New Releases by Alan Katz

What happens when you hide the afikomen too well? The Mysterious Missing Matzoh is a hilariously original, utterly heartwarming take on a beloved Passover tradition. It''s that time in the Passover Seder when it''s Grandpa Murray''s job to break the matzoh and hide the afikomen for the kids to find. But what happens when you hide the afikomen too well? Search as hard as they can, Nathan, Simone, Andrew, and David can''t track it down anywhere. The kids may have to turn the house upside down if they want to get their reward and finish the Seder meal. The Mysterious Missing Matzoh is a joyful title that readers will return to year after year to celebrate Passover. Illustrated by award-winning artist Adam Auerbach and told with heartwarming humor by New York Times bestselling picture book author Alan Katz, it''s a must-have for anyone who celebrates the holiday or just wants to learn more about an ages-old tradition.

Try not to laugh! Jokes for kids so funny they''ll have you on the ground in no time! I crossed a fish with an elephant. What did you get? Swim trunks! Who’s a golfer’s favorite wizard? Harry Putter! Careful, the jokes in this book are so funny you might just laugh your socks off! From knock knocks to puns a plenty, The Funniest Joke Book Ever For Kids is positively overflowing with funny! It even has activities and fill-in-the-blanks for making your very own jokes. Can you read the whole thing without laughing? Bet you can''t! It''s all brought to you by author and funny man Alan Katz.

This collection of stories and poems by sixteen Jewish writers portrays the magic of Hanukkah for each person who celebrates it, as well as what it means to be Jewish. Celebrate Hanukkah with a diverse collection of poems and stories filled with history, humor, and hope. Cheer on a young baker as he tries to make sufganiyot from a family recipe. Learn about code breakers in England during World War II. Imagine hosting a refugee cousin or finding long-lost relatives. In this anthology, characters make discoveries, connect with family and friends, and mourn loved ones. Encompassing a range of genres and experiences, there’s something for readers of all faiths in the illuminating pages of The Festival of Lights.

A llama astronaut! A grilled-cheese cheetah! A quarterback yak! It''s Halloween at the zoo, and it''s time for the animals to show off their costumes! But who will win the prize for best dressed? This night is full of fun and surprises! Children and parents alike will love this festive story by beloved New York Times bestselling author Alan Katz, brought to life with delightfully vibrant illustrations by acclaimed artist Stephanie Laberis.

The Elf Academy elves take on babysitting in this fourth and final book in a series about a young elf’s merry misadventures, part of the Aladdin QUIX line of fun-to-read, short chapter books that’s perfect for emerging readers! Andy Snowden has to take care of his teacher’s niece and nephew who are moving to the North Pole. Has he finally met his mischievous match?

The Elf Academy elves throw a surprise party for Santa in this third book in a series about a young elf’s merry misadventures, part of the Aladdin QUIX line of fun-to-read, short chapter books that’s perfect for emerging readers! The elves decide to throw a super-duper surprise party for Santa, complete with gifts, treats, and decorations! Andy Snowden has a million and one ideas to make the party the best one ever. What could possibly go wrong?

If there''s a problem in school, there''s no substitute for the world-saving substitute teachers of the S.O.S.! This is the fifth book of this hilarious, highly illustrated early chapter book series. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer! When Snowball, the puffball hamster in Ms. Kim''s classroom, accidentally sips the teacher''s leftover protein shake, she transforms into a monster like Beacher Elementary School has never known before. It''s all hands on deck to stop Snowball before it''s too late. And to do that, Milton Worthy is going to do have to team up with Noah, the part-time classroom ferret, full-time evil mastermind! Will Milton and Noah be able to work together in time to stop Snowball and save the world? HarperChapters build confident readers one chapter at a time! With short, fast-paced books, art on every page, and milestone markers at the end of every chapter, they''re the perfect next step for fans of I Can Read!

If there’s a problem in school, there’s no substitute for the world-saving substitute teachers of the S.O.S.! This is the fourth book of this hilarious, highly illustrated early chapter book series. It’s Spring Break! Milton Worthy and his family are off on a vacation to Super Fun World. It’s a week filled with roller coasters, rides, and fried food—and no super-sub missions for seven whole days. Everything is going according to plan until Milton gets stuck looking after Noah—part-time classroom pet, full-time evil mastermind—who has an entirely different kind of getaway in mind. Will Milton be able to figure out Noah’s latest plot for world domination before it ruins his family’s fun time? HarperChapters build confident readers one chapter at a time! With short, fast-paced books, art on every page, and milestone markers at the end of every chapter, they''re the perfect next step for fans of I Can Read!

Just when you thought they’d moved out for good… Being a mommy is great. So is being a daddy. But do you know what’s even better? Being an empty nester. Oh, the joys of watching a fully raised child sprout wings and move away. Until the horrifying day… That child comes back. Goodbye tranquility. Goodbye cleanliness. Goodbye leftover meatloaf. It’s a fact that 52% of millennials are living in their parents’ homes. Get the H*** Out of My House is picture book for the parents who hoped, thought and prayed they’d be empty nesters. It’s a way to tell them they’re not alone in having those hopes dashed, thoughts dismissed and prayers unanswered. If that’s you, don’t despair. Just read this book, and keep the faith. And if you’re the millennial who’s moved back, buy them this book…then get the hell out of their house!

