Gift Idea: Start with Something Funny

Is there anything better than the sound of a child’s laughter? These books are sure to have your children (and you!) giggling with delight. Each book is paired with a complementary non-book idea to extend the enjoyment of the book’s theme.

Musical Mac by Brendan Kearney
| Picture Book, ages 3 to 8 |

Mac is a millipede with stage fright! His stage fright has kept him from being in the Soggy Bog Talent Show. This year is going to be different!

Such a fun story! Readers will laugh as Mac tries to join various musical groups. The illustrations are wonderful and add to the fun.

Read the Review | Order at Amazon.com | Shop at Your Local Indie Bookstore

Pair with: toy instruments or musical event (concert, instrument petting zoo, music lessons)

The Trouble with Chickens by Doreen Cronin
| Illustrated Chapter, ages 7 to 10 |

When some chicks go missing, their family want J.J. Tully to take the case. He wants to retire … until they say the magic word: cheeseburger!

Humor for young and old alike make this an appealing book for all audiences. It is a good mystery, with a twist. Kids who listen to this could easily come back later.

Read the Review | Order at Amazon.com | Shop at Your Local Indie Bookstore

Pair with: magnifying glass, detective kit, cheeseburger pet chew toy

Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett
| Fiction novel, ages 12 and up |

The end of the world is coming and believe it or not, Aziraphale (an angel) and Crowley (a demon) don’t want that to happen. Now they are working together to stop an 11-year-old anti-Christ whose destiny is Armageddon.

Teen reviewer (13): This hilarious novel is one of my favorite books. Good Omens perfectly combines Terry Pratchett’s lighthearted and funny tone of Terry Pratchett’s works with the dark and mysterious style of Neil Gaiman.

Read the Review | Order at Amazon.com | Shop at Your Local Indie Bookstore

Pair with: Netflix subscription to watch the show, iTunes (or similar) card for purchasing audiobooks or podcasts

DISCLOSURE STATEMENT: The “Order at Amazon.com” go to smile.amazon.com. When you buy through smile.amazon.com, Amazon donates to the Reading Tub. As a nonprofit, the Reading Tub has an affiliate relationship with Amazon.com for fundraising purposes. All proceeds go to our mission.

The Reading Tub also has an affiliate relationship with Indiebound.org. When you purchase through “Shop at your local Indie Bookstore,” the Reading Tub can earn donations for our literacy mission.