Children’s / Teenage fiction: Humorous stories

Book SynopsisTrade Review“A well-Crafted, visually rich, truth-telling tale for our troubled times that affirms the eternal importance of friends.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “Craft makes the story honest and believable and presents it as a powerful, if difficult to achieve, real-world possibility. Another work of resounding understanding and empathy.” — Booklist (starred review) “Lightning strikes twice as Craft again produces a funny and appealing yet sensitive and nuanced middle grade tale of inequity and microaggressions.” — School Library Journal (starred review) “Hilarious and heartfelt. Craft adeptly balances poignant questions…with laugh-out-loud moments of adolescence, making Class Act a substantial snapshot of the interior life of boys, especially Black boys who are too often not afforded such attention, love, and care.” — The Horn Book (starred review) "Craft approaches Drew’s—and his devoted friends’—dilemmas with candor and respect. Kids who missed volume one can dive in here and backtrack later; kids already on board will identify episodes and new characters around which they can build hope for a third entry." — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (starred review) “Deftly weaving discussions of race, socioeconomics, colorism, and solidarity into an accessible narrative, Craft offers a charming cast journeying through the complicated landscapes of puberty, self-definition, and changing friendships, all while grappling with the tensions of attending an institution that structurally and culturally neglects students of color.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review) “A warm hug of a book…Class Act’s modeling of thoughtful communication and its celebration of friendship are appealing and heartfelt. Craft’s expressive characters, strong command of vibrant color and hits of visual humor—including references to popular books in the double-page spreads that open each chapter—are downright delightful.” — BookPage “A moving and often very funny story about the convergence of an awkward age (13 to 14) with an awkward age (America’s racial reckoning)…. [Craft] balances his biting sendup of American race relations with poignant family portraits, and the art is most striking in quiet moments.” — The New York Times Book Review

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Book SynopsisCelebrate the 60th anniversary of Paddington Bear with this final classic picture book adventure from beloved author Michael Bond. Paddington Bear’s adventures never go quite as planned. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t filled with fun and laughter!When Mr. Gruber takes Paddington on a special outing to St. Paul’s Cathedral, there is one surprise after another. And the biggest surprise of all comes when Paddington is mistaken for a choir bear and suddenly finds himself taking part in a most unusual rehearsal.For six decades, stories of Paddington have charmed readers all over the world. Now another generation of fans can join the beloved bear in this brand-new adventure written by Michael Bond and illustrated by artist R. W. Alley.

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Book SynopsisMeet Goat Girl and Merle: an irresistible pair of characters who show young readers that the best friendships are built on more than first impressions.Goat Girl—an adventurous goat—lives on Humdrum Farm, a place where everything is ordinary, and she's looking for some excitement .Trade ReviewBarrington’s debut is a fun farm fable with softly modeled cartoons that are full of zip (well, at least when Goat Girl is around) and expressive (mostly expressing boredom) creatures. Little listeners, who’ll be anything but bored, will likely hope for further Goat Girl and Cow Boy adventures. This chipper tale of an unlikely farm friendship is sure to bring a smile. — Kirkus Reviews A great lesson in individuality delivered in a charming fashion. This picture book debut is a must have for all collections. — School Library Journal (starred review)

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Book SynopsisWhether he’s building a robot, sharing a giant sandwich, or learning to surf, Pete is always ready to make a good day great!With seven great stories in a vibrant and durable paper-over-board format, Pete the Cat Storybook Favorites is perfect for young fans of the most awesome cat around—Pete.

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Book SynopsisTwo 8x8 storybooks round out the package: Pinkalicious and the Pink Hat Parade and Pinkalicious: Flower Girl.This collection was originally published as Pinkalicious: The Pinkamazing Storybook Collection.

