Humorous Stories

How to Read a Very Serious Book by Mireille Messier Read More »

A not-so-serious book about reading “very serious books.” Messier does a wonderful job of “explaining” to young readers how to read a “serious book” and how to look serious while doing it. There are instructions on how to look “deep in thought”, how to make sure you’ll be seen reading your serious book to impress people, and how to drink tea and “ponder” when you are finished. Because serious books have boring covers, no pictures, and lots of tiny words. Unlike this delightful book, whimsically illustrated by Kelly Collier. What a clever way to show us all that we can choose to read for fun, and it doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks!

How to Read a Very Serious Book by Mireille Messier, (List Price: $18.95, Owlkids, 9781771476584, March 2026)

Reviewed by Kelly, Fountain Bookstore in Richmond, Virginia

Judgy Bunny and the Terrible Beach by Scott Rothman

Judgy Bunny and the Terrible Beach by Scott Rothman Read More »

Judgy Bunny will steal your heart with her cuteness, even though she’s very, VERY grouchy. She insults everything and wants no part of the fun other kids are having on the beach, but it turns out that an unrelentingly cheerful friend can pull even the judgiest bunny out of the grumps. Adorable, relatable, with bright, fun illustrations that are sure to turn any sour mood around. Perfect for a read-aloud!

Judgy Bunny and the Terrible Beach by Scott Rothman, (List Price: $18.99, Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, 9781728296722, March 2026)

Reviewed by Amanda, Pearl’s Books in Fayetteville, Arkansas

Secrets of the Broken House by Taryn Souders

Children, Friendship, Humorous Stories, Juvenile Fiction, Mysteries & Detective Stories

Secrets of the Broken House by Taryn Souders Read More »

When 13-year-old Tucker Stephens begins to suspect that Miss Geraldine’s death wasn’t an accident, he finds himself unraveling a mystery only he can solve. Clever, funny, and packed with surprises, this story will keep readers hooked from start to finish. The quirky citizens—which Taryn Souders is known for creating—do not disappoint in this humor-filled small-town whodunit. The plot was smart, the characters felt authentic, and the house itself brought so much atmosphere to the story. Tucker’s sharp eye and observations made the mystery even more engaging. With memorable characters and smart clues, this is a middle grade mystery readers of all ages will enjoy!

Secrets of the Broken House by Taryn Souders, (List Price: $16.99, Sourcebooks Young Readers, 9781464244971, January 2026)

Reviewed by Susanne, Sassafras on Main in Waynesville, North Carolina

Rumpelstiltskin by Mac Barnett

Adaptations, Children, Fairy Tales & Folklore, Fantasy, Humorous Stories, Juvenile Fiction

Rumpelstiltskin by Mac Barnett Read More »

I so enjoyed this retelling by Mac Barnett of a story I often forget is rather complex. But here he adds his particular wit which pairs so well with Ellis’ illustrations that transport you into another world.

Rumpelstiltskin by Mac Barnett, (List Price: $19.99, Orchard Books, 9781338673852, February 2026)

Reviewed by Morgan DePerno, Bookmarks in Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Glitter Kittens by William Joyce

Animals, Bestsellers, Cats, Children, Emotions & Feelings, Humorous Stories, Juvenile Fiction

Glitter Kittens by William Joyce Read More »

Glitter Kittens is unlike anything you’ve ever read. Imagine a world where kittens aren’t just cute, they’re practically disco balls on paws! These ‘glitter kittens’ are so blindingly shiny, they actually feel sorry for their ‘best best friends’ who, bless their non-sparkly hearts, just aren’t as ‘cool.’ But when a monster with a craving for all things that shimmer shows up, things get real. Will friendship conquer fabulousness? Or will these glittery felines become monster munchies? This book is a wild, hilarious ride that will leave you questioning the true meaning of friendship… and maybe reaching for some glitter of your own.

Glitter Kittens by William Joyce, (List Price: $19.99, Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books, 9781665959902, October 2025)

Reviewed by Kimberly Todd, Square Books in Oxford, Mississippi

Buffalo Fluffalo and Puffalo by Bess Kalb

Animals, Bestsellers, Children, Family, Humorous Stories, Juvenile Fiction, Siblings

Buffalo Fluffalo and Puffalo by Bess Kalb Read More »

This book’s organization and illustrations are a 10/10. Love it! And the message is precious! I honestly think this would be a great book to get to for a child who is about to become a big sibling!

