The Fall of Fergal: The First Unlikely Exploit

When I first saw this book, I was not very attracted to it (I am naturally drawn to beautiful illustrations - and while funny his don't include a lot of beauty). I saw all the 5 star reviews, and started reading them. Still not convinced, I decided to check "Fergal" out at the library, and now I have the whole trilogy. Philip Ardagh's writing is very hard to describe; it seems to go contrary to everything that you would expect, and yet, the outcome is fun, and surprisingly uplifting.The only explanation I could find for all the truly terrible things that happen in his stories, is that he realizes that kids do regularly deal with terrible life events, and that maybe talking about them is more comforting than to just pretend that life is all peaches and hot fudge sundaes. Which is worse, knowing that everyone suffers, or thinking that you're the only one, and maybe it's because there's just something wrong with you?While he does openly discuss death, bullying, less than perfect parents, and other true tragedies, Ardagh manages to do it in a wild, humorous way, that strangely enough is still fun. He acknowledges that life can be very tough, but there are ways to work around some of the worst of it, and even works in some tips on doing just that.I also like that while there are some very mean people in his books, there are also some very kind ones (adults and children), some of whom you wouldn't expect to like at first glance - again, very much like real life. I don't love every single thing about his books, but if kids have to deal with an imperfect life, Ardagh's books may just help to take some of the sting out.

My 10 year-old son, usually a reluctant reader, loved this book so much that he repeatedly chose to read beyond his "required" 30 minutes of reading time. Also, he kept running in to me to read me excerpts - he thought it was hilarious. He brought it to school to ask his librarian to get it. Wow! I've ordered the second and anxiously await the 3rd.

Unique storyline. My kids that love creepy stories really enjoyed it.

I just love the books! They are so funny and humorous! Philip has a way with words. My kids enjoy reading them as well. I hope he writes more books soon!

The Fall of Fergal is The First Unlikely Exploit in the adventures of the McNally family, though it is hard to say exactly what place Fergal will play in the remaining novels, as he dies...well, splats, almost immediately. Page one, in fact. The author, Philip Ardagh, then spends the rest of the book explaining how exactly the fatal accident that occurs on page one came to be.To say that the McNally family is a bit down on their luck would be like saying my cat is rather fond of cat food. In fact, she's a 20 pounder and the McNally's haven't had an acquaintance with luck in years. That is, until little Le Fay McNally makes it to the finals of the Tap `n' Type typing competition.As part of being in the finals, Le Fay gets a fancy room at very posh Dell Hotel. It's only supposed to be for her, but Jackie, the oldest of the McNally kids (pretty much a grown woman), decides it would be good for them all to have a holiday (other than Rufus McNally, their taciturn and sole remaining and non-parenting parent). So Jackie, Fergal, and the almost-identical twins Albie and Joshua, set off by bus to join her. On the way they meet Mr. Peach, a ventriloquist and beat poet (not exactly Kerouac, but very nice), who figures largely in the story later on.Le Fay's competition in the type off includes the nasty Graham Large, a regular dandy of a kid, who is not above shortcuts and cheating to get ahead. Things would have turned disastrous indeed if not for the sharp eyes of Fergal, the keen hearing of Jackie, and the kindness of Mr. Peach (and Malcolm Kent, the Tap `n' Type representative and a very nice fellow to boot).But it is Twinkle-Toes Tweedy, the hotel's detective, that ultimately changes the lives of all the McNally's after the competition is over. And I'm not going to say another word, as I've probably said too much already and I'd rather have you off reading this delightful little book than read any more from me about it.It's funny, a bit dark, exquisitely odd, and genuinely original. I recommend it for readers aged 9 and up (especially those reluctant ones), though I think just about anyone with a decent sense of humor would enjoy this one and the other "unlikely events" that occur in the sequels.

We read it in class this week. It's a quick and easy read, maybe a bit childish, but overall pretty good. It was in an interesting format with the author going off on tangents, foreshadowing events to come, telling jokes, and other ways to involve the reader. Some may be confused by the format but I liked and enjoyed this book. I'd reccomend it to anyone who just wants a short and easy to read fun book.

It was terrible he kept going back fergals death and how he splatted on the floor HATE IT

Brand new, great value.

Great book for kids.. well written and entertaining