Funny Science

Felix's shower is a portal to another world. Never fear. He's ready for anything this time, with a backpack full of survival gear. He turns on the shower and . . . REEEEKKKKKK! Felix finds himself in the middle of the ocean . . . sinking . . . but there's a ship on the horizon.

In her second hilarious adventure, animal mindreader Opie Jones is off to Scotland to join her dad on the set of his Scottish medical TV show, Highland Docs, accompanied by friends Jackson and Cillian, as well as Margot, the cat with attitude, and Opie’s super-keen new sidekick, Slug (an actual slug). But before they get the chance to try out their acting skills, dastardly villain Varling and his band of brainwashers are back with an evil new plan! Can Opie and the gang (plus a showbiz pig) save the day?

Evelyn Witch has everything a witch needs. Messy hair, bubbling potions, and perfectly carved pumpkins. But there’s something missing… A pet! Perhaps she’ll get a bat or a griffin, or—Oh. She can only afford the mystery pet: a plain white egg. She watches and waits for it to hatch. Sniveling snails, something has to be done! Evelyn rolls up her sleeves and heads to the library, where they keep all the best spells. It’s time to get serious.

I live near a biscuit factory. Sounds like a dream come true, right? But it's not all fun and jammie dodgers. You see, the biscuit factory is really a Super-Secret Science Lab. Everyone pretends it makes biscuits. It just makes life easier. Until today. Because the biscuit factory tore a hole through dimensions, and now huge orange monsters are climbing through. Oh, and if we don't do something, the world is going to go kablooey in the next 30 minutes. Not on my watch. You coming?

Welcome to the Isle of Smile where everyone, including the Wibbles of Wobble Mountain, the singing Earworms and the one-eyed Drib Drabs, lives in perfect harmony – most of the time! But when the Clouds of Joy BUMP together to make a wonky rainbow it means one thing: someone or something is coming to VISIT. Who could it be . . .?

T-Bin has been traveling through space for years to deposit its passengers on a new planet, to give them a new life. But now, mere days from arrival, Tanner can’t shake the feeling that there’s a more sinister plot at work.

A train gets waylaid in the middle of nowhere, and Luke and his dad find themselves with four hours to kill before it’s fixed. Just enough time for a trip to the mysterious, decrepit old museum on the edge of town. A short story from Guys Read: Other Worlds, edited by Jon Scieszka.

Aiko is a courageous astronaut, specially trained to brave the extremes of space. The whole of humanity is counting on her success. But on a planet that shows signs of life, something goes awry, and when she wakes up, she finds … a pack of dogs? And … they can talk? Descended from the valiant astrodogs who first traveled in space, these canines have cut off all contact with Earth. They’ve found a new planet where they can live, far from humanity and their former masters. (Yes, that doesn’t explain how they can talk, but that’s a little complicated, so let’s move on.)

"The problem with political jokes is they get elected." Let's look at some of the best and the brightest (funniest) moments in our recent political and social history, quotes from the leaders that we so look up to and admire, and even a few celebrities. Why do we give them our undying attention, faith, and hope? Why not pay closer attention to who we're letting speak for and guide us?

Two pet sitters. One talking cat. What could possibly go wrong? Cassie and Lina think Bella the bearded dragon is so beautiful. Gus is not so sure, and he’s determined to prove it.... But no one’s expecting Bella to have some seriously sparkly allergies. Now, everyone’s got the glitter jitters, especially Gus!

Nathan has been locked in his room ever since "it" started growing back. They’re going to come for him soon, so he’s got precious little time to tell us what is happening.

An artist takes us through his day, from his own particular perspective. A short story from Guys Read: Other Worlds, edited by Jon Scieszka.