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Book SynopsisFrom a therapy dog to a mayor dog and even a lobster-diving dog, the possibilities will surprise you! But, of course, there is one job that dogs love more than any other: being a best friend.Trade Review“Each image reminds readers of what they love best about their pooches: their tenacity and steadfastness, whether at home or on the job.” — Publishers Weekly “Charmingly flipping the notion of imagining what dogs may do or feel while their people are away, this playful picture book also provides an entertaining approach to introducing various working dogs and their jobs in an affectionate homage to various contributions to human lives, beyond just being beloved companions. Delightful, vibrant, and boldly outlined illustrations extend the text, depicting an inclusive array of dogs, children, and adults and incorporating amusing details (one building’s address is “K9”) and sweet moments.” — Booklist “The joy in the illustrations is palpable, and seeing the many ways dogs help humans will be especially touching to dog lovers…. A solid choice for dog lovers and those who want to better appreciate how dogs help humans.” — Kirkus Reviews “In this entertaining picture book, the skills used in actual jobs done by all kinds of very good dogs—from therapy dog to truffle-sniffing dog to (somewhat alarmingly!) dog mayor—are shown in parallel to the traits that make canines great companions.” — Horn Book Magazine

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Book SynopsisIf there’s a problem in school, there’s no substitute for the world-saving substitute teachers of the S.O.S.!

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Book SynopsisThe Secret Life of Pets meets The Bad Guys in DOWN IN THE DUMPS, an all-new, highly illustrated early chapter book series about three unlikely friends—a rotten banana, a broken tea pot, and a crusty blob of gum—and their adventures together in the local town landfill. To Nana, there isn’t a better, more beautiful home for a mushy, moldy banana than the Westerfield Waste Transfer & Recycling Center! Nana loves living at the dump! She welcomes every new piece of trash with a hardy hug and happy hello.And in The Mystery Box, the first adventure in the Down in the Dumps series, when a Teddy Tedd Ted doll still perfectly wrapped in his gift box arrives, Nana realizes that not everyone is ready to be thrown away. Will Nana and her friends be able to navigate the many dangers of the dump to help Teddy Tedd Ted find his way home?The Mystery Box is the first book in the Down in the Dumps

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Book SynopsisThe Secret Life of Pets meets The Bad Guys in DOWN IN THE DUMPS, an all-new, highly illustrated early chapter book series about three unlikely friends—a rotten banana, a broken tea pot, and a crusty blob of gum—and their adventures together in the local town landfill.Oh, no! In Trash vs. Trucks, the second book in the Down in the Dumps series, the trucks are planning to move Nana’s beautiful home at the Westerfield Waste Transfer and Recycling Center. And to a trash barge of all places, too! Nana isn’t about to give up her beloved dump without a fight, but she’ll need a plan first. Will Nana and her trash friends be able to save their home and stop the trucks from taking apart everything they’ve worked so hard to build?Trash vs. Trucks is the second book in the Down in the Dumps series from beloved author-illustrator Wes Hargis. It will have even the most reluctan

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Book SynopsisThe Secret Life of Pets meets The Bad Guys in DOWN IN THE DUMPS, an all-new, highly illustrated early chapter book series about three unlikely friends—a rotten banana, a broken tea pot, and a crusty blob of gunk—and their adventures together in the local town landfill.Santa who? Nana has never heard about Christmas until the old toys of the Westerfield Waste Transfer and Recycling Center tell her about the most magical night of the year!In A Very Trashy Christmas, the third book in the Down in the Dumps series, Nana learns that Santa Claus delivers toys to all the good boys and girls and so she insists on writing him her own letter. But when Santa arrives with their gifts in tow, the Forklift of Doom mistakes Santa’s sleigh for rubbish. Can Nana and her trash friends band together to save Christmas before it’s too late?A Very Trashy Christmas is the third book in the Down i

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Book SynopsisWith more than 30 million books sold, the My Weird School series really gets kids reading! end up blowing them all away?Perfect for reluctant readers and all kids hungry for funny school stories, Dan Gutman’s hugely popular My Weird School chapter book series has something for everyone.

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Book SynopsisWith more than 30 million books sold, the My Weird School series really gets kids reading!