If there’s a problem in school, there’s no substitute for the world-saving substitute teachers of the S.O.S.! This is the third book of this hilarious, highly illustrated early chapter book series. Oh, no! Noah, the classroom’s evil pet ferret, has stolen everyone’s lunch—and worse yet, he’s done it on a day when Milton’s mom, the class’s go-to super-sub, is off on another assignment. Will Milton be able to foil Noah’s most fiendish plot yet or will they lose their lunches for good in the gooiest, stickiest, biggest food fight ever? HarperChapters build confident readers one chapter at a time! With short, fast-paced books, art on every page, and milestone markers at the end of every chapter, they''re the perfect next step for fans of I Can Read!

If there’s a problem in school, there’s no substitute for the world-saving substitute teachers of the S.O.S.! This is the second book of this hilarious, highly illustrated early chapter book series. Oh no! Noah—part time classroom pet, full-time evil mastermind—has his paws set on setting free all the animals at the city zoo. Good thing that when there’s a problem, there’s no substitute for the super substitute teachers of the S.O.S.! HarperChapters build confident readers one chapter at a time! With short, fast-paced books, art on every page, and milestone markers at the end of every chapter, they''re the perfect next step for fans of I Can Read!

If there’s a problem in school, there’s no substitute for the world-saving substitute teachers of the S.O.S.! This is the first book of this hilarious, highly illustrated early chapter book series. When Milton Worthy learns his classroom’s pet ferret is the evil mastermind behind a dastardly plot for world domination, it’s more than just about any kid could handle. But then not every kid is the son of a member of the super-secret, super-awesome Society of Substitutes! Now it’s up to Milton and his substitute teacher mom to save Beacher Elementary School before time runs out. HarperChapters build confident readers one chapter at a time! With short, fast-paced books, art on every page, and milestone markers at the end of every chapter, they''re the perfect next step for fans of I Can Read!

"It''s Spring Break! Milton Worthy and his family are off on a vacation to Super Fun World. It''s a week filled with roller coasters, rides, and fried food--and no super-sub missions for seven whole days. Everything is going according to plan until Milton gets stuck looking after Noah--part-time classroom pet, full-time evil mastermind--who has an entirely different kind of getaway in mind. Will Milton be able to figure out Noah''s latest plot for world domination before it ruins his family''s fun time?"--

Milton Worthy can''t wait for his class trip to the City Zoo. But little does he know that Noah--part time classroom pet ferret, part time evil mastermind--has escaped and stowed away on his school bus. Good thing that Mrs. Worthy, ace world-saving, member of the super-secret Society of Substitutes, is along for the ride! Will Milton and his super-substitute mom be able to stop the zoo from running completely wild?

"Oh, no! Noah, the classroom''s evil pet ferret, has stolen everyone''s lunch--and worse yet, he''s done it on a day when Milton''s mom, the class''s go-to super-sub, is off on another assignment. Will Milton be able to foil Noah''s most fiendish plot yet or will they lose their lunches for good in the gooiest, stickiest, biggest food fight ever?"--

Amelia Earhart, top aviator. You might know that her flight accomplishments were heralded across the globe. But what about the story of her teeth, which were so perfect that her dentist wanted to remove all of them to show his other patients? Or her refusal to read chapter nine in any book? You’re about to be treated to the Lieographical aspects of Amelia Earhart’s life, in this funny, lighthearted, “all that didn’t happen” take on this larger than life woman. The book ends with a short—but true—account of Amelia’s life—just enough to encourage kids to find out more on this important historical figure. But even if readers have already learned about Amelia, the wacky stories in this tall-tales book will be even more enjoyable.

Babe Ruth, incredible ballplayer. You might know that he was widely considered baseball’s greatest hitter. But what about his feat of pitching to himself and blasting 25 straight home runs? Or his knack for removing kids’ spleens and kidneys despite not having any medical training? You’re about to be treated to the Lieographical aspects of Babe Ruth’s life, in this funny, lighthearted, “all that didn’t happen” take on this larger than life man. The book ends with a short—but true—account of Babe’s life—just enough to encourage kids to find out more on this important historical figure. But even if readers have already learned about the Babe, the wacky stories in this tall-tales book will be even more enjoyable.

Thomas Edison, world-class inventor. You might know that he devised the electric light bulb and the phonograph. But what about his development of train-controlling sticks? Or his airborne way to send pancakes to his Cousin Fran in Texas? You’re about to be treated to the Lieographical aspects of Thomas Edison’s life, in this funny, lighthearted, “all that didn’t happen” take on the man whose inventions transformed our daily existence. The book ends with a short—but true—account of Edison’s life—just enough to encourage kids to find out more on this important historical figure. But even if readers have already learned about Edison, the wacky stories in this tall-tales book will be even more enjoyable.

