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Here's some laugh-out-loud literature for young readers...
For emerging readers...
Cat Has a Plan by Laura Gehl and Fred Blunt, Simon & Schuster, July 2020 (Age 5+)
This is a First Reader that kids will actually want to read. Cat is sad because Dog has a dinosaur toy that Cat really wants. So, Cat comes up with a plan to swipe the dinosaur. Although this story uses basic language and hardly any words, it conjures a captivating saga with a pantomime quality. It's the only First Reader we've found so far that isn't incredibly dull, although I have since ordered more from this series and hopefully they are just as lively.
For independent readers...
Space Detectives by Mark Powers and Dapo Adeola, Bloomsbury, February 2021 (Age 7+)
Connor and Ethan are two ten-year-old boys who are spending their summer working at Ethan's uncle's ice cream stall. This is no ordinary ice cream shop; it's on Starville - an orbiting city in outer space! Space Detectives is an out-of-this-world adventure, with plenty of plot twists, laugh-out-loud and heart-stopping moments. Lively artwork by award-winning illustrator Dapo Adeola adds even more comedy. Read a longer review...
Pizazz by Sophy Henn, Simon & Schuster, August 2020 (age 7+)
The first in an exciting new series, this introduces Pizazz who is nine-and-a-quarter and almost nine-and-a-half (we all know how important those fractions are). Pizazz is also superhero, which is a constant source of embarrassment. This is an extremely funny account of Pizazz's attempts to fit in at a new school. It's told through a mixture of text and fabulous comic-book style illustrations, which add even more humour. Read a longer review...
The House at the Edge of Magic by Amy Sparkes, Walker Books, February 2020 (8+)
When Nine accidentally discovers a mysterious, enchanted house, she agrees to help its occupants in exchange for what she hopes will be her ticket to freedom. This is extremely exciting and action-packed, but there is also so much comedy from the various characters and their predicaments. I laughed out loud several times when reading this while also on the edge of my seat and can't recommend it highly enough. Read a longer review...
And some non-fiction, because facts can be funny too!
Interview with a Tiger by Andy Seed & Nick East, Welbeck Publishing, September 2020 (Age 7+)
Interesting and incredible facts about ten wild animals are presented in the form of humorous interviews. There's also lots of advice about how to protect endangered species and take care the environment. The interviewees and their sarcastic remarks are hilarious - I love the giant anteater's surfer-dude slang and the wise-cracking sloth.This is enormously entertaining, fantastic for emerging and reluctant readers, an excellent classroom resource and a super addition to any bookshelf. Read a longer review and take a peek inside...
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