Why am I passionate about this?

Since I was a child I’ve loved comedy. Whether it’s Daffy Duck, the Pink Panther movies, or a Carl Hiaasen novel, I like to laugh and make people laugh. I grew up drawing cartoons, and as a Disney animator I learned the importance of creating characters that audiences could believe and empathize with. Humor has no geographic, religious, or racial boundaries – the human condition is universal, and humor speaks to us all, regardless of language. I strive to write and draw characters that connect with readers and then put them in silly, odd but believable situations to extract the maximum entertainment.


I wrote

Fuddles

By Frans Vischer,

Book cover of Fuddles

What is my book about?

Fat, flaccid, and totally spoiled by his family, feline Fuddles lives a life of eating, sleeping, and the occasional litter-box…

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The books I picked & why

Book cover of Battle Bunny

Frans Vischer Why did I love this book?

I love this concept of a boy turning a saccharine, boring picture book called Birthday Bunny into Battle Bunny. A pencil his weapon of choice, he attacks the book, driven by his creativity, and turns it into a book he actually wants to read. A daring idea from the author, this hilarious and engaging book is something any young boy can relate to.

By Jon Scieszka, Mac Barnett, Matt Myers (illustrator)

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Battle Bunny as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 5, 6, 7, and 8.

What is this book about?

Encourage creativity with this wildly entertaining picture book mash-up from the minds of Jon Scieszka and Mac Barnett.

Alex has been given a saccharine, sappy, silly-sweet picture book about Birthday Bunny that his grandma found at a garage sale. Alex isn’t interested—until he decides to make the book something he’d actually like to read. So he takes out his pencil, sharpens his creativity, and totally transforms the story!

Birthday Bunny becomes Battle Bunny, and the rabbit’s innocent journey through the forest morphs into a supersecret mission to unleash an evil plan—a plan that only Alex can stop.

Featuring layered, original…


Book cover of The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs

Frans Vischer Why did I love this book?

Another irreverent picture book, Jon Scieszka tells the well-known tale from the long-suffering wolf’s point of view, ultimately taking the story into a wild, out-of-this-world realm. Smith’s vibrant, graphic images perfectly suit the story, and Scieszka’s text is witty as the book challenges the reader, as well as the concepts of picture books themselves.

By Jon Scieszka, Lane Smith (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The wolf gives his own outlandish version of what really happened when he tangled with the three little pigs.


Book cover of Max Spaniel: Dinosaur Hunt

Frans Vischer Why did I love this book?

Charming artwork, with a touch of the silly, like all of Catrow’s books. Catrow gets into the head of his adorable mutt main character as he searches the house and backyard, coming up with all sorts of household and garden items that have no remote connection to dinosaurs. Undaunted, our hero continues his search, interpreting tools and toys for dino body parts, until miraculously his creature comes to life!

By David Catrow,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Max Spaniel as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

Max Spaniel considers himself a dinosaur hunter and finds all sorts of objects in his back yard as proof that they exist.


Book cover of Crankenstein

Frans Vischer Why did I love this book?

This is a wonderful study into the self-centered, alternately angry/happy mind of children. Boldly illustrated with a touch of whimsy and great ambiance, and Berger’s simple, clever text with a sweet ending, it’s spot-on for kids to relate to, and for parents trying to understand their kids. 

By Samantha Berger, Dan Santat (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Crankenstein as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

He may look like any ordinary boy, but when faced with a rainy day, a melting popsicle, or an early bedtime, one little boy transforms into a mumbling, grumbling Crankenstein! When Crankenstein meets his match in a fellow Crankenstein, the results could be catastrophic-or they could be just what he needs to brighten his day! As evidenced by the success of books like Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site, the popularity of thematic mash-ups in picture books is on the rise. Crankenstein's combination of emotion and monster themes has certain kid and parent-appeal and plenty of promotional opportunities, come Halloween and throughout…


Book cover of The Essential Calvin and Hobbes

Frans Vischer Why did I love this book?

Because Bill Watterson is a master. Creative kids, so often misunderstood, as Calvin is by his parents, (often understandably) there are no bad guys in this comic strip, aside from the imagined creations running amuck in Calvin’s wonderfully weird brain. The drawings are superb, a great mix of flat graphics and Disney dimensionality, and the writing a great insight into lone kids’ behavior. Watterson created a timeless masterpiece that influenced many comics that followed. 

By Bill Watterson,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked The Essential Calvin and Hobbes as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 12, 13, 14, and 15.

What is this book about?

The award-winning cartoonist details the further adventures of Calvin, a mischievous young boy with boundless energy and imagination, and his lovable stuffed tiger.


Explore my book 😀

Fuddles

By Frans Vischer,

Book cover of Fuddles

What is my book about?

Fat, flaccid, and totally spoiled by his family, feline Fuddles lives a life of eating, sleeping, and the occasional litter-box trip. When he finally opts for adventure, Fuddles discovers he’s not allowed outside. Obsessed with going out and fighting the foes he knows await, Fuddles initiates a “strict exercise regime.” Spying an open front door, he darts outside and loses no time leaping after birds and chasing squirrels. Weighed down by his tubbiness, scared and lonely, and missing his family, Fuddles learns the hard way there’s no place like home.

The colorful comical illustrations trace Fuddles’ journey. Indolent, irascible, and utterly irresistible, Fuddles is the undisputed focus of every scene in this hilarious reminder to stick with a good thing when you’ve got it.

Book cover of Battle Bunny
Book cover of The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs
Book cover of Max Spaniel: Dinosaur Hunt

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