Children’s / Teenage fiction: Humorous stories

Book SynopsisThis retelling of a Chinese folktale pays tribute to the author''s Irish heritage, and to the joys of an old marriage, new friendships, and the impulse to share. Mr. and Mrs. O''Grady are so poor they have just one of everything to share one potato a day, one chair, one blanket full of holes, and one gold coin for a rainy day. After digging up the last potato in their patch, Mr. O''Grady comes upon a big black object. It''s a pot no ordinary pot, for what they soon discover is that whatever goes into it comes out doubled! Suddenly the O''Gradys aren''t destitute anymore. But what they really long for is one friend apiece. Can the magic pot give them that?Using pen and gouache, the artist Andrea U''ren shows the simple characters in all their winning complexity.Cynthia DeFelice''s One Potato, Two Potato is a Bank Street - Best Children''s Book of the Year.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisFrom New York Times bestselling author Kate Messner comes a hilarious picture book in the vein of The Monster at the End of This Book about a not-so-scary kitten and a not-too-terrifying haunted house.

Read more less

Book SynopsisBold illustrations enhance this board book with simple Seussian rhymes for toddlers and preschoolers about the many things the eye can see in the world around them.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisMeet Babymouse--the spunky mouse beloved by young readers for more than a decade! Babymouse is excited to relax and enjoy her camping trip in the wilderness. Her one goal? Don’t get lost. Easy said than done... This groundbreaking young graphic novel series, full of humor and fun, is a bestseller that’s sold more than three million copies!   Move over, Superman, here comes Babymouse!—The Chicago Sun-TimesWelcome to Camp Babymouse! Two weeks of fresh air, fun, and friendship! Babymouse can't wait for the adventures to start. All that she has to do is relax and make sure she doesn't get lost in the wilderness. What could possibly go wrong, right Babymouse? Uh . . . Babymouse? BABYMOUSE? Uh-oh! Will camp be all that Babymouse dreams of? Or is our brave and fearless camper lost forever?! Find out in Camp Babymouse—the 6th hilarious, action-packed installment of the beloved Babymouse grap

Read more less

Book SynopsisFrom the author of National Book Award finalist Hey, Kiddo.Serving justice . . . and lunch! Lunch Lady can sniff out something rotten like no one else—and there’s definitely something rotten going on in the library. The usually friendly librarians have become cold and secretive. Even Dee can’t seem to crack a smile out of them. What darkness may lurk in the hearts of librarians? Lunch Lady is on the case! And Hector, Terrence, and Dee are along for a wild ride!

Read more less

Book SynopsisHarry finds some old dinosaurs in his Grandma’s attic. He cleans them up and makes them his own, carefully (and accurately) naming each one. Harry and his dinosaurs go everywhere together. But one day, after an exciting train ride, Harry accidentally leaves the dinosaurs on the train. Silly, charming illustrations accompany this whimsical text of a child being a child.

Read more less

Book SynopsisMeet Babymouse--the spunky mouse beloved by young readers for more than a decade! Babymouse and her best friend, Wilson, are ready to race! Will they be the first to cross the finish line? This groundbreaking young graphic novel series, full of humor and fun, is a bestseller that’s sold more than three million copies!   Move over, Superman, here comes Babymouse!—The Chicago Sun-TimesBabymouse's big dreams of becoming a race car driver come true when she and her best pal, Wilson, enter the Race of the Century (or at least the school year). But will she and Wilson crash and burn? Or will they cruise to the Winners' Circle? Find out in Babymouse Burns Rubber!DON'T MISS The BIG Adventures of Babymouse: Once Upon a Messy Whisker, the newest, brightest, and BIGGER THAN EVER graphic novel from BABYMOUSE!

