FUNNY GIRL Funniest. Stories. Ever. Edited by Betsy Bird

Funny Girl is the perfect girl book...I don't like stating that there are "girl" or "boy" books but this one is written by a variety of female authors, illustrators and editors who share their Jr. High/High School experiences that all women can relate too.  Of course anyone can read and enjoy this book!

Each chapter is written by a different contributor and each one is unique and entertaining.  I did find myself giggling at times and I'm sure you will too.  This would be a great book to share with mom and daughter and the lesson here is that a sense of humor is the superpower we all need to have.

Funny things happen all the time as we grow, especially during Jr. High.  It is important to realize that the situation is funny and it isn't the end of the world.  Take time to just laugh at yourself and these authors as you read this book.

Happy Daily Reading
Deanna

Fortunately, the Milk by: Neil Gaiman

I was looking for something fun and fast to read while traveling this past week and this was the perfect selection.  Fortunately, the Milk by Neil Gaiman is a delightful story about a dad's adventure when he is simply sent to buy some milk.

Mom is leaving for a conference and has left the children at home with their father.  There is no milk for breakfast and nobody wants orange juice on their cereal.  Dad goes to the store and it takes awhile for him to return home.  When he does return he has an amazing story for his children.  There are aliens, pirates, island people and even a dinosaur who is a scientist.  Dad's story is very entertaining but is it true?  That is something the reader and the children in the story need to figure out for themselves.

I would suggest reading this book as a family because each family member will find this to be a story they won't soon forget.

Happy Daily Reading
Deanna

Great, Now We've Got Barbarians! by: Jason Carter Eaton

A young boy with a habit of leaving messes wherever he goes doesn't think anything can happen just because of a mess.  His mother thinks differently and in Great, Now We've Got Barbarians! by Jason Carter Eaton this young boy learns sometimes mom is correct!

At first all that happens is some ants and a mouse but when Vlad and Torr, Barbarians, arrive with a few of their friends things get out of control.  First his sister finds them in her room and then dad finds them in the garage.  The entire house is a mess!  Will our young boy learn the importance of cleaning up after himself?

If you have children who don't like to clean their rooms you need to read this book to them.  They just may end up with the cleanest room in the house!

Happy Daily Reading!
Deanna

7 ate 9 by: Tara Lazar

I am looking forward to sharing this book with my students, I'm sure they will love it as much as I do.  7 ate 9 written by Tara Lazar is a delightful book with an interesting mystery to solve and lots of fun plays on words.

Private "I" has been hired by 6 who is afraid that she will be the next victim of 7 who 6 is convinced ate 9!  Private I begins his investigation interviewing all the numbers he can find.  He also finds a small bit of help from a letter friend of his.  I'm not going to give away the ending, but I know you and your children will love this book.

I laughed at the text as well as the delightful illustrations done by Ross MacDonald.

After reading this book it will probably be time for some math homework.

Happy Daily Reading!
Deanna

This Would Make A Good Story Someday by: Dana Alison Levy

A family summer vacation unlike any other is what author Dana Alison Levy takes readers on in her book This Would Make A Good Story Someday.  This was another perfect summertime story that I couldn't put down.  I was laughing at one moment and crying another.  I know readers of all ages will enjoy this book.  You will never forget the Johnston-Fischer family.

Sara has her summer all planned with her two best friends, Em and Vi, they want to reinvent themselves before beginning Jr. High.  Each of them has a list and they plan on helping each other achieve their goals  However, Sara's summer plans change when she learns she will be leaving home and traveling across the country by train with her family.  One of her moms has been given the chance to write a book about their family adventures as they travel.  Sara is NOT happy about being in such tight quarters with her older sister and her boyfriend (he prefers to be called "partner" because "boyfriend" perpetuates societal stereotypes), younger sister,  and two mothers.  She is afraid that all of her embarrassing moments will be in the book and she doesn't want that.  There is also another family that is also traveling for the same reasons.  The other family consists of a boy (Sara's age), dad and two 90 year old "aunties".