Laugh along with this big-hearted collection of ridiculous stories and playful puns -- perfect for fans of Rob Elliott and Jon Scieska. A collection of twenty outrageously funny short stories for younger middle grade readers, Really Stupid Stories for Really Smart Kids is full of puns, "bad" jokes, and tall tales that will have you rolling on the floor with laughter. From "snowpeople" falling from the sky to a boy who only communicates through singing, there''s a story for every fan of Alan Katz''s signature humor.

Part of a super fun middle grade series, Awesome Achievers in Technology puts the spotlight on lesser-known heroes and their contributions in tech. Everyone has heard the name Steve Jobs, but what about Nolan Bushnell--Jobs''s boss before the invention of Apple, and the founder of the first major video game, Pong? Many of the most relevant figures in tech history have remained in the shadows, but not any longer! From Alan Katz''s new Awesome Achievers series, Awesome Achievers in Technology gives kids a look behind the scenes at 12 lesser-known inventors whose contributions to tech are personally relevant to their lives today. Each figure is given a traditional biography but is also subject to Katz''s unique brand of silliness, with humorous elements such as imagined poems, song lyrics, and diary entries by and about the not-so-famous figure accompanying each bio. Spot illustrations throughout add to the lighthearted and appreciative humor each figure receives. Reluctant readers and budding tech enthusiasts alike will delight in this imaginative and engaging introduction to a new series of laugh out loud biographies.

Part of a super fun middle grade series, Awesome Achievers in Science puts the spotlight on lesser-known heroes and their contributions in major scientific fields. Everyone has heard the names Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, but what about Michael Collins--the third brave Apollo 11 astronaut who didn''t get to walk on the moon? Many of the most relevant figures in scientific history have remained in the shadows, but not any longer! From Alan Katz''s new Awesome Achievers series, Awesome Achievers in Science gives kids a look behind the scenes at 12 lesser-known scientists whose contributions are personally relevant to their lives today. Each figure is given a traditional biography but is also subject to Katz''s unique brand of silliness, with humorous elements such as imagined poems, song lyrics, and diary entries by or about the not-so-famous figure accompanying each bio. Spot illustrations throughout add to the lighthearted and appreciative humor each figure receives. Reluctant readers and budding scientists alike will delight in this imaginative and engaging continuation of a new series of laugh-out-loud biographies.

A father and son discuss the variety of outlandish items they might have if not for the other in this funny and heartfelt look at the appreciation we have for our families. There are tons of things a parent or child could have, if they didn’t have each other. A dad may be able to have a sleek sports car, and a son could have candy for every meal. But if to have those things, they wouldn’t have each other…well, they’d rather have their family instead. Kids and parents alike will find the humor in all the outlandish things they could have, but also the tenderness of knowing they have exactly what they need with each other.

From humorist Alan Katz and illustrator Stephen Gilpin comes a very punny picture book about a series of show-and-tell misunderstandings. When the teacher says it’s too rainy to go outside for recess and the kids must stay inside for show and tell, she gets an unexpected reaction: “That stinks!” exclaims Jimmy. The class gasps—but then it turns out Jimmy has brought a skunk for show and tell! “Aw, nuts!” says Susie. She’s brought pecans, almonds, and walnuts. Yum! Kids will love shouting these exclamations and more along with the characters in this brand-new picture book from comedy writer Alan Katz, brought vividly to life with cartoonish illustrations by Stephen Gilpin.

Perfect for fans of Tom Angleberger and Dan Gutman, this hilarious story with black and white illustrations is the start of a series about trouble-making twins and their newest nanny-and his very impressive mustache! David and Nathan are twin brothers who just can''t seem to keep a babysitter around for long-they''ve had 347 after all. Or is it 734? Either way . . . there''s got to be someone who can handle these two. Enter: Martin Healey Discount, or “Murray Poopins” as the boys dub him. When they first meet, Martin is all business-well, business and a very bushy mustache. The boys must brush their teeth and clean their rooms and there is absolutely no television allowed. But is there more to Martin than meets the eye? When David and Nathan''s parents leave, the twins aren''t the only ones acting like children . . . From the hilarious mind of Alan Katz comes a brand-new series with a cast of characters that will tickle more than your upper lip.

Well-known songs, including "Itsy Bitsy Spider" and "Farmer in the Dell," are presented with new words and titles, such as "Tiny Baby Brother" and "I''m in My Room and Bored."

Ricky Vargas IS the funniest kid in the world! Ricky Vargas is so funny he can make people snort milk out of their noses... even if they''re not drinking anything!But it''s not always easy to be so funny. And when the funniest kid in the world has his first un-funny day, Ricky has to figure out how to get back his amazing, world-famous sense of humor. Contains three hilarious Ricky Vargas stories in one book!

Now''s your chance to meet the funniest kid in the world! Ricky Vargas is funny. He is so funny he can make you snort milk out of your nose...even if you''re not drinking any!In three stories, Ricky manages to get carried away at the school spelling bee, ruin the class picture, and speak his own language. But don''t worry, no matter what trouble Ricky finds himself in, he always knows just how to make it better--after all, who could be upset with the funniest kid in the world for long?