What's so funny?

by Michael Cart

In this study of American humorous books published for children since 1920, Michael Cart addresses universal considerations of what makes us laugh by focusing on three particular types of books: talking-animal fantasies, hyperbole and tall-tale humor, and domestic or family comedy, the literary equivalent of television sitcoms. In addressing the intriguