The Willoughbys

"Shouldn't we be orphans?" Barbaby B asked.

The Willoughby children were seated on the front steps playing a complicated game to which only Tim knew the rules.

"Why?" asked Barnaby A, moving down a step because the rules said if he asked a question, and of course "Why?" was a question.

"Because," Barnaby B explained, "we are like children in an old-fashioned book. And-"

"Mostly they are orphans," Jane said. She moved down two steps because she had interrupted, which was against the rules, and now she was the lowest of the four.

"Worthy and deserving orphans," Barnaby A pointed out.

"Winsome too," added Jane...

"A sea voyage sometimes produces orphans," Barnaby A pointed out. "There are often pirates. Or icebergs."

"And sea serpents," his twin added, "even though I don't entirely believe in sea serpents."

"I believe in giant squids," Jane said with a shudder.

"Good point," Tim acknowledged. "And piranhas. Are our parents planning a vacation, by any chance? On a ship?"

• Fiction Middle Grade Childrens Humor 

Author: Lois Lowry 

Publisher: H M

Released Date: 2008

ISBN: 9780545115520