(This article reprinted from New England Libraries, Vol. 3, No. 3: March/April, 2007.)

A Laugh a Minute at NERTCL Program

by Judy Rabin

What's so funny? Kathleen Odean, Gail Gauthier, and Jarrett Krosoczka brought down the house last month at NERTCL's "Leave 'Em Laughing" program. As librarians, we're often asked for "funny books." Many of us include them in school book talks, and we know books in this genre will definitely circulate. But what makes us laugh? Why is the writing funny? What will kids find funny?

Kathleen Odean deconstructed some of our favorite titles and series books including Louise Rennison's Angus, Thongs and Full Frontal Snogging, Dav Pilkey's Captain Underpants, and Terry Pratchett's The Wee Free Men. She read some of the more amusing excerpts, and I'm not sure which was funnier – the text, or her delivery of it! It's easy to laugh at the day-to-day hysteria of a fourteen-year-old when the writing captures the humor on both the adult and teen levels. After a bad day in elementary school, who wouldn't want to see the principal in his underwear? Kathleen helped us identify the writing styles and techniques used by these particular authors.

Gail Gauthier writes realistic fiction with a funny twist. Her characters don't fit in, they're usually on the brink of something they can't identify, and somehow they always find the funnier side of life. Gail classifies herself as a "born reader," in a family of less than avid readers. With reading as a hobby, a writing career followed soon enough. In A Year With Butch and Spike, two mischievous sixth graders try to make life "more enjoyable" for perfect student, Jasper. Saving the Planet and Stuff looks at life from a teenager's point of view, when he's out of summer options. What will life be like with aging hippies in an eco-friendly house?

Jarrett J. Krosoczka had two tough acts to follow! But his life in pictures (literally, his own childhood sketches) and his clever commentary had everyone laughing uncontrollably. From bad hair days to giant slugs to animal rock musicians, Jarrett's picture books entertain children of all ages. A Worcester native, he was right at home and clearly loving every minute.

Librarians love to hear authors speak, and this NERTCL program was clearly planned and thoughtfully organized to attract and entertain those of us in the business of promoting reading to children and teens. Thanks for a great meeting!

Judy Rabin is Head of Children's Services at Woodbridge Town Library, Woodbridge CT. She served as Children's Section Chair for the Connecticut Library Association, 2004-2006. Her favorite "funny" authors include Doreen Cronin, Janet Stevens, Debi Gliori and Kate Klise. She is currently reading Hatching Magic by New England author Ann Downer.