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Book Synopsis“Intoxicating . . . it will be hard for young readers to put down.”—New York Times Book Review“A grand, giddy, and, at times, literally soaring tale.”—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)“An amusing, fast-paced tale of land, sky, and spies.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)“Incredibly creative. . . . A little bit of history, a touch of mystery, and heaps of fun.”—ALA Booklist (starred review)A Washington Post, Publishers Weekly, and Kirkus Reviews Best BookA Junior Library Guild SelectionA Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the YearWherever there are injustices, nefarious plots, or threats to society, the Sheep, the Rooster, and the Duck are there to stop them!A sly villain with a plan to cause havoc across the globe is no match for three extraordinary animals—and their two young human friends. From acclaimed author and artist Matt Phelan, The Sheep, the Rooster, and the Duck is a hilarious, action-packed, and highly illustrated middle grade adventure perfect for fans of Skunk and Badger and Flora & Ulysses.The very first passengers to ride in a hot-air balloon were a sheep, a rooster, and a duck in 1783. And while hot-air balloons are indeed wondrous, ten-year-old Emile is too busy being the fastidious caretaker of ambassador Benjamin Franklin’s château in Paris to think much about them.But soon, young Emile finds himself right in the middle of a sinister plot. And right in the middle of the secret headquarters for France’s undercover guardians—the very same sheep, rooster, and duck that piloted the first hot-air balloon. If Emile can muster his courage and be bold, he may be the key to helping the heroes save both Benjamin Franklin and the world.Award-winning author Matt Phelan’s The Sheep, the Rooster, and the Duck is a highly illustrated adventure full of secrets, hijinks, and reimagined historical events. This rip-roaring and surprising story is ideal for reluctant readers, aspiring heroes, and fans of Peter Brown’s The Wild Robot.  

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Book SynopsisYoung animal owners and ones hoping for a pet will enjoy this funny book about pets and caring for them.With easy-to-read text and Clark’s trademark rhymes, this Level One shark tale will have beginning readers ready to take a bite out of reading!

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Book SynopsisIn this funny rhyming story, Clark the Shark is excited about his new pet, Lulu the dogfish. He can’t wait to teach Lulu tricks and feed her lots of treats. But Clark discovers there''s more to having a pet than he thought! Young animal owners and ones hoping for a pet will enjoy this funny book about pets and caring for them.With easy-to-read text and Clark’s trademark rhymes, this Level One shark tale will have beginning readers ready to take a bite out of reading! Also included are fun, bite-sized facts about different types of sharks. Clark the Shark Gets a Pet is a Level One I Can Read, which means it’s perfect for children learning to sound out words and sentences. Share this leveled reader with the pet or shark fan in your home or classroom!

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Book SynopsisA recommended story that helps young readers learn how to be a good friend. (School Library Journal)Featuring bold illustrations by Guy Francis and lively easy-to-read text by Bruce Hale, this Level Two I Can Read will have beginning readers ready to take a bite out of reading! Perfect for social emotional learning.Clark the Shark is super excited about the drawing contest. The winner gets Captain Suckermouth comics, signed by Captain Suckermouth! When Clark asks Joey Mackerel for help, his excitement gets the best of him and he doesn’t listen to his friend. Joey is sad because his pet catfish died. Will Clark be able to truly listen and put his friend first?Clark the Shark has been embraced in the elementary school classroom and at home. Kids laugh at his antics, and they also relate to the young shark who always means well but can get himself into scrapes due to his overabundan

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Book SynopsisSo when a mysterious man called The Recruiter invites her to join a secret society of spies, Maddie is floored. Then she discovers that these super secret super spies are the Illuminati—the world’s most covert organization rumored to control, well, everything. And one more thing: The Illuminati are kids, like Maddie!

