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Art and humour are together in this anthology of visual humour. This books talks to the combination of art and humour and presents some of the contemporary practitioners of it.

A humourous look at life and the point of view of a teenager, as she deals with her life issues - like pesky younger brothers, trying new make-up, playing the cello and school sports. This will appeal to Grade 5 - 9 students in particular.

A humourous imaginative account of many failed attempts to create a flying machine in the 1780s, told as if from the pages of a 'recently discovered diary.' Used with grade 5/6 for unit about flight, because it does have science content and engages children in thinking about what does make flight possible.

William Steig conveys meaning through the use of symbols, consonants and numbers - or at least there is meaning if you can figure the sentences out. The sentences mesh with the illustrations, so that with a little imagination you can try and make sense of it all!

Melanie (the author) is trying to write a story about a mouse - but Chester (the cat) keeps taking over the authorship. A funny and appealing book, particularly if one understands the self-centred nature of cats...

He's baaaack!! The obnoxious "it's all about me" cat is back and again he and the author are at loggerheads over just who is the author and who is the subject of this book. This time, Melanie attempts to have him star in his own fairy tale - but even that is not enough for the cat. The mouse is back too - and in the end (of course) the author rules - at least for this episode!!

Who knew that cows could type? And when they did, that they would be demanding heating blankets because the barn is cold? ....And then the hens join in!! Threats and ultimatums lead to a negotiation of sorts - with a surprise ending.

A red ball rolls into the doghouse - who is going to be brave enough to go in and get it? Mouse nominates Cow - because he is big, brave and strong. Cow goes in - and doesn't come out. Mouse next nominates Pig - because he is smart, wise and stinky. But Pig goes in - and he doesn't come out.... Who goes in next? And why are they not coming out? A simple book - with a surprise ending!!

Mild-mannered Fenwick decides that buying a new suit will help him make new friends only to have the yellow plaid suit take on a life of its own. Very humourous and full of puns

A collection of humorous poems and nonsense verse by writers including Ellen Raskin, Karla Kuskin, Ogden Nash, and Arnold Lobel, suitable for K-3.

So why would God go to beauty school? To learn how to do a good perm, of course. But when he got there, he found that he loved giving manicures because he liked to look at hands. This book has some wonderful poems that portray God in many different ways, but can evoke a sense of wonder in what He sees around him as he goes about his routines. The poems might be offensive to some, as they show God as a beautician ,climbing Mount Everest and going to see a doctor among other occupations.

A continuation of the story from 'Love that dog". This is written in narrative (like Love that dog)and introduces Jack to poetic concepts like alliteration, metaphors and onomatopoeia. Jack has a run-in with a black cat (hence the title), but has cause to grow to like him (a little bit) by the end of the book. This is a great sequel to Love that dog - but could stand on its own (if it had to).

This is a great novel about a boy under a family curse, a pair of stolen baseball runners and a detention centre for boys in a dry Texas desert (once the largest lake in Texas), where the boys dig holes all day long. The hero, Stanley Yelnats, soon realizes that they aren't just digging holes for pure pleasure - the warden wants something buried long ago in the desert. Stanley embarks on a series of adventures to rescue another in-mate, and in doing so, discovers friendship and self-worth - along with breaking the age-old curse on his family. Intended for Grades 7 - 9, but strong younger readers will enjoy it too.

Catina is writing a book - and she is a terrible writer. But how can Houndsley tell her that? He is her best friend. A chapter book - but easily read - and a nice story about friendship and the importance of being honest.

Scieszka's book series 'The Time-Warp Trio' has long been a favourite of readers in the 7 - 10 year age group. In 'Knucklehead' he brings that same style of writing to the tale of his upbringing. One of 6 brothers, he tells stories of growing up and brotherhood that are funny and outrageous enough that you know they are true. Scieszka is a strong promoter of reading for boys and this is certainly a book that boys will find entertaining and engaging - but girls enjoy it too.

Ike is opposed to the mayoralty-to-be's platform of law and order for the city's dogs. The solution? He runs for mayor himself. The story unfolds through letters to Mrs. LaRue, newspaper accounts and LaRue's considerably sanitized version.

Lilly LOVES everything about school and especially her teacher, Mr. Slinger. But she has a new purple plastic purse - and she just can't wait until sharing time to show it to everyone. But Mr. Slinger thinks she should wait, and when Lilly can't, he takes her purse away until the end of the day. A delightful story about a girl with lots of spirit and how revenge can sometimes backfire!!

Louise decides to leave the comfort of her nest and the safety of the hen-house for adventures abroad - these adventures include going to sea (and escaping from hungry pirates), joining the circus (and escaping from hungry lions) and performing an escape when she is locked into a cage with other hens.She uses these adventures to entertain her fellow hens at night in the hen house.

Two cows decide to take their farmer's tractor all the way to the moon. Lots of little jokes and humour.

How would you describe your family? One little girl uses found objects to describe the members of her family in a very graphic and real manner. This book has both language art connections as well as a great art idea.

Is it a hat? No, that's wrong? This is a tale of a rabbit, a pair of bright red underwear and some fashion advice from his friends. A humourous look at one rabbit's interpretation of fashion!

Familiar nursery rhymes, rewritten with a contemporary theme - mostly ecological, but some bordering on political as well.

Gritch the witch flies to Old MacDonald's farm for some pigs to make a piggie pie, but when she arrives she can't find a single one. Somewhat of a trickster tale, with great robust illustrations.

Described as hilarious funny, laugh-out-loud poetry.

What do you do if you’re a sheep and can’t go to sleep? Pure fun.

13-year-old Cap has always lived with, and been home-schooled by, his grandmother, Rain. When she is hospitalized, Cap is taken in by a social worker and sent off to middle school. Cap soon becomes the butt of pranks, including being nominated for School President (an honour reserved for the school's "biggest loser"). He reacts in unexpected ways and, in the end, elevates those around him to higher ground.

Great read-aloud (with a Spanish accent) for almost any grade. Very funny.
Also try Skippyjon Jones in the Doghouse.

Contemporary fables with a large element of silliness. Introduction includes hints from this popular author about turning everyday life into stories but using animal characters.

A mole wakes up with giant ‘poop’ on his head that he knows isn’t his. Read to grade 7 class who loved the ‘toilet humor’ and who then put together a murder mystery.

A cat who can experience his nine lives through different time periods of history learns to be satisfied with his own life as he travels. Alexander may be best known for his popular five-part humorous fantasy series, the Prydain Chronicles, which begins with The Book of Three

A funny take on a traditional fairytale. Used to give students a lead for their own writing.
Also by the same authors The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales (which is appropriate for older kids) and the Time Warp Trio early reader series with titles such as Knights of the Kitchen Table and It’s All Greek to Me (12/05)