Read more less

Book SynopsisDoña Flor is a giant lady who lives in a tiny village in the American Southwest. Popular with her neighbors, she lets the children use her flowers as trumpets and her leftover tortillas as rafts. Flor loves to read, too, and she can often be found reading aloud to the children. One day, all the villagers hear a terrifying noise: it sounds like a huge animal bellowing just outside their village. Everyone is afraid, but not Flor. She wants to protect her beloved neighbors, so with the help of her animal friends, she sets off for the highest mesa to find the creature. Soon enough, though, the joke is on Flor and her friends, who come to rescue her, as she discovers the small secret behind that great big noise.The creators of Tomás and the Library Lady, Pat Mora and Raul Colón, have once again joined together. This time they present a heartwarming and humorous original tall tale—peppered with Spanish words and phrases—about a g

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisNewbery Medal-winning author Beverly Cleary brings her understanding and warmth to every page of this wonderful story of a bad boy.When it comes to stirring up a little excitement in class, Otis Spofford knows just what to do. He can turn a folk dance fiesta into a three-ring circus . . . or an arithmetic lesson into a spitball marathon.Best of all, Otis likes teasing neat, well-behaved Ellen Tebbits—until the day his teasing goes too far. Now Otis is nervous, because Ellen isn''t just mad . . . she''s planning something!

Read more less

Book SynopsisNewbery Medal-winning author Beverly Cleary gives readers a hero they''ll relate to, and root for, in this comical and inspiring novel about Henry Huggins''s mission to prove himself worthy of his very own paper route.All the older kids work their own paper route, but because Henry is not eleven yet, Mr. Capper won''t let him. Desperate to change his mind, Henry tries everything he can think of to show he''s mature and responsible enough for the job. From offering free kittens to new subscribers, to hauling hundreds of pounds of old newspapers for his school''s paper drive, there''s nothing Henry won''t try.But it might just be the irrepressible Ramona Quimby who shows Mr. Capper just how capable Henry is.The Henry Huggins books have been beloved touchstone classics for generations. They''re funny and fast reads with appealing illustrations, sure to be welcomed by both eager and reluctant readers.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisFrom the author of National Book Award finalist Hey, Kiddo.Lunch Lady and Betty have been unceremoniously cut from the school budget, and the timing couldn't be worse—the villains from all nine of her previous adventures are worming their way back into Thompson Brook with a masterfully devious plan. Will the Breakfast Bunch still be able to count on Lunch Lady's superhero gadgets and abilities to save the school, or are they on their own? Don't miss Lunch Lady's swashbuckling finale!

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisA wildly entertaining adventure involving snakes, grizzlies, a menacing drone, a missing father, and the kid determined to find him. In classic Hiaasen fashion, the animals here are wild, and the people are wilder! Some facts about Billy Dickens:   *  He once saw a biker swerve across the road in order to run over a snake.   *  Later, that motorcycle somehow ended up at the bottom of a canal.   *  Billy isn't the type to let things go. Some facts about Billy's family:   *  They've lived in six different Florida towns because Billy's mom insists on getting a house near a bald eagle nest.   *  Billy's dad left when he was four and is a total mystery.   *  Billy has just found his dad's address--in Montana. This summer, Billy will fly across the country, hike a mountain, float a river, dodge a grizzly bear, shoot down a spy drone, save a neighbor's cat, save an endangered panther, and then try to save his own father. A fun romp that will keep readers hooked. —The New York Times

Read more less

Book SynopsisFairy tale fans will give a GIANT cheer for this funny retelling of Jack and the Beanstalk from the New York Times Bestselling author of Rump and Red!All his life, Jack has longed for an adventure, so when giants turn up in the neighbor's cabbage patch, he is thrilled! Soon Jack is chasing them to a land beyond the clouds, with his little sister, Annabella, in tow. The kingdom of giants is full of super-sized fun: puddings to swim in, spoons to use as catapults, monster toads to carry off pesky little sisters. . . .       But Jack and Annabella are on a mission. The king of the giants has taken something that belongs to them, and they’ll do anything—even dive into a smelly tureen of green bean soup—to get it back.“Liesl Shurtliff has the uncanny ability to make magical worlds feel utterly real, and the best part is: you don’t even need a beanstalk to visit them.” &md

