GUYS READ: FUNNY BUSINESS: Book Review and Giveaway

Tweet

A collection of short stories aimed toward the boy reluctant reader, GUYS READ: FUNNY BUSINESS contains humor from some of the best writers in children's literature. As part of the GUYS READ initiative spearheaded by Jon Scieszka, FUNNY BUSINESS is the first book in the series.

What happens when your dad decides you aren't man enough because you don't like "boy centered" acitvities and decides to bring home a turkey for you to raise for Thanksgiving dinner? It seems your dad starts treating the turkey like a son and would rather have him around than you. In A Fistful of Feathers by David Yoo, get ready to laugh out loud when that deranged turkey becomes bent on destroying the narrators life and see who really gets cooked on Thanksgiving Day.

Dean would do anything to get the chance to jump into a pool of chocolate milk, even kiss up to the most annoying kid in school. Every other kid in school is eager to do the same. In Mac Barnett's Best of Friends, one hilarious scenario after another is played out to see how far both sides will go to gain friends.

Okay, admit it. We've all done it. Wait for the last minute to start that school project. When two friends in Kid Appeal by David Lubar, are assigned a project to show the history of their town, they can't agree on what to do. The morning the project is due, they make a desperate attempt to finish the project which involves a mummy, adhesive bandages, raw skin and a trip to the hospital. This story was one of my favorites and had me laughing on more than one occasion.


One of the standouts in the book is Your Question for Dear Author by Kate DiCamillo and John Scieszka. When Joe decides to write a letter to author Maureen O'Toople, he forgets to use his manners. Mrs. O'Toople does not let that slide and in her return letters, forces Joe to think. The interaction evolves in a very fun and life changing way. Very snarky, funny and heartwarming.

Eoin Colfer's Artemis Begins gives us a hysterical look and how he might have got his inspiration for Artemis Fowl from his little brother. Any boy can relate to breaking mom's things. A funny look into childhood antics.

You'll think twice about telling your gramps you got it rough after reading What? You Think You Got it Rough  by Christopher Paul Curtis. You'll also think twice about obeying your parents after reading My Parents Gave My Bedroom to a Biker by Paul Feig. Be prepared to be grossed out by Jack Gantos in My Bloody Souvenier. In Unaccompanied Minors by Jeff Kinney, we are reminded of the fun tricks that happen when an older brother gets left babysitting his younger brother. And last, in Will by Adam Rex, it's hard to feel special when everybody else gets to go to hero school. But Will gets a chance to prove he is anything but ordinary when a super villain crashes through his school.

GUYS READ: FUNNY BUSINESS edited by Jon Scieska will not disappoint in the humor department. There are some really gut busting funny stories. A great choice for the boy reader ages 9-12 and chances are, girls will like some of the stories too. Recommended.


Reading level: Ages 9-12

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Walden Pond Press (September 21, 2010)
•  

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE FROM BARNES AND NOBLE.






**Disclosure: I received the book at no charge from the publisher for review purposes. I did not receive payment of any kind for a positive review. The book I received is the same book I am giving away.



                                                        CONTEST DETAILS

I am giving one lucky reader a chance to win my review copy. Please use the Rafflecopter form to enter. Wait for a minute for it to load.  Giveaway ends Sunday Oct. 23 at 11:00 p.m. MST.