There are four different trains they will ride as well as stops along the way.  Some are short stays others for a few days.  Sara begins writing in a journal to fulfill a summer project of writing what you are doing during the summer.  Sara spends most of her time writing.  She tries working on her reinvention project but doesn't get very far with her goals.  She does change her hair and that story is very interesting.   Ladybug, Sara's younger sister travels with a small Roman Centurion (Bruce) she poses this little action figure with anyone who will let her and at various landmarks across the U.S.  There are family arguments along the way too, Laurel, Sara's older sister, decides she doesn't want to go to college any longer she wants to get out in the world and change it for the better.  Laurel and her boyfriend (Root) are all about saving the world.  Root really has a unique way of seeing the world.  There are also family bonding moments, such as when the sisters come together to comfort Ladybug when Bruce goes missing.

When Sara finally decides to join the adventure instead of just writing she becomes good friends with Travis the boy from the other family.  She also begins to enjoy the experiences with family and with her new friend. Ladybug and the two aunties become close friends, especially when a cardboard Elvis joins the trip because now Bruce and Elvis can be buddies.  Stops in Memphis and New Orleans are especially fun family events.  The two families become great friends and are grateful for one another when sadness comes there way.  Their stay at the Grand Canyon is very memorable.

I just cannot give this book the justice it deserves.  I truly loved this story and could relate some of their experiences with my own family vacation experiences.  What resonates from this story is that they truly love one another even with all of their differences.  The book is mostly Sara's words, some from other family members, I hope Sara will continue writing and perhaps a second book will come of her future writing experiences.

After reading this book go and do something with your family.

Happy Daily Reading
Deanna

The Gruffalo by: Julia Donaldson

Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler have created a wonderful story in their book The Gruffalo.  In fact, this book was voted England's favorite bedtime story.

Mouse is taking a walk through the woods.  He meets fox, snake and owl each one of them believes that mouse looks tasty.  However, when mouse tells them he is dining with a gruffalo and that gruffalos enjoy eating roasted fox, scrambled snake and owl ice cream the animals leave mouse alone.  Mouse continues his walk through the woods and when he sees a gruffalo (a creature he was sure didn't really exist) what happens next will have you and your child amazed.  Mouse is one smart animal!

After reading this book I'd love to read your comments describing to me a monster or animal you create just as mouse did.

Happy Daily Reading  Deanna

Beach Party Surf Monkey by: Chris Grabenstein

The second book in the Welcome to Wonderland series is a great book to begin your summer reading adventure!  Beach Party Surf Monkey by:  Chris Grabenstein is humor, family, friends and loads of fun!

P.T. and his friend, Gloria, need a plan to help save their motel, Wonderland, (which is also their home), from being bought by a rich guy who owns the neighboring hotel (who wants to tear down  Wonderland in order to expand his own hotel).  P.T. and Gloria hatch their plan to save Wonderland when they hear about a movie being made in their town.  The movie people want to use a throw-back motel as the setting for their throw-back movie, "Beach Party Surf Monkey".  According to P.T.,  there is no better throw-back motel than Wonderland.  The kids find a way to make their pitch to the movie producers.  When Wonderland is chosen as the location, they are sure they have saved their home from the clutches of the greedy owner next door.

Things for P.T. don't always work out as planned.  The good news is that P.T. and a few friends get to be extras in the movie.  The bad news is that the neighboring hotel owner (and daughter) are big schemers and dreamers just like P.T. and Gloria.  The owner next door finds ways to make life difficult for P.T., Gloria, the movie people, and the co-stars of the movie.  One of the co-stars of the movie is a monkey.  When filming a movie with a monkey, anything can happen.  In fact, when the monkey goes missing from his trailer, the movie might not ever get made.  Can P.T. and Gloria's plan of making Wonderland famous from this movie really work??

This was a fast paced, fun book.  I know children will love this book, either as a read aloud or one they can read on their own.  Make sure to check out my review of book one in this series.  Search my blog for Welcome to Wonderland Motel Sweet Motel.

I suggest after reading this book, you go and spend some time at the beach.

