The Jam Doughnut that Ruined my Life by Mark Lowery
Mark Lowery has been short-listed twice for the Roald Dahl Funny Prize and The Jam Doughnut that Ruined My Life was short-listed for the Children’s Books Awards in 2017; and it’s very easy to see why. This is the first in a series of 3 books about Roman Garstang, an ordinary boy who gets caught up in a chain of extraordinarily awful and hilariously funny events. Roman’s favourite food in the world is doughnuts, but a seemingly innocent Squidgy Splodge raspberry-jam doughnut ends up with Roman having one of the worst weeks of his life. By Friday Roman has been stung by a jelly fish, turned his teacher’s prize guinea pig blue and got caught up in a riot caused by hungry pensioners – and that’s just some of it. This is a genuinely funny book, action-packed and filled with hilarious characters and is suitable for readers about 9 and over. Watch out also for The Chicken Nugget Ambush and Attack of the Woolly Jumper for more of Roman’s disastrous exploits.
Penny Dreadful is a Magnet for Disaster by Joanna Nadin
This is another book that was short-listed for the Roald Dahl Funny Prize and is suitable for readers aged 8 and upwards. The books are divided into 3 stories which is helpful for more reluctant readers or those who struggle with longer books. Penny, whose real name is Penelope Jones, has a talent for attracting trouble, she doesn’t mean to but somehow her “Brilliant Ideas” never seem to work out quite as she hoped. She never meant for her little cousin to end up bald and covered in superglue, and she definitely didn’t steal her neighbour’s dog on purpose. If you enjoy Penny’s adventures there are 7 in the series each as funny as the last.
The Unbelievable Top Secret Diary of Pig by Emer Stamp
If you haven’t read Pig’s diaries then you are in for a treat. It’s hard not to love Pig. Pig is a simple creature who loves Farmer and loves the yummy slops and special back scratches he gets. Pig loves how farmer calls him Sausage and how Farmer seems to love him more the fatter he gets. Throw in a few evil chickens, a trocket (a space rocket made from a tractor) and a very clever Duck and you have one of the funniest diaries you will ever read. This is suitable for 7 upwards, but all ages will appreciate the humour. If you fall in love with Pig, which I’m sure you and your child will, you will be glad to know that this is just Pig’s first diary, he has written 3 more all full of crazy Pig and Duck adventures.
Call in to your local library to get your hands on these gems.
(Maria Cunningham) Tuam Herald, 27 September 2017
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