[1] The book is an exercise in humorous nonsense, rich in wordplay and absurd situations, in the tradition of Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.

The Wallypug of Why is rich in nonsense and absurd situations and it humorously depicts life in late-Victorian times.

[4] The novel's protagonist, known only as Girlie, finds a letter written home by her youngest brother (known only as Boy).

The letter protrudes slightly from its envelope, and Girlie is able to read the following: Rather than extract the letter from its envelope and read it completely, Girlie pauses to wonder what a "goo" might be — which leads to a chain of fantastic events.

Many of the residents are talking animals with curious habits and quirks of personality — including a "socialistic cockatoo."