HOT OFF THE PRESS SPOTLIGHT: Calling All Laughing Maniacs!
The Hot Off the Press Spotlight series showcases new books from our current Hot Off the Press list to further assist parents, teachers, librarians, booksellers, and other book enthusiasts in finding the perfect read.
Is there anything better than reading a book that results in a child’s belly laugh? If you’re looking for a funny read to share with your favorite kiddo here are a few titles from our February Hot Off the Press list that are definitely worth checking out!
Farley Farts, written and illustrated by Birte Müller (NorthSouth Books) — Fiction, Picture Book, Animals, Humor, Mental / Physical Health, ages 4-6.
Farley the frog has a problem—he can’t stop farting. While his sister thinks it’s funny, his parents and his teacher are not amused. The doctor says it’s only gas and it will pass. The trouble is, it does! Comic pictures and a tongue-in-cheek text relate how Farley and his family learn that it’s better to fart and bear the shame than not to fart and bear the pain!
Sea Smiles, written and illustrated by Bonnie Kelso (Gnome Road Publishing) — Fiction, Picture Book, Concepts, Mental / Physical Health, Humor, ages 4-6.
When a child unexpectedly loses a tooth, she encounters and is comforted by a group of ocean creatures with weird and wonderful teeth of their own. A humorous story for kids who’ve lost a tooth, are about to, or just love learning cool and fascinating facts about animals with weird teeth in the sea!
Somebody Needs to Do Something About That Monster!, written and illustrated by Doug Cenko (Peachtree) — Fiction, Picture Book, Family / Community, Humor, Friendships, ages 4-6.
Merv is a nice monster. He sits outside the village, snacking on plants and blissfully minding his own business. Until…the villagers start complaining about “that monster.” Merv assumes they must be talking about somebody else and decides to go take care of that nuisance himself! He asks for help from the witches, the troll under the bridge, and even the unicorns. But their assistance comes with strings attached, and poor Merv isn’t ready to meet their demands. Will Merv return to the village a failure, or might he have been helping everyone all along?
Stitch Head: The Spider’s Lair, written by Guy Bass; illus. by Pete Williamson (Tiger Tales Books) — Fiction, Early Reader, Humor, Friendships, Fantasy, ages 7-12.
In this fourth book in the Stitch Head series, Stitch Head and fellow creation Ivo set out to rescue Arabella from the orphanage where she was taken–but they’ll have to get past the creepy spider monster first!
When Arabella’s grandmother dies, Arabella is taken to a local orphanage against her will. Stitch Head and Ivo, a fellow creation of Mad Professor Erasmus, set out to rescue her by pretending to be newcomers at the orphanage. But in order to save their friend, they’ll have to get past the creepy spider monster first! Features black-and-white gothic-inspired illustrations throughout.
Welcome to Castle Grotteskew, where Mad Professor Erasmus makes creatures out of spare parts and then casts them aside, looking to make bigger and better. Stitch Head, his first creation, has a heart of gold and is always willing to show the other monsters the ropes—and bail them out of trouble! Join Stitch Head and the other occupants of the castle in this exciting series, full of adventures of an almost-lifetime!
Zips and Eeloo Make Hummus, written by Leila Boukarim; illus. by Alex Lopez (Andrews McMeel Publishing) — Fiction, Graphic Novel, Humor, Friendships, How-to / Activity, ages 7-12.
Zips and Eeloo are two aliens who think they are experts in all things human, like making hummus! But they aren’t exactly the experts they claim to be. Will Zips and Eeloo have hummus after all, or just one big, mushy mess? This graphic novel is great for readers who are just beginning their graphic novel journey!
In this hilarious and colorful graphic novel, readers will learn how to make hummus alongside the two alien friends. They’ll clap and cheer as Zips and Eeloo look for a bowl (but get it confused with a bowling ball!), need to go to the grocery store for lemons, and eventually, make some super yummy hummus. This full-color graphic novel also includes a recipe for hummus in the back!
For more great book suggestions, be sure to check out the full February Hot Off the Press list!
