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.