Tag: humor

cover of the picture book Who Doesn't Like Animals
Posted in PB, So Many Good Books

The Man Who Didn’t Like Animals

Posted on by Susan Uhlig

Perfect Picture Book Friday

It’s been a long while since I posted a picture book recommendation, but this one definitely deserves it:

The Man Who Didn’t Like Animals (Clarion, 2024) by Deborah Underwood and illustrated by LeUyen Pham is a fun read.

A man loves his tidy home and doesn’t like animals. But then a cat shows up. He tries to get it to go away, but it doesn’t. They find things they like in common and the man says, “Maybe THIS cat isn’t so bad.” Then another cat appears. And a dog. And another dog. Then a duck, then many other animals. What’s the man to do when his neighbors complain?

This book won an SCBWI Golden Kite Award for picture book text.

Deborah has published many many books. Read about them here and read about the author here.

Uyen pronounced win is an author/illustrator. Check out her website to learn about her, her art, and all her books. I love her attention to detail in these adorable illustrations.

book cover of The Legendary Mo Seto
Posted in MG Novels, So Many Good Books

The Legendary Mo Seto

Posted on by Susan Uhlig

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

The Legendary Mo Seto (Aladdin, 2024) by A.Y. Chan is a fun read, especially if you have ever felt too small, or you like martial arts, or you’ve ever had a crush on a movie star, or you like mysteries.

Twelve-year-old Mo (short for Modesty) just lost to the larger Dax (again) by only getting second place in the Mid-year Taekwondo Championship tournament. When her father leaves without an explanation, she wonders if it’s because he’s disappointed she didn’t win. When Mo finds out she can apply to star in a movie with her hero Cody Kwok, she knows winning will please Dad.

But, of course, nothing is going to be simple in her pursuit of this new goal.

I really liked Mo’s relationship with her best friend Nacho (Ignacio). Other bonuses include the Chinese Mo is learning, a secret discovered, and a fake grandfather.

This is the first book in the series. Martial Arts Star will be released in May.

Read about A.Y. Chan here.

Posted in MG Novels, So Many Good Books

The Witching Wind

Posted on by Susan Uhlig

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

The Witching Wind (Scholastic Press, 2024) by Natalie Lloyd is a novel full of magic and hope.

Grayson, going to yet another foster home, doesn’t mind because soon her older sister Beanie will come and take her away.

Roxie, was excited about starting sixth grade, until she made everyone laugh at her at the pool. But she’ll go on a singing tour with her gran and can forget about the whole embarrassing event.

Unfortunately, both Beanie and Granny are missing, and the two new friends think the Witching Wind stole them. Together they must find the truth.

The personalities of these girls shine in this dual point-of-view novel. I also love the way Grayson’s disability is dealt with.

Read about this New York Times Bestselling Author here and check out all her books here.

I previously recommended Natalie’s Over the Moon and A Snicker of Magic. I need to catch up on more of her books.

cover of The Girl Who Kept the Castle
Posted in MG Novels, So Many Good Books

The Girl Who Kept the Castle

Posted on by Susan Uhlig

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

The Girl Who Kept the Castle (Quill Tree Books, 2024) by Ryan Graudin was a fun fantasy with humor and heart. It also has a main character who has to fight against what is expected. Plus, there’s a dragon.

Look at the first line, “Wizard West was dead for nearly an entire day before he noticed.” And actually he doesn’t notice. It’s up to Faye, the daughter of the West’s groundskeeper, to tell him he’s dead. (The servants cast lots.) “Sugarcoat the situation,” Puck, the cat says. But the wizard is angry to hear the news and casts a spell to turn Faye into a . . .

Read about the author here and check out her many books here. I love finding a new author.

Posted in MG Novels, So Many Good Books

Wink

Posted on by Susan Uhlig

Wink (Dial Books for Young Readers, 2020) by Rob Harrell is a serious yet funny read enhanced by comic panels of Batpig and other drawings. It’s hard to put down this touching book.

Look at the first line, “I’m lying on a steel table, all too aware of the giant ray gun pointed in my direction.” How could you not read on?

Seventh grader Ross Maloy just wants to fit in but his diagnosis of a rare eye cancer makes him standout. He feels like if he gives this thing as little energy as he can, it’ll just fade away. Best friend Abby reminds him he has the “Ultimate Excuse” for not having homework done. But things “go from bad to catastrophic.” Not only does he have a permanent winking eye, but now he has to wear a wide-brimmed hat everywhere–including inside–to keep the sun off his face. And now someone is sharing supposedly funny Instagram drawings of him via text to his classmates.

I love how unexpected people become Ross’ friends and how he finds a new interest. I wish the story had been written more chronologically as I sometimes got confused. But still a good read.

The story is based on Rob’s own experiences. Read about the author/illustrator here and check out his other books here. His newest book, Popcorn, comes out in September.