“The Stupids Take Off” is all about the stupids trying to escape a visit from their Uncle Carbuncle. On the way, they see plenty of other relatives. In this hilarious story, there are corny jokes on every page. My favorite joke was when the family was passing Aunt Flossie Stupid’s house. In the story, it stated that she was waving from her porch and that she “is a real doll.” In the illustration, the woman on the front porch was actually a real doll, not a human. Children would love the silly jokes on each and every page. However, while trying to avoid one stupid, the family runs into almost everyone else. Instead of just bearing the visit, it takes more of an effort by trying to get away. This book is one of the many banned books out there. The only thing that seems to be an issue to me is the use of the word stupid. That is their family name and it is mentioned on every page. I guess it would not be appropriate if children were to call each other stupid all day. Even though the word stupid is not the best choice of words that could be used, I understand why it can be an issue to parents and teachers. ( )

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

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. ( )

This is not the Stupids as I remember them! The Stupids books that I remember reading as a child had some semblance of plot! The Stupids Take Off has a loose plot, at best. After receiving a telegram from Uncle Carbuncle, the Stupid family decides to take a trip to visit their other relatives so as to avoid Carbuncle. They fly in a plane piloted by their cat and flit from relative to relative. The visits with the scattered Stupids are entertaining, but there is absolutely no plot. It was almost like a Display of Stupids--pulling Stupid figures into the book that Allard has long wanted to introduce--that seems like the only theme tying this book together. Aside from the illustrations and the entertaining episodes with their relatives', I found limited value in this book. Allard is capable of much better work. Recommended for purchase only if budget allows. ( )

A very dissappointing book of a bunch of one page gags that aren't very funny. The Stupids go to visit each of their family members, who each have a pun or two waiting for the family. ( )