Buffalo Fluffalo and Puffalo by Bess Kalb, (List Price: $18.99, Random House Studio, 9780593810309, September 2025)

Reviewed by Samantha Steele, Plenty Downtown Bookshop in Cookeville, Tennessee

J vs. K by Kwame Alexander

Children, Humorous Stories, Juvenile Fiction, Southern Book Prize Finalist 2026

J vs. K by Kwame Alexander Read More »

These two are superstars in the Literary world. I had the privilege of meeting both of them and know they live and breathe getting kids to love reading and are such advocates of telling real stories for all. Their pretend jabbing is something that will leave you on the floor laughing. I know kids will love reading this because they will feel like they personally know these guys and they are on the inside joke.

J vs. K by Kwame Alexander, (List Price: $16.99, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 9780316582681, May 2025)

Reviewed by Suzanne Lucey, Page 158 Books in Wake Forest, North Carolina

Spider in the Well by Jess Hannigan

Spider in the Well by Jess Hannigan Read More »

The story is already so creative with its twists and turns, but the illustrations are key to understanding this lively story. The weird little kid? The weird townspeople? The weird spider? Perfect combo. Jess Hannigan is definitely someone to keep an eye on!

Spider in the Well by Jess Hannigan, (List Price: $19.99, Katherine Tegen Books, 9780063289475, March 2024)

Reviewed by Jamie Kovacs, Flyleaf Books in Chapel Hill, North Carolina

The Best Bad Day Ever by Marianna Coppo

The Best Bad Day Ever by Marianna Coppo Read More »

The Best Bad Day Ever is a precious children’s book about how even on the worst days, things can turn around for the better. For Wolfie, everything is going wrong today: his cookies are short on chocolate chips, his toothpaste tingles his tongue too much, the sky is "full" of clouds, and even his sidekick Pepito is grumpy. No one understands Wolfie, except for a new friend named Penguin who may just turn the day around. Between the tender message and the adorable yet hysterical illustrations, this is truly the definition of a warm and fuzzy read.

The Best Bad Day Ever by Marianna Coppo, (List Price: $18.99, Frances Lincoln Children’s Books, 9780711283343, July 2023)

Reviewed by Grace Sullivan, Fountain Bookstore in Richmond, Virginia

Oh No, the Aunts Are Here by Adam Rex

Children, Family, Humorous Stories, Juvenile Fiction

Oh No, the Aunts Are Here by Adam Rex Read More »

A really fun, whimsical picture book capturing the joys (and stresses) of getting a visit from extended family. Vivid illustrations give it extra energy!

Oh No, the Aunts Are Here by Adam Rex, (List Price: 16.99, Chronicle Books, 9781797207940, May 2023)

Reviewed by Talia Smart, Flyleaf Books in Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Very Good Hats by Emma Straub

Children, Clothing & Dress, Humorous Stories, Imagination & Play, Juvenile Fiction

Buy from your local indie.
Get the audiobook on Libro.fm

My mom always wears a hat, and has passed that love on to me. Where Very Good Hats goes farther is the creativity of children to make other things hats for objects of the right scale (they missed Bugles for the fingertips, though, sticking to acorn caps). My favorite image by illustrator Bianca Gomez is the accidental soup hat — make sure your hat is empty before you put it on!

Very Good Hats by Emma Straub, (List Price: $18.99, Rocky Pond Books, 9780593529430, January 2023)

Reviewed by Lisa Yee Swope, Bookmarks in Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Very Good Hats by Emma Straub Read More »

The National Menagerie of Art by Thaïs Vanderheyden

Animals, Art, Children, Humorous Stories, Juvenile

The National Menagerie of Art by Thaïs Vanderheyden Read More »

Art museums are wonderful places of discovery and this collection of 20 famous pieces is a great way to bring all the world’s great art museums into one spot. This little gem is the perfect introduction to art for novices of a tender age.

The National Menagerie of Art by Thaïs Vanderheyden, (List Price: $12.95, Prestel Junior, 9783791375090, April 2022)

Reviewed by Angie Tally, The Country Bookshop in Southern Pines, North Carolina

Chickadee: Criminal Mastermind by Monica Silvie

Children, Humorous Stories

Chickadee: Criminal Mastermind by Monica Silvie Read More »

Calling all bird lovers — you need this picture book! I adored the little chickadee who narrates this story. I could easily imagine my own little backyard chickadees thinking of themselves as criminal masterminds as they steal my blueberries! This picture book will offer plenty of fun for readers of all ages.

Chickadee: Criminal Mastermind by Monica Silvie, (List Price: $18.99, Kids Can Press, 9781525303388, June 2022)

Reviewed by Kate Storhoff, Bookmarks in Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Fuzzy, Inside and Out by Zachariah Ohora

Children, Humorous Stories