Happy Daily Reading!
Deanna

Grandpa's Great Escape by: David Walliams

Here is another laugh-out-loud story that you and your children will love.  In fact I'm sure that David Walliams' book Grandpa's Great Escape will be enjoyed by many family generations!

Jack loves being with his grandpa even though his grandpa doesn't know his name.  Jack is called "Squadron Leader" and grandpa is "Wing Commander".  You see Grandpa thinks believes he is still a fighter pilot fighting for England in WWII.  Jack goes along with it and the two have many flying adventures together.

Grandpa goes missing from his apartment and when he moves into Jack's home he is missing once again.  Jack knows to look up when looking for grandpa because he is always going up flying his Spitfire on missions for the war.  When he is found sleeping inside a museum inside a Spitfire which is hanging from the ceiling the decision is made to send Grandpa to Twilight Towers.  Twilight Towers is the newest "old people" home in the city.  Jack isn't happy that grandpa has to go to the Towers and he really isn't happy when he learns that visiting time is only allowed on Sundays for just 15 short minutes.  Jack decides to sneak into the Towers one night and soon he is helping his "Wing Commander" escape the enemy's prison where he is being held.  The problem with the escape is that grandpa won't leave anyone behind so all the old residents "prisoner's of war" are soon escaping.  It is a grand leaving from Twilight Towers and in the middle of the escape it is discovered that the owner of Twilight Towers is stealing wills from the residents and taking all their money upon their death.

Will "Wing Commander" and "Squadron Leader" really get everyone to safety?  Have they just stumbled upon a big crime ring?  You will have to read this outstanding book to find out.  I promise that you won't be able to put this book down and Jack and Grandpa's adventure just might lead to some adventures of your own.

Happy Daily Reading
Deanna

Welcome to Wonderland Home Sweet Motel by: Chris Grabenstein

Author Chris Grabenstein has written another funny middle grade novel in his book Welcome To Wonderland Home Sweet Motel.  This is the first in a new series that I'm sure even the most reluctant reader will enjoy.  Chris Grabenstein is one of my favorite authors, after you read this book he will become one of your favorites as well.

P.T. Wilkie lives at a hotel with his mother and grandfather in Florida.  He loves living in a place with all you can eat ice cream machine near the pool, a frog slide and so much history  The Hotel is losing money so P.T. thinks of ways to help bring customers to the Hotel.  To bring the Hotel back to its former glory he enlists the help of Gloria, a new resident to the Hotel.  Gloria knows business and between he two of them they create some fun events to bring in the Spring Break crowd.  The activities that they plan will have you wanting to book a visit to the Hotel.

Two older men come to the Hotel and they are acting a bit strange.  Soon, P.T. and Gloria are on a search for missing jewels from a very old robbery.  Using clues and trying to go back to the time of the robbery the kids just may solve this crime and save the Hotel.

This is a great story.  So many laughs, adventure and some crazy characters.  You will love P.T. and his family.  The second book in this series comes out in May 2017 so read this book soon so that you will be ready for book 2.

Happy Daily Reading
Deanna

Pirasaurs! by: Josh Funk

Josh Funk has written a book that young children will love.  What could be better than dinosaurs as pirates!  When you read Pirasaurs you will be delighted at the adventurous dinosaurs.  One small dinosaur is new to the pirate crew and he is doing all he can to be the best dinopriate he can be.  This little guy teaches all the bigger dinosaurs an important lesson about friendship as they search for the spot marked with the "X".

I love pirates so any book with pirates is a winner with me.  I read this book to my students and grades K-3 loved it!  I know you will too.

Happy Daily Reading
Deanna

Dragon was Terrible by: Kelly DiPucchio

Who would take candy from baby unicorns, burn all the Kingdom's marshmallows, burp in church and spit on cupcakes?  Dragon would!  The king offers his brave knights a wonderful gift if they can tame Dragon and when they fail the gift is offered to anyone in the Kingdom.  Will anyone be able to tame this terrible dragon?  Author Kelly DiPucchio has a wonderful surprise ending in her newest book Dragon was Terrible.  You may think you know how this will end but I was delightfully surprised and I am sure you will be too.

