Look, it’s simple really. Peter Pan visited me when I was young, abducted me, and showed me that remaining a big kid is much more beneficial than becoming a boring adult with too many responsibilities. I’ve published multiple MG books and prefer this genre’s colourful, exciting stories. I’m also Australian, and we have a weird sense of humour, so I’m not sure if that classifies as expertise on this particular subject, but let’s go with that.
Colt Harper hates it when you pat a cat the wrong way, or when you upload their faux pas to YouTube. In fact, he’ll probably kill you for it.
As a self-proclaimed master vampire cat, Colt never imagined he’d be sent to community service at a revolting community theater. And for what? Killing humans who don’t buy the expensive brand of cat food? Talk about unfair. Still, working with a nervous werewolf and a monster addicted to tickling wasn’t on his to-do list. What’s worse, is he’s falling for a human. Sure, she has green eyes. Sure, she fosters stray cats. But she’s still a disgusting human. So why is he risking his own life to save her from the chasers?
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The title sounds heavy. It's Lemony Snicket after all. But in pure Lemony fashion, this breezy 'memoir' digresses into tales of sardonic woe that children can scoff at and adults can laugh at. The perfect book for a trip on a train or plane, the jokes are dry and the story is beautifully simplistic: he had poison for breakfast. So what now?
Okay, it's not exactly laugh-out-loud funny. In fact, my grandmother was so distressed by the first two pages because, spoiler, we find ourselves at the protagonist's funeral. I explained that obviously it is a red herring and this cannot be the case, as we were only two pages in. But, you know, my grandmother. Anyway, this is the perfect series for lovers of Harry Potter and all things quirky. You won't laugh a lot. But you'll definitely be smiling throughout.
Children will find this funny. How could they not, when the entire book is through the perspective of an actual imaginary friend, getting up to mischievous antics? For adults though, it's more like Toy Story 3 as you realise the imaginary friends are contemplating their own mortality, wondering how they could possibly survive when their friends literally disappear once the human stops 'believing' in them. So, look, 50/50 from a comedic level. Solid 90 for overall enjoyment.
I bought this because I love Kurt from Glee. He's genuinely a good writer. Did you know he wrote an episode in season 6 of Glee? Arguably it's one of the best episodes of the season. His snarky sense of humour comes through in this fairy tale classic, as he spins everything we know about the princesses and even acknowledges the tropes often used in fantasy stories. A really easy and fun read.
A blast from the past. I feel this book never got the attention it truly deserved. From a sassy, headstrong lead, to a fashionable neighbour akin to Moira Rose, this immersive story is about friendship, determination, and a mystery here and there. I adored this character who was ahead of her time and always wished we had a little more Hazel Green in our lives!
5,888 authors have recommended their favorite books and what they love about them. Browse their picks for the best books about curses, twins, and Australia.
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From Linda's list on for young readers on puzzling and magical mysteries.
It’s fun to travel and stay at hotels, so I couldn’t resist this mystery set in a very mysterious and magical hotel. When orphaned Elizabeth is sent away to Winterhouse Hotel, she finds a puzzle book and solves cryptic clues that lead to secret passages and magic. Readers will enjoy trying to decipher the secret codes and clever puzzles. Enjoy!!
From Simon's list on teen fantasy that mash up old and new.
This is one of the ‘twisted fairy tale’-esque books that I’ve read most recently, and I honestly didn’t think I’d be seeing anything new. Add the fact that it was published before I was born, and I was seriously doubting whether this was worth using a precious spot in my alas never-large-enough library withdrawal limit on.
But, Inkheart proved me wrong from the start with its concept of a character being able to literally read books to life. When seeing those read to life start to make demands, the novel made for a hilarious way to idle away a few summer days—though it also left me with more than a couple of thoughts about my own naivety and the dangers of unchecked power.
From Ana's list on quirkiest books about life after death.
There are two reasons I picked up this book. Firstly, that title. I’m a happy sucker for oxymorons. Secondly, and embarrassingly, more importantly, someone I really fancied recommended this book to me. And I have no regrets.
Anyone with a more sensitive constitution is easily offended and can’t find humour in darker subject matters is kindly invited to stay away. This book hilariously tackles the moral quandary of how to deal with someone you -- and the world -- thought dead. Worse still when they are an awful roommate who you desperately want out of your house.