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Little Miss Scary burst out laughing. And as you most probably know, it is very difficult to be scary when you are laughing.
–Mr. Tickle and the Scary Halloween, originated by Roger Hargreaves, written and illustrated by Adam Hargreaves
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There is something beautiful about broken glass and the tiny visions it creates. For instance, the glass from that shattered beer bottle told me there was a twenty-dollar bill hidden in the center of an ant pile. I buried my arms elbow-deep in the ants but all I found was a note that said Some people will believe in anything. And I laughed.
–The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven by Sherman Alexie
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“I wipe my face with my sleeve, laughing so hard my stomach hurts. If my entire life is like this, loud laughter and bold action and the kind of exhaustion you feel after a hard but satisfying day, I will be content.“
–Divergent (Divergent Series)
Recently, while reading books to a young family member, it occurred to me that the books I select as examples of quality are always appreciated by the kids who listen. Yet, there is a special sub-set of books that are requested, by the kids, over and over again. Usually, these are also the books that make the kids giggle. Every. Single. Time.
This is the inspiration behind the Giggle Book Award. I will present the Giggle Book Award to books selected by the children in my life – as proven by the deep, heartfelt giggling and/or requests for more. 🙂
If you have children in your life and a collection of books that meet the Giggle Book Award criteria, please visit this page for a copy of the logo and rules for participating in the award.
The first giggle book award goes to…
(Drum roll!)
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Monkey with a Tool Belt by Chris Monroe
This story inspires both fear and giggles. Chico Bon Bon is captured by a circus performer who intends to force the little monkey to live in a cage and dance to organ music. Luckily, Chico Bon Bon he is a very smart and well prepared little monkey. Using the tools in his tool belt and his skills as a tinkerer and carpenter, he escapes.
Every time I’ve read this book (and there have been many), the kidnapping inspires little ones to grab my arm, hide behind a pillow (or stuffy) or sit wide-eyed and very still. The escape produces giggles, laughter and (sometimes even) cheers.
From an adult perspective, it’s an OK story with nice, colorful images. From a child’s perspective, it’s an edge-of-your-seat adventure with a ultra-exciting happy ending!
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“Let me give you a wonderful Zen practice. Wake up in the morning, go to the bathroom, pee, brush your teeth, look in the mirror, and laugh at yourself. Do it every morning to start off the day, as a practice.“
–The Dude and the Zen Master by Jeff Bridges and Bernie Glassman
From the introduction:
“To me, this book is sort of like a snakeskin. A snakeskin is something you might find on the side of the road and make something out of—a belt, say, or a hatband. The snake itself heads off doing more snake stuff—getting it on with lady snakes, eating rats, making more snakeskins, et cetera.“