Parents' Guide to

The Stupids Step Out

By Darienne Stewart, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 5+

Family cheerfully does everything wrong in goofy, fun tale.

Book Harry Allard Humor 1974
The Stupids Step Out Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

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age 12+

Based on 2 parent reviews

Amy Watson
Amy Watson Adult
November 2, 2021
age 6+

Waste of time

This is irritating to read. The "jokes" aren't funny and make fun of people of who are seen as not smart. Also, I didn't want my kids to think it was okay to call someone Stupid, which is literally what this book does.
derpid
derpid Adult
October 9, 2018
age 18+

derpidity

wow stupidhttps://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&ved=2…

This title has:

Too much violence
Too much sex
Too much swearing
Too much consumerism
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Stanley Q. Stupid has an idea -- an unusual event. He announces that the family is stepping out for the day. They prepare by taking a bath, fully dressed in a dry tub, and head out to the grandparents' home. Grandfather doesn't recognize them; Grandmother stays in a closet. They enjoy mashed potato sundaes and walk home on their hands. Happy with the day's adventures, they dress in clown costumes and settle into bed -- with their feet resting on their pillows.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (2):
Kids say: Not yet rated

You can make a fair argument against the book's premise -- that this family is so stupid it's OK to laugh at them -- and if you feel that way, you won't find anything funny about the Stupids. In fact, it's a rather stupid book. But if you can get past the language, rest assured your kids probably get a laugh out of it.

Harry Allard (author of the Miss Nelson series) and his frequent partner James Marshall (George and Martha) offer lots of sight gags: mislabeled pictures in the home include a sheep identified as an elephant; Mr. Stupid proudly wears knitted stockings on his ears, while his wife wears the cat as a hat; and the headdress-wearing dog drives the car. It's ridiculous and simple — making it good fun for young readers. The Stupids Step Out is the first in the series of four books.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the use of the word "stupid." Parents should remind their children that "stupid" is an impolite word and can be hurtful. What other words could you use to describe this family?

  • Parents can point out some of the Stupids' admirable qualities -- for example, they are cheerful, considerate, impeccably well behaved, very happy with the way they live.

  • Parents can help beginning readers find all the gags in the pictures, including funny signs in the background.

Book Details

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