Read more less

Book SynopsisIllustrated in full color. A dog who has to learn how to dig doesn't stop until he has dug up the whole town.  Beginner Books are fun, funny, and easy to read! Launched by Dr. Seuss in 1957 with the publication of The Cat in the Hat, this beloved early reader series motivates children to read on their own by using simple words with illustrations that give clues to their meaning. Featuring a combination of kid appeal, supportive vocabulary, and bright, cheerful art, Beginner Books will encourage a love of reading in children ages 3–7.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisBruce, a bear bully, never picks on anyone his own size until he is diminished in more ways than one by a small but very independent witch.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisA perfect introduction to manners and playing nice, by David Ezra Stein—author of Caldecott Honor winner Interrupting Chicken, Pouch! (a Charlotte Zolotow Honor book) and Leaves (recipient of the Ezra Jack Keats New Writer Award). From cuddling koalas to friendly penguins, an array of animals illustrates fun, sweet, and silly examples of “how to be nice,” showing simple ways young children can show they care for those around them. The lyrical text, funny illustrations and upbeat friendship message make this a great gift and a wonderful introduction to manners.

Read more less

Book SynopsisA cast of adorable alphabet characters make this clever bedtime story a standout!Suppertime’s over. Everyone’s fed.Alpha Mom says, TIME FOR BED! It’s a busy night for the Alphabet Family—after all, there are 26 kiddos to get ready for bed. A, B, and C declare they are not ready, and Impish I and Jazzy J don’t want to settle down, but by toothbrushing-time the crew seems to be headed in the right direction. Bath time requires six bathtubs and is super-splashy—and getting into jammies is no joke—but finally, after a story has been read and they are all tucked in tight, peace should reign. Except what’s this? When Mom turns off the light, it’s an Alpha pillow fight! Toddlers are sure to get a huge kick out of this lively alpha family—and hopefully following each and every little letter’s antics will tucker them out!Trade Review“In a style reminiscent of Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault’s Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, illustrated by Lois Ehlert, each child romps, rolls, and races to bed. . . . This spirited family is full of personality, each child with a different stuffed animal and pajama set and a unique journey to bedtime. The illustrations capture the bustle of a house bursting with children, from the chaos of the dinner table and children slipping on carpets and overturning houseplants in their haste to a series of bathtubs full of activity. . . . The rhyming text bounces along, an easy read-aloud, with rich vocabulary like impish, jazzy, and scramble making for a fun, silly, relatable read with detailed, appealing illustrations. . . . A playful approach to teaching kids the alphabet.” —Kirkus Reviews

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe holidays are for giving thanks and nothing can stop this Gingerbread Man from delivering his to his favorite member of the community! Everyone in class is busy practicing songs and making goodies for their trip to town to thank community helpers, and the Gingerbread Man has made a card for someone extra sweet. But before he can deliver his gift, whipping wind and swirling snow come to town, too. Slushy sidewalks are no place for a cookie, but this Gingerbread Man won’t let a little bad weather stop him! “I’ll search on my own, as fast as I can! I’ll dash through this snow. I’m the Gingerbread Man!” With all the flavors of the season and generous dashes of kindness and gratitude, the Gingerbread Man’s newest adventure makes for a perfect read-aloud throughout the holidays.Look for all of this hilarious Gingerbread Man's adventures: The Gingerbread Man Loose at School, The GingerbreTrade Review"The rhyming text is patter-perfect, with lots of humor and action… A jolly treat with a sweet acknowledgement of the gifts teachers give their students all year long."—Kirkus Reviews "Over the course of this book the students dash around town spreading cheer to community helpers. . . . Lowery’s festive illustrations of cookie and co. . . are a treat, while Murray’s rhymes are continually surprising and satisfying."—The Horn Book "Lowery’s childlike figures playfully fill the panels with friendly faces, while the bouncy rhythm, particularly the recurring refrain that riffs on the classic 'You can’t catch me. I’m the Gingerbread Man!' will make read-alouds a treat."—Booklist

