Fun Fiction Titles

I've read and held on to several fun titles in recent weeks while dealing with other personal issues, so let's clear the deck (stacks) a bit. Here's a foursome of fabulous  recommendations to get yourself ready for snuggly evenings of reading with the kids (or carpet reading with the class.)

Flamingo Books, 2023

August is a time of year for back-to-school titles, but I sometimes find that the enchantment of a new school year begin wearing a bit thin as October looms and lingers. What can feel like a fun adventure with summer is waning can become a bit of a struggle once daylight shifts  and morning sun doesn't bathe our eyes as we rise. In fact, a delightful back-to-school book with humor can be a welcome addition at about this time of year. Take note of BECKY SCHARNHORST'S HOW TO GET YOUR OCTOPUS TO SCHOOL, illustrated with lively and informative humor by Jaclyn Sinquet. 

We all hope that six weeks into a school year the morning routines are automatic, or becoming so. For some this is more of a daily challenge than for others. In this case, the creative, occasionally ambivalent octopus uses natural skills and octopus patterns to delay, to deter even the best efforts of its fun human buddy. It is a delightful blend of storytelling, relationships, and science information along with rich options for discussions of mixed emotions and cooperation. (For more school-related humor from Scharnhorst, check out MY SCHOOL STINKS and THIS FIELD TRIP STINKS, reviewed here.)

Macmillan, 2023

For yet another school-connected story with heart and humor (can't beat that combo) be sure to read THE BRILLIANT MRS. BANGLE, written by Cara Devins and illustrated by K-Fai Steele. In this case it is the children who are reluctant to accept a new school librarian. Dear cinnamon-smelling Mrs. Stack has moved away and the new librarian, Mrs. Bangle, could not POSSIBLY be as good. As it turns out, Mrs. Bangle has much to offer, including surprises, humor, and an endless supply of ideas and work to do.  When she discerns their plan of resistance is to ignore reading with the new librarian, she opts out and sets them to various tasks (undesirable ones) while hemming her slacks and calling a friend. Hmmm, many a teacher could learn from Mrs. Bangle's brilliant sidestep. Sometimes the path of least resistance is one of NO resistance and allowing time for kids to recognize the lure of a good time at a fun alternative. 

The writing in this case follows reliable advice to insert humor lightly and allow time for recognition from young audiences, relying on patterns and repetition of approach to build predictability and punch. From opening spread and language through to the end, the kids, staff, setting, and diverse details are all warmly comfortable and familiar. This is not a tale of magical brilliance but of the bright and lively ways in which daily interactions between kids and their teachers/librarians can light up lives. Not unlike the ways the eyes of these characters flash off the page in comic style and yet hold nuance and fresh appeal.

Try not to miss these fun titles!