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Book SynopsisTrade Review“Keller’s artwork is playful and expressive, and each animal has a distinctive personality. Twiss’s messaging is important for child readers (and perhaps some adults) to embrace.” — Publishers Weekly “A beautiful and timley message wrapped in a sweet story about new friendship. I’m going to have kids just so I can read them Jill Twiss’s heavenly books.” — Jesse Tyler Ferguson, actor “A beguiling, entertaining, gorgeously illustrated story of adorable animals reminding us humans for our humanity.” — Jon Cryer

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Book SynopsisMeet LONG JOHN McRON, SHIP''S COOK . . . and the most unusual babysitter you''ve ever seen. Long John has a whole crew of wild pirates in tow, and—for one boy and his sister—he''s about to transform a perfectly ordinary evening into a riotous adventure beneath a pirate moon. It''s time to make some PIRATE STEW. Marvelously silly and gloriously entertaining, this tale of pirates, flying ships, doughnut feasts and some rather magical stew is perfect for all pirates, both young and old.With a deliciously rhyming text from master storyteller Neil Gaiman and spellbinding illustrations by the supremely talented Chris Riddell, this is the picture book of the year! Pirate Stew! Pirate Stew!Pirate Stew for me and you!Pirate Stew, Pirate StewEat it and you won’t be blueYou can be a pirate too!

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Book SynopsisJohn Cusick returns with the second hilarious installment of his middle grade duology about a 31st-century boy and a 21st-century girl who team up to save the universe. Phineas T.Trade Review"Cusick creates a well-balanced narrative. While levity lightens the load—and the story is legitimately funny—the focus remains on a perfectly paced adventure. A promising series debut." — Kirkus Reviews "Budding sci-fi fans and humor aficionados are bound to team up for this hysterical intergalactic adventure." — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

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Book SynopsisTrade Review“Loren’s ear for cadence is utterly divine [and] it’s the art that really pops off the page. Fans of classic Looney Tunes may see many visual callbacks while the plot and rhymes harken back to old-school Dr. Seuss. Fast, furious, and funny, this book is one to grow on." — Kirkus Reviews

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Book SynopsisThe first in a young middle grade animal series in which an anxious Boston Terrier and an exuberant potbellied pig team up to solve crimes in their barnyard—from debut author PJ Gardner, with illustrations by David Mottram.Trade Review“Gardner’s debut tale of mystery and (eventual) bucolic bliss brings to mind Joan Carris and Noah Z. Jones’ Bed & Biscuit series. Graduates of the Mercy Watson books will also feel right at home. Mottram’s occasional illustrations just add to the charm….This kicks off a series, and readers will be glad to know that this piggie and pooch will pair up again.” — Kirkus Reviews "I know a thing or two about animals who investigate mysteries, and Horace and Bunwinkle have what it takes, doing so with pluck and charm. Kids will be delighted by the curiosity and caring natures of these adorable, adoptive, crime-solving siblings!" — John Patrick Green, New York Times-bestselling writer and artist of InvestiGators “Horace and Bunwinkle are a delightful pair. Sweet and funny, their antics will keep young readers eagerly turning the page.” — Suzanne Selfors, bestselling author of Wedgie & Gizmo and The Imaginary Veterinary Series “Meet Horace and Bunwinkle, two unlikely friends and Pet-tectives! This funny, charming duo will leave readers eager for more.” — Bobbie Pyron, author of the award-winning A Dog’s Way Home and critically acclaimed Stay

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewPraise for Horace & Bunwinkle: “Gardner’s debut tale of mystery and (eventual) bucolic bliss brings to mind Joan Carris and Noah Z. Jones’ Bed & Biscuit series. Graduates of the Mercy Watson books will also feel right at home. Mottram’s occasional illustrations just add to the charm….This kicks off a series, and readers will be glad to know that this piggie and pooch will pair up again.” — Kirkus Reviews "I know a thing or two about animals who investigate mysteries, and Horace and Bunwinkle have what it takes, doing so with pluck and charm. Kids will be delighted by the curiosity and caring natures of these adorable, adoptive, crime-solving siblings!" — John Patrick Green, New York Times-bestselling writer and artist of InvestiGators “Horace and Bunwinkle are a delightful pair. Sweet and funny, their antics will keep young readers eagerly turning the page.” — Suzanne Selfors, bestselling author of Wedgie & Gizmo and The Imaginary Veterinary Series “Meet Horace and Bunwinkle, two unlikely friends and Pet-tectives! This funny, charming duo will leave readers eager for more.” — Bobbie Pyron, author of the award-winning A Dog’s Way Home and critically acclaimed Stay

