engaging writers and illustrators for children in the land."

Jill Murphy was born in London and attended the Ursuline Convent in Wimbledon which, together with the boarding school stories she enjoyed reading, provided much of the material and inspiration Miss Cackle's Academy in the The Worst Witch, which she started when she was 15. She put the book on hold as she attended both Chelsea and Croydon Art Schools, but continued to write it whilst living in a village in Togo, West Africa for a year and then whilst working as a nanny back at home. The book was published when Jill turned 24 and proved an instant success. However, Jill continued working as a nanny until the publication of The Worst Witch Strikes Again prompted her to devote herself to full-time writing. The Worst Witch stories have become some of the most outstandingly successful titles on the Young Puffin paperback list and have sold more than 3 million copies. They were also made into a major ITV series. She was also well known for her picture books and was commended in the 1980 Kate Greenaway Medal for Peace at Last. A Quiet Night In was shortlisted for the same medal in 1994. She was perhaps best known for the very popular Mr and Mrs Large picture books, which detail the domestic chaos of an elephant family. Five Minute's Peace won the 1987 Parents Magazine Best Books for Babies Award, as well as being shortlisted for the 1986 Children's Book Award. All in One Piece was highly commended for the 1987 Kate Greenaway Award and shortlisted for the 1987 Children's Book Award. The Last Noo-noo won the 0-5 category of the 1995 Smarties Book Prize and in the same year was shortlisted for the English 4-11 Outstanding Children's Book of the Year, going on to win the 1996 Sheffield Children's Book Award. It won the 1996 Gateshead Gold Award. In the same year it was adapted as a play and performed at the Polka Theatre, London.

Reviews

[Carol, She's so Novel ꧁꧂ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so sad to read that Jill Murphy has recently died from cancer. I loved many of her children's books when my own kids were young - I loved the clever way they were written on two levels, so that adults also had a bit of a chuckle!

Marlon's granny (who reminds me very much of my NZ grandmother!) thinks Marlon is far too old to still be sucking on a dummy/Noo-noo/pacifier.

"Well, whatever he calls it," said Marlon's granny, "he looks like an idiot with that stupid great thing stuck in his mouth all the time."

But neither his abrasive granny or the local bullies can get Marlon to give the Noo-Noo up until he is good and ready!

I laughed all the way through. Still love the ending.

Found a free reading on You tube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXDK0...

I don't particularly like this reading but it gives you a taster. And a chance to see Ms Murphy's wonderful artwork!

RIP, Jill. You will be greatly missed.

https://wordpress.com/view/carolshess...

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favourite books as a child and one I would ask my parents to read over and over again before I was old enough to read it to my brother!

Loved the story and the characters. Reading this book always takes me back to my childhood. Love it.

[Jodie Steer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This has always been one of my most remembered books from my childhood, and I can see why. I stumbled across it in a charity shop and wow am I glad I picked it up. Jill Murphy is fantastic at creating short, witty children’s stories and The Last Noo Noo is no different. 3.5 stars for one of the best stories of my childhood memories.

[Jade Singleton · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Last Noo-Noo is a funny story about a Monster called Marlan and his love for dummies, 'noo-noos'. Marlan's family are desperate for him to give up his noo-noo but every technique they try fails. Even the other monsters who tease Marlon for having one can't stop him.
Eventually, Marlon's Mum stops buying noo-noos and the noo-noos he already had begin to get lost. Marlon soon ends up with just two; one pink and one blue. Marlon keeps the pink one with him at all times and decides to bury the blue one in the garden.
One day, the other monsters gang up on Marlon and make a noo-noo snatcher. They manage to steal the pink dummy. At this moment, Marlon decides that he is perhaps too old to have a dummy now. He goes home and informs his family. His mother is pleased. Marlon lets his family know that he has planted one noo-noo in the garden, so he will have a noo-noo tree if he changes his mind. His granny's reply to this is 'Nonsense'. The last page of the book shows a tree covered in noo-noos.
This book contains many tricky words such as 'already', 'Alligatina' and 'gradually', and unfamiliar words for children such as 'astonished', 'jeered' and 'taunts'. For this reason, I feel that this book would be best read by an adult to a child. There is a subtle prompt in the story to give up using a dummy, so the book may be particularly useful for children wh are struggling with this.
The book has colourful illustration which describes the story, making it easy for children to follow.
I would recommend this book to be read to children between Early Years and KS1.

