Funny Business

Conversations with Writers of Comedy

By: Leonard S. Marcus (Editor), Judy Blume (Contribution by), Beverly Cleary (Contribution by), Sharon Creech (Contribution by), Christopher Paul Curtis (Contribution by)

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Hardcover | 13 October 2009

At a Glance

Hardcover
224 Pages

Age
10+

Grade
K+

Dimensions(cm)
23.7 x 17.4

Hardcover

$46.75

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What makes funny FUNNY? An esteemed anthologist interviews thirteen favorite children's authors -- and asks them to share their trade secrets.
DO YOU EVER MAKE YOURSELF LAUGH WHILE YOU ARE WRITING?
"A joke isn't a joke if you need to explain it," notes Leonard S. Marcus. "Even so, the hidden clockwork of comedy . . . has long been considered one of the great riddles of life." There are many kinds of humor, but capturing their essence on paper is a remarkably difficult (and often undervalued) skill. So how do authors create books that not only stand the tests of time but also make us laugh? In thirteen fascinating interviews, well-loved writers of humorous books for children discuss an array of topics, from their sources of inspiration to the ways they began writing, from their revision processes to childhood anecdotes to the value they place on comedy in their work and lives. Beautifully designed and thoughtfully edited, this collection is bound to tickle the fancy of children and adults alike.

Industry Reviews

Warm, revealing, and, yes, often-funny profiles that make essential reading for aspiring writers and children's literature enthusiasts of all ages.
--Booklist (starred review)

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You Can Find This Book In

Kids & Children's Books Educational Material English Language & Literacy Educational Material Children's Non-Fiction Humour & Jokes for Children & Teenagers English Literature Educational Material Children, Teenagers & Young Adults (YA) Fiction General, Modern & Contemporary Fiction for Children & Teenagers

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Introduction	p. viii
Judy Blume	p. 1
Beverly Cleary	p. 15
Sharon Creech	p. 33
Christopher Paul Curtis	p. 51
Anne Fine	p. 67
Daniel Handler	p. 85
Carl Hiaasen	p. 105
Norton Juster	p. 119
Dick King-Smith	p. 141
Hilary McKay	p. 155
Daniel Pinkwater	p. 171
Louis Sachar	p. 173
Jon Scieszka	p. 191
Acknowledgments	p. 211
Photography Credits and Copyright Acknowledgments	p. 212
Index	p. 213
Table of Contents provided by Ingram. All Rights Reserved.

Funny Business

Conversations with Writers of Comedy

At a Glance

Hardcover

Industry Reviews

Shipping

How to return your order

Defective items

You Can Find This Book In

More in General, Modern & Contemporary Fiction for Children & Teenagers

My Nonno Loves

CBCA EARLY CHILDHOOD BOOK OF THE YEAR 2026 SHORTLIST

We Fell Apart

The Prison Healer

Confetti and the Rainbow Garden

Once Upon Tomorrow

Frances Bloom

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Raised by Wolves

Bluey

Tradies

KPop Demon Hunters

The Official Junior Novelization

Down the Bush Track, Little Bee

Duck Look Who's Talking! (Duck, #1)

A hilarious new series from the world of Matt Stanton's million copy bestselling Funny Kid, that will have kids in hysterics!

The Clueless Guide to Solving a Mystery (Clueless, #1)

A heartfelt, funny and fresh new children's series from an award-winning author

Annie and Maeve Are Definitely Not Friends

An uplifting story of an unexpected friendship

The Apocalypse and Other Mild Inconveniences

Battle of the Besties

The bestselling, hilarious series for tweens, from award-winning author and comedy writer

The Wild Unknown

Bluey: Copycat

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No Matter What

The Anniversary Edition

The Academy VI

Rise of the Scorpions

Winnie-the-Pooh

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The Midlands

The Dream Keeper

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Swift and Hawk

Killswitch

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The Hidden Sea

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