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis clever celebration of words and their meanings features a strong cowgirl who wrangles words alongside cattle.   Lexie is the best wrangler west of the Mississippi—word wrangler, that is. She watches over baby letters while they grow into words and ties shorter words together into longer ones; she herds words into sentences, hitches sentences together, and pens them all in to tell a story. But lately, something seems off at the ranch. First the d goes missing from her bandana, leaving her with a banana to tie around her neck, and soon afterward every S-T-A-R in the sky turns into R-A-T-S. There’s no doubt about it—there’s a word rustler causing this ruckus, and Lexie plans to track him down . . . even if it means riding her horse through the sticky icing of a desert that’s suddenly become a giant dessert.   This fantastic spin on “cowboy” stories populates Lexie&rsquTrade Review* “Colorful language abounds in the clever, playful text, which will amuse kids. . . . Teachers, meanwhile, will appreciate the references to compound words, anagrams, and other wordplay. Created in a rather childlike style that perfectly suits the story’s droll, understated tone, Hartland’s expressive gouache paintings include enough detail to help kids visualize the scenes, while illustrating the action with considerable wit. Highly recommended for reading aloud, just for the fun of it.”—Booklist, starred review* “Lexie is a cowgirl, but she wrangles words, not cattle—a concept that Van Slyke and Hartland explore with droll wordplay and bold, folk art–style artwork. . . . Luckily for readers, Van Slyke and Hartland deliver linguistic delights on every page. Compound words, anagrams, word chains, puns—is there anything Lexie (and this book) can’t do?”—Publishers Weekly, starred review* “Hartland's quirky gouache illustrations, reminiscent of Maira Kalman's work, play up the Western-style humor. . . . Here's hoping Van Slyke and Hartland will round up some more nifty yarns, as this is clever wordplay to share with kids.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

Read more less

Book SynopsisNatsumi is small but full of big exuberance, and puts her girl-power to good use when she discovers a Japanese tradition as energetic as she is. When Natsumi's family practices for their town's Japanese arts festival, Natsumi tries everything. But her stirring is way too vigorous for the tea ceremony, her dancing is just too imaginative, and flower arranging doesn't go any better. Can she find just the right way to put her exuberance to good use?This heartwarming tale about being true to yourself is perfect for readers who march to their own beat.Trade Review★ "A joyful experience from beginning to end . . . Natsumi [is] a girl with lots of energy and spunk who throws herself into everything, while Burris portrays her in joyous action. The multigenerational nature of the family adds to the warmth of the story." —Booklist, starred review"A whirlwind of energy, Natsumi often hears the words, "Not so fast" or "hard" or "loud" from her family. When she worries her boisterous actions always lead to mistakes, her grandfather finds the perfect outlet: taiko. On stage, Natsumi pounds the large, barrel-shaped drums—their thundering boom an extension of her enthusiastic spirit. Like Kevin Henkes with his water pistol-toting Lilly, Lendroth offers a charming character who defies traditional gender associations." —Kirkus Reviews"Lendroth weaves cultural notes through her story, paying attention to traditional arts and the family's connections to the village . . . [A]t the festival, the family is delighted to see Natsumi among the taiko drummers, where her enthusiasm is welcomed . . . Those interested in Japan will be drawn to this, as will those who know someone who's a little over the top." —Publishers Weekly"A little girl with a big personality finds the perfect way to channel her energy in this cheerful picture book . . . . [T]his book presents a positive introduction to traditional arts such as tea ceremony and flower arranging, and has a great deal to offer in its affirming message about being oneself." —School Library Journal