[A.khanom · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a funny book about a monster called Marlon who is reluctant to give up his dummy or Noo- Noo. Marlon’s Gran thinks he is too old for a dummy and pesters Marlon’s Mum for not doing enough to get rid of her son’s (Marlon) habit. Soon afterwards Marlon’s Mum stops buying him dummies and Marlon tries his very best to save his ‘noo-noos’ from getting lost. The author captures a child’s outlook on world around them in the story through the different places that Marlon thinks of to hide his dummy, such as inside a wellington boot. Marlon is confronted by a group of bullies with their noo –noo snatcher and this is what makes Marlon change his habit and give his ‘noo -noos’. This book has lovely drawings and is funny because the monsters which are meant to be scary have human childish characteristics such as sucking a dummy.

This is likely to engage children in the class as it gives a very good context to open discussion about some of the things children did or the habits they had when they were young/babies. Children can then think about what eventually made them give up a particular habit. Children who have had an attachment with their dummies and struggled to give it up will certainly be able to relate to this story. The message in this book is about independence and so it is best used in EYFS and KS1.

Marlon, Mum, Grandma and Marlon’s friends all have very different characteristics about them. Therefore it is a good book to use in Literacy for character descriptions. I didn’t like the way the Gran referred to her grandson as an ‘idiot’, some children may find this upsetting, that’s why I have given this book four stars.

[Lorna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A funny little book about giving up your dummy, not reacting to bullies or peer pressure and making up your own mind. I liked the twist at the end with the noo-noo tree!

[Faye Ulph · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had to read this book when I spotted it in the library ! This was one of my favourites when I was young! Loved the twist when he decided to give up his noo boo and send the bullies flying - the character shows great determination to not let them win and keep to what he wanted to do!! And what a brilliant idea planting a noo noo tree hehehe loved it - very funny !

[Tiffany · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was so highly recommend that it caught me off guard. We didn't make it past the first page. The grandmother was so insulting of the child having his pacifier (my child never used one), that I wouldn't read it out loud to my daughter. Maybe she could see the humour of the sarcastic insults later, but I'm not sure I want her to.

[Sophie O’Sullivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A family favourite classic about growing up and leaving your ‘noo noo’ behind! A great opportunity to read this book to your child who is finding it hard to let go of their own ‘noo noo’. Classically illustrated characters is definitely a wonderful attribute to this book.

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely delightful. Not sure who enjoyed it more, me or the big six year old who fondly remembers his own "noo-noo".

[Jess Strang · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this book, however I don’t think it particularly portrays a great life message. I feel like it almost teaches to ‘give up to bullying or teasing’ so I’m not entirely sure about this one

[Jaime · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pacifier withdrawal? My daughter called hers a bubby. This kid calls his a noo noo. If you’re in the pacifier stage then this book is for you.

[KaitandMaddie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is rather dated. Grandma is his first bully.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jill Murphy never disappoints.

[Ifedayo Echo · Rating 1 out of 5]

Really dislike the language used in this book, shame based and borderline bullying. No wonder poor Marlon felt the need to seek comfort in his Noo Noos.

[Jonathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Last Noo-Noo is about a young monster, Marlon, and his efforts to keep his dummies (or noo-noos)from his parents. They want to get rid of them all but Marlon hides the noo-noos in various places. His supply dwindles as his hiding places are discovered and the noo-noos disposed of. Eventually only the last noo-noo remains. An encounter with bullies proves to be a catalyst for change in Marlon and his attitude to the last noo-noo.

The plot in this book has pace, is funny and appeals to young readers. The book is well illustrated and the characters are believable despite their monstrous appearances. This book can be used for independent reading for key stage two children. It could also be effectively used as a basis for imaginative writing about what could happen next in Marlon's story.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very funny, quirky story. I loved the ending and how sneaky Marlon is. I also really like the use of monsters in the roles of normal people.

[Sophie Crane · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's Thanks to BBC's Words and Pictures that I got to read this Book, My Favourite bit was seeing Marlon Get his Revenge on the Bullies by giving them his last Noo-noo but at a Cheeky price.