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewPraise for Horace & Bunwinkle: “Gardner’s debut tale of mystery and (eventual) bucolic bliss brings to mind Joan Carris and Noah Z. Jones’ Bed & Biscuit series. Graduates of the Mercy Watson books will also feel right at home. Mottram’s occasional illustrations just add to the charm….This kicks off a series, and readers will be glad to know that this piggie and pooch will pair up again.” — Kirkus Reviews "I know a thing or two about animals who investigate mysteries, and Horace and Bunwinkle have what it takes, doing so with pluck and charm. Kids will be delighted by the curiosity and caring natures of these adorable, adoptive, crime-solving siblings!" — John Patrick Green, New York Times-bestselling writer and artist of InvestiGators “Horace and Bunwinkle are a delightful pair. Sweet and funny, their antics will keep young readers eagerly turning the page.” — Suzanne Selfors, bestselling author of Wedgie & Gizmo and The Imaginary Veterinary Series “Meet Horace and Bunwinkle, two unlikely friends and Pet-tectives! This funny, charming duo will leave readers eager for more.” — Bobbie Pyron, author of the award-winning A Dog’s Way Home and critically acclaimed Stay

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Book SynopsisFrom the author of Stick Dog comes the first book in a highly illustrated early chapter book series about three best friends whose plans, missions, and schemes are sure to shake up their school. Molly gets things stuck in her head sometimes. When she sees a jar of candy on Principal Shelton’s desk, she absolutely needs to know how many candies are in that jar!Luckily, her two best friends, Simon and Rosie, are ready to help her find the answer—even if it means detention for all of them!HarperChapters build confident readers one chapter at a time! With short, fast-paced books, art on every page, and milestone markers at the end of every chapter, they''re the perfect next step for fans of I Can Read!

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Book SynopsisFrom the author of Stick Dog comes the second book in a highly illustrated early chapter book series about three best friends whose plans, missions, and schemes are sure to shake up their school.Simon always has a lot to say.Trade Review“With likable characters, an amusing situation, and lots of reinforcement for readers, this effort is sure to be a hit.” — Kirkus Reviews “Encouraging emergent readers with progress notes at each chapter’s end, this series kickoff introduces a diverse trio of third-grade friends with complementary traits.…Kissi adds a two-color illustration of the trio in action, a fanciful diagram, or a bit of arithmetic to almost every page of the well-paced, well-spaced narrative.” — Booklist Praise for STICK DOG: “Ample stick drawings make this an enticing package for those just starting chapter books.” — Kirkus Reviews

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Book SynopsisFrom the author of Stick Dog comes the third book in a highly illustrated early chapter book series about three best friends whose plans, missions, and schemes are sure to shake up their school. Molly, Simon, and Rosie are determined to build the best science fair project in school history. To do that, they’ll need to attract tons of fireflies.Will their bright idea get them a glowing grade or will it flicker out before the fair even starts? HarperChapters build confident readers one chapter at a time! With short, fast-paced books, art on every page, and milestone markers at the end of every chapter, they''re the perfect next step for fans of I Can Read!

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Book SynopsisThe Good Egg discovers his true talent in this Level One I Can Read by the #1 New York Times bestselling duo Jory John and Pete Oswald!The talent show is today and the Good Egg is so excited. There’s just one problem. He doesn’t have an act! When the talent show starts, he accepts that he’ll be just a regular ol’ audience member. But when his friends need help on stage, the Good Egg steps up to help and discovers that being yourself and kindness deserve a standing ovation.The Good Egg and the Talent Show is a Level 1 I Can Read book, which means it''s perfect for children learning to sound out words and sentences. Whether shared at home or in a classroom, the short sentences, familiar words, and simple concepts of Level One books support success for children eager to start reading on their own

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Book SynopsisLearn to read with Amelia Bedelia and this collection of twelve favorite stories that can each be read aloud in just five minutes. The friendly paper-over-board format is ideal for bedtime and reading on the go.