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisWith its hilarious dialogue, trio of bumbling goats, and fantastically zany villain, this unique, laugh-out-loud story based on a legendary monster is sure to crack up kids and grown-ups alike.   Like most goats, Jayna, Bumsie, and Pep’s greatest fear is being eaten for dinner by the legendary chupacabra—it’s common knowledge that goats are a chupacabra’s favorite food! One night, tired of living in fear, the impetuous goats whip out their trusty candelabra and head off to find the beast and scare it away before it can find them. Little do they know that candelabras are the chupacabra’s third-favorite food . . . and he isn’t about to stop there. This chupacabra has quite the appetite, and the goats are in for a big surprise!Trade Review“A playful twist on outsmarting a predator. . . . The goats, all of whom have distinct personalities, deal with being kept on their toes by the chupacabra. As the title suggests, there is a lot of playful language throughout. . . . Aranda’s illustrations, which extend the text, elevate this title and burst with humor. Her bright pinks, yellows, and purples vibrate off the page in the often nighttime setting. The snaggle-toothed but adorable chupacabra sometimes lurks in the background, while other times his shadow comically dominates the page. . . . This enjoyable monster book is a first purchase for most libraries. Perfect for storytime read-alouds or anytime a humorously spooky tale is in order.”—School Library Journal“Nobleman introduces a comic trio. . . . References to Latin American food and culture appear throughout, and debut illustrator Aranda’s vibrant mixed-media artwork amplifies the book’s cross-cultural brand of humor; her chupacabra, with its beady nose, spiky purple ears, and lovely flowered hide, wouldn’t threaten a cat (although it throws a scary shadow). Readers will be sorry when this one is over.”—Publishers Weekly“Vibrant folk-style illustrations in watercolor, ink, and gouache depict the expressive goats and the sometimes looming—but never very scary—chupacabra. . . . Incorporates plenty of lively touches, from the goats’ humorous wordplay to some playfully formatted text. . . . An amusing take on the legendary beast.”—Booklist

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisSilliness takes center stage in this laugh-out-loud book from the creator of The Very Hungry Caterpillar?--now available as a board book!   Yes, there’s something strange, something funny and even downright preposterous on every page of this book. But it’s not a mistake – it’s nonsense! Nonsense lies at the heart of many beloved nursery rhymes. Children readily accept odd statements like “the cow jumped over the moon” and “the dish ran away with the spoon.” This fanciful bending of reality is also basic to surrealism. In this book, nonsense and surrealism combine to spark creativity and imagination. What’s true? What’s impossible? What’s absolutely absurd? From Eric Carle, creator of the classic, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, comes a book to make children laugh and think, preparing them for a lifetime of lo

Read more less

Book SynopsisAn upROARiously funny take on following your wildest dreams, from the bestselling creator of Dinosaur ComicsBeing a regular old human is kind of a drag. That's why Sal is not going to be a teacher or doctor or lawyer when she grows up. She is going to grow up to be an awesome Tyrannosaurus Rex. Her brother thinks it's impossible, but Sal sure shows him! And in the beginning, being a T. Rex is AWESOME. But did you know that it's kind of hard to make friends when you are a super-giant, super-loud, super-stompy dinosaur? If only there were a way for Sal to be 100% awesome, 100% of the time...Eisner Award-winning writer Ryan North makes his picture book debut with this bright, bold, and quirky story about finding--and taming--the beast within.

Read more less

Book SynopsisA funny, feminist twist on the Cinderella fairy tale for fans of fractured fairy talesPrincess Harriet Hamsterbone is not the kind of princess who enjoys fancy dresses or extravagant parties. Cliff-diving, fractions, and whacking people with swords are more her thing. So when she's forced to attend a boring ball in honor of a visiting ambassador, Harriet is less than thrilled--until a bewitchingly beautiful stranger arrives. Who is she? And where did she come from? The mystery leads to a not-so-wicked stepsister, an incontinent lizard, and a fairy's spell that's really more of a curse. Luckily, Harriet knows a thing or two about curses...Smart, funny, and filled with swashbuckling adventure, book five in the critically acclaimed Hamster Princess series is a hilariously re-told fairy tale for the modern age.

Read more less