Total Quack Up! Again

Total Quack Up! Again edited by Sally Rippin and Adrian Beck, illustrated by Jules Faber (Puffin Books) PB RRP $14.99 ISBN 9781760893583

Reviewed by Dianne Bates

In this anthology of short stories for children aged 8 years and older, are contributions by some of Australia’s best-known children’s authors. They include AL Tait, Michael Wagner and Tim Harris. Also included is 9-year-old Coby Sanchez’s story, ‘The Duck Pond’, which, except for its poor ending, is as good, if not better, than other stories by the adults in the book.

In the book’s Foreword, Rippin and Beck say they have ‘found the funniest 12 authors in the whole world and asked them to write the most ridiculously hilarious short story they could possibly manage.’ No doubt most children will enjoy – perhaps even laugh at – stories which focus on farting, bad breath and retelling of old jokes. But overall the stories are mundane and more amusing than humorous.

The typeface in the book is large to make for easier reading, and there are numerous black and white cartoon illustrations by Jules Faber who has also contributed a story.

All royalties from the sale of the book go to the Dymock’s Children’s Charities.

The Quest Diaries of Max Crack

The Quest Diaries of Max Crack written and illustrated by Jules Faber (Pan Macmillan) PB RRP $12.99 ISBN 9781760783907

Reviewed by Dianne Bates

This is a visually appealing novel for readers aged 9+ years insofar as it is presented as an exercise book with lined pages. As well, the entire book is not the conventionally presented book with pages of printed chapters. Instead, the words look hand-printed and there are illustrations, with cartoon characters, on every page. Faber makes use of lists, speech balloons and much more so the book looks immensely interesting and appealing.

The story is told from the point of view of the protagonist Max Crack who lives with his family in Piddown. In introducing himself, he lists four embarrassing things he’s done, such as ‘farted on the cat’ and ‘drank Dad’s aftershave and thought I was a ghost’.

The quests to which Max refers are his goals which include making a ‘super’ best friend. This happens on 1 July (events are often dated) when Max almost drowns after being hit on the head by a supermarket trolley, but is saved by a boy, Frankie, who is one of ten children (all featured and named in illustrated break-out boxes).

There’s lots to read in this amusing and quirky book, including visual asides (such as how to dogpile and what a dinosaur glow man looks like). Max and Frankie undertake many adventures including selling comics at a school fete, searching for buried treasure and solving mysteries. Using a list at the start of the year, Max manages to solve all his quests and makes a best friend along the way. Highly recommended.

WeirDo

WeirDo by Anh Do, illustrated by Jules Faber (Scholastic Australia)
PB RRP $12.99
ISBN 978-1-74283-758-1
Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

It’s Weir’s first day in a new school and he knows he will have trouble living down his name – Weir Do. He does not understand why the rest of his crazy family has normal names, Sally and Roger, while he got lumped with his mother’s maiden name as a first name. But he does manage to get through the day, make a new friend and even impress the seventh-best-looking girl in the class.

As soon as I saw the author’s name and the moving animated cover of a bird on Weir’s head I was eager to read it, expecting a funny story. And I was not disappointed. WeirDo is full of the dry humour Anh Do dishes up in his comedy. This humour, mixed with Weir’s crazy and embarrassing family, awkward school life and the wonderful illustrations by Jules Faber, makes for a very entertaining read. With as much illustration (in black, white and red) as text, children between six and eight will be comfortable reading this alone. The humour is beautifully suited to this age group.

Anh Do is a comedian, television personality and award-winning author. WeirDo is the first book in a new series.