I have been reading a whole host of fun books lately. These are books filled with fun characters or quirky plot twists. I thought I’d share a few of them with you:
I was introduced to this series by Alyson at KidLitFrenzy.com. The Dodsworth Adventures series is written and illustrated by Tim Egan.
Here is a description of the first book:
Dodsworth wanted adventure. He wanted to see the world. He especially wanted to visit New York City. What he didn’t want was to be joined by a duck. A crazy duck. A duck that misbehaves. Young readers will laugh out loud at the duck’s silly antics as Dodsworth has the unexpected adventure of his life in the Big Apple . . . and beyond.
Book Thoughts:
This is a clever, fun, series. I found myself laughing out loud at the duck’s antics. I wish these books were around when my boys were younger, it could have made reading even more fun. The illustrations and style of the book are reminiscent of some of the older James Marshall books.
The Trouble With Chickens by Doreen Cronin is a fun take on the old detective stories from the 1940′s.
Here is a description from the publisher:
J.J. Tully is a former search-and rescue dog who is trying to enjoy his retirement after years of performing daring missions saving lives. So he’s not terribly impressed when two chicks named Dirt and Sugar (who look like popcorn on legs) and their chicken mom show up demanding his help to track down their missing siblings. Driven by the promise of a cheeseburger, J.J. begins to track down clues. Is Vince the Funnel hiding something? Are there dark forces at work—or is J.J. not smelling the evidence that’s right in front of him?
Book Thoughts:
Short chapters and a fast paced story make this a fun read. Similar to many animated stories today, adult readers will pick up on some humor that children will miss.
The Wide Awake Princess by E.D. Baker is an unusual twist on the Sleeping Beauty story.
Here is a description from the publisher:
In this new stand-alone fairy tale, Princess Annie is the younger sister to Gwen, the princess destined to be Sleeping Beauty. When Gwennie pricks her finger and the whole castle falls asleep, only Annie is awake, and only Annie-blessed (or cursed?) with being impervious to magic-can venture out beyond the rose-covered hedge for help. She must find Gwen’s true love to kiss her awake.
But who is her true love? The irritating Digby? The happy-go-lucky Prince Andreas, who is holding a contest to find his bride? The conniving Clarence, whose sinister motives couldn’t possibly spell true love? Joined by one of her father’s guards, Liam, who happened to be out of the castle when the sleeping spell struck, Annie travels through a fairy tale land populated with characters both familiar and new as she tries to fix her sister and her family . . . and perhaps even find a true love of her own.
Book Thoughts:
This story is a charming, light, fun, twist on a fairy tale. Be on the lookout for some characters from other fairy tales as well.
Those are some of the fun quirky books I’ve been reading lately. Do you have any to share? I’d love to read a few more.
Suzanne Santillan
Writing on the Sidewalk