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Book SynopsisLearn to read with young Amelia Bedelia! Amelia Bedelia has been loved by fans for more than 50 years, and it turns out her childhood is full of silly mix-ups, too! In this Level 1 I Can Read title, Amelia Bedelia loses her tooth. And then she loses it again! Amelia Bedelia has a loose tooth. But no matter how much she wiggles her tooth, it won’t fall out. When it finally does, Amelia Bedelia is thrilled. She can’t wait for the tooth fairy to come to her house. But then Amelia Bedelia loses her tooth . . . again! Will she ever find it?This Level 1 I Can Read series featuring the childhood adventures of Amelia Bedelia will inspire newly independent readers to laugh, read, and expand their vocabularies.

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Book SynopsisThe Book No One Wants to Read is a highly visual full-color chapter book that uses humor, interactivity, and meta-storytelling to help even the most reluctant reader breeze through reading time, feel successful at reading, and even laugh! You’ll read a book . . . without really reading!A lonely book makes a deal with its reader: You keep turning my pages, and I''ll make it FUN!”If you think reading is boring, then you can pretend to read this book! All you have to do is sit here and turn the pages. Everyone will think you’re reading. Are you ready? Let’s get started…The ability to read by third grade is critical to a child’s success in school and beyond. But learning to read can be frustrating. The Book No One Wants to Read by Beth Bacon validates the experience of reluctant readers and rewards them with laughter.

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Book SynopsisMischief and Mayhem are BACK to tackle middle school and cursed bunny heads in this hysterical full-color graphic novel sequel from author-illustrator Ken Lamug. This page-turner is perfect for fans of the Dog Man and Lunch Lady series!Missy already defeated her former best friend, the supervillain Melvira, in an epic showdown, so how hard can making friends at middle school be?But when a “reformed” Melvira suddenly enrolls at Missy’s school and wants to run for student body president . . . Missy knows in her gut that Melvira and her league of supervillains must be up to evil again. After food fights and catfights, Missy and Melvira land in detention together, where they’re reminded of how great their friendship used to be. And maybe they could they be friends again—but that didn’t go so well the first time…Then a cursed bunny head begins to turn their town into zombies, and the two may have to team

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Book Synopsis*Winner of the 2022 Pop Culture Classroom Excellence in Graphic Literature Award for Best Children’s Nonfiction!*Two curious robots seek the answers to life’s most pressing—and hilarious—questions in this full-color graphic novel series by Jim Benton, New York Times bestselling author and creator of Franny K. Stein and Catwad!Join Jop and Blip as they follow their curiosity and investigate these seemingly odd questions using their own brand of logic, critical thinking skills, STEM knowledge, and humor.• Can you hear a penguin fart on Mars?• What if you wanted a dragon sandwich?• Why do we need TWO ears?With Jop and Blip, everything is worth knowing! Perfect for fans of Dav Pilkey and Dan Gutman!

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Book SynopsisEvery year is the Year of the Cat!A legendary race determined the order of the animals in the Chinese zodiac calendar . . . but what happened to Cat, the one animal who never received a year? Rat, Cat, and their eleven friends star in this funny animal adventure that introduces young readers to both the Chinese zodiac and the importance of apologizing. For fans of This Is Not My Hat and We Don’t Eat Our Classmates. Rat won the Great Race, which determined the order of the Chinese zodiac calendar. But he did it using trickery that left poor Cat behind. Now, Rat wants to make amends . . . or so he says. Rat, Pig, Dog, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Horse, Snake, Dragon, Tiger, Rabbit, and Ox all set off to apologize to Cat. Yet somehow, by the end of the journey, Rat is the only one left. And Cat has a special surprise for him.Richard Ho’s sly and perfectly paced text unfolds an exciting animal adventure, fu

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