Make time to read this story you will love the gift as much as I do.  When you have finished reading this book be sure to share it with a friend.

Happy Daily Reading
Deanna

It Came in the Mail by: Ben Clanton

 Do you remember when you were a child and you wished for mail?  In Ben Clanton's newest book It Came in the Mail Liam looks every day, almost every minute, to see if he has received mail.  He never finds any mail until one day he has an idea!  What if he sent mail?!  If he sent mail maybe he would receive mail.  He writes a letter to his mailbox asking for mail and soon he is getting all sorts of mail.  A dragon, an elephant, a funny bone and much more.  What will Liam do with all this mail?  You and your child will enjoy finding out when you read this book.

I enjoyed this story and I look forward to sharing it with the children in my world.  I may just need to write a note to my mailbox and see what is delivered to me.

After reading this book write a note to a friend and send it in the mail.


Happy Daily Reading
Deanna

The Boy Who Cried Ninja by: Alex Latimer

You are going to be fooled by the title of Alex Latimer's book The Boy Who Cried Ninja.  This book isn't the story you think it might be.

Tim is a boy that nobody believed.  A giant squid eating not just his homework but his entire book bag.  A sunburned crocodile breaks the TV antenna.  One is true and one is false Tim gets into trouble for telling the truth and for telling lies?!  Can he find a way to no longer get into trouble?  He decides to invite an unusual group of guests to a party and hopefully this party will get him out of trouble once and for all.

This is a fun story and one you will want to share over and over again.  In fact, invite a few friends over for a book reading party and enjoy this book with them.

Happy Daily Reading
Deanna

Ballet Cat Dance! Dance! Underpants! by: Bob Shea

Bob Shea has written and illustrated a variety of picture books for children.  I just finished reading his second book starting Ballet Cat Dance! Dance! Underpants and it made me giggle.  I'm sure that you and your child will giggle with delight reading this book staring Ballet Cat and her friend Butter Bear.  This is a perfect first reader for the dancer in your family.

Ballet Cat just cannot understand why Butter Bear will not do any super-high ballet leaps.  Butter Bear comes up with many things to do instead of the super-high leaps which frustrates Ballet Cat.  Will Butter Bear ever let Ballet Cat know the real reason for no high leaps?  Read this book to find out and leave a comment letting me know if you and your listeners giggled just like I did!

After reading this book dance with one of your friends.

Happy Daily Reading!
Deanna

the Misadventures of Max Crumbly Locker Hero by: Rachel Renee Russell

From the wonderfully creative author, Rachel Renee Russell we have the first book in her new series The Misadventures of Max Crumbly Locker hero.  Readers who enjoy Dork Diaries or Diary of a Wimpy Kid will love Max Crumbly!

Max is headed off to middle school after being home schooled by his grandmother for all of his life.  Life at the middle school isn't what he expected and even though he tries to be a super hero just like those he reads about in comic books he really isn't any kind of super hero.

The school bully keeps locking Max inside Max's school locker!  He is saved by Erin, the best looking girl in the school, early in the day but when he finds himself locked inside his locker after school nobody is there to save him.  It is a three day weekend and he begins to panic!

Amazingly he is able to break out of his locker finding himself in an old boiler room with no way out.  He finds the cover for the ventilation system and he is soon crawling all over the school through the vents.  He overhears three men who plan on stealing the school's new computers.  He is sure he can stop them, but soon they are chasing him!  As Max tries to get away from these not-so-smart thieves he finds himself in some crazy situations.  Can Max save the school computers?  Will he ever get out of the school?  Will he remain the superhero of the ventilation system?  You will be surprised how he finds a way to move about quickly in the vents.

I found myself giggling at Max and cheering for him all at the same time.  I know that kids of all ages will love Max Crumbly, Rachel Renee Russell is an author that seems to really get middle schoolers.

After reading this book make a commitment to never bully anyone!

Happy Daily Reading
Deanna

President Squid by: Aaron Reynolds

If you have not decided who will get your vote this election year this book may help you decide.  President Squid by Aaron Reynolds is a perfect book for an election year or even for anyone who might think of becoming President.

Squid is sure he has all the qualifications to be President.  He wears a tie, has a big house, is famous, etc....  He is sure he is perfect for the job.  When he finds out that it just might be too much work for him will he change is mind?

This is a fun story that I'm sure your child will want to hear over and over again.

Happy Daily Reading!
Deanna

If You Ever Want To Bring A Piano To The Beach, DON'T! by: Elise Parsley

 As you prepare to head to the beach this summer be sure to read Elise Parsley's book If you Ever Want to Bring a Piano to the Beach, Don't!.  This is the perfect beach story for you and your children.

Magnolia is a girl with big ideas and she doesn't want to bring the regular toys to the beach she wants to bring her piano.  She assures her mother that she will take care of the piano while at the beach and that it will be the perfect beach toy.  However, things don't always go the way we plan and this is what Magnolia learns while she and her siblings are playing at the beach.

Of course, after reading this book head off for a fun day at your local beach.

Happy Daily Reading
Deanna

The Sword in the Stove by: Frank W. Dormer

What a fun story!  Author/illustrator Frank W. Dormer has created the book The Sword in the Stove the story is one that just may have you and your children giggling with delight.

When a sword is found in the stove one thinks it belongs to their friend but the other is convinced it is Pirates!  What will the pirates do to them?  More items are found in the stove and there is more imagination that will have you and your children laughing and quickly turning the pages.

I thought this book was a great story and it made me giggle.  I encourage you to read this book and then create your own story, what can you find in the stove?  Or someplace else?

Happy Daily Reading
Deanna

Demon Dentist by: David Walliams

It took me awhile to get my hands on this book.  I had heard great things about it and I had to know for myself if what was said was true.  And it is all true!  I literally couldn't put Demon Dentist by David Walliams down once I began reading.

This is the story of Alfie who is being raised by his father.  Alfie's father is quite ill so Alfie is the one taking care of his father and himself.  Alfie has only been to the dentist once in his life and it wasn't a pleasant experience.  In fact Alfie never brushes his teeth and he is known as the kid with rotten teeth at his school.  When children begin finding bugs and other disgusting items under their pillows instead of coins from the tooth fairy Alfie and his friend Gabz try to find out what is going on in their town.

Miss Root is the new dentist in town.  She visits the school and while teaching students about proper care of their teeth she is shocked at Alfie's teeth.  She now wants to see Alfie in her chair ASAP.  Of course Alfie does all he can to avoid her.  However he is also trying to avoid the crazy social worker Winnie.  Winnie isn't sure Alfie's dad is healthy enough to take proper care of Alfie.  Winnie is one crazy lady who wears crazy clothes and eats all the food in Alfie's home!  Alfie wonders how can he or is dad take care of each other when she is the one eating all their food.

This is one great story.  It is so much fun with all the characters doing some strange and amazing things.  You will be so surprised at what is happening with all the teeth from the children in this town.  

Children will enjoy that there are many drawings in this story and if your child enjoys stories by Roald Dahl they will definitely enjoy this story.  I am confident that your chid will want to find more books by author David Walliams.  I would recommend this book as a family read together story as I know readers of all ages will love it.

After reading this story make an appointment to see your dentist.  Perhaps you will want to take a copy of this book to your dentist.

Happy Daily Reading
Deanna

Creepy Carrots by: Aaron Reynolds

Jasper the rabbit is experiencing something very strange, carrots are following him everywhere, it is really quite creepy!  Aaron Reynolds has written a very fun read aloud with his book Creepy Carrots!

Why are the carrots from the field following Jasper?  Jasper loves these carrots!  I'm sure Jasper thinks that the carrots should love him too.  So why are they following him?  It is a question with a funny answer.  Be sure to read this book to find out about Jasper and his problem carrots.

My students love this book, it is never on a shelf since they all want to read this themselves.

Enjoy a healthy snack of carrots after reading this book.

Happy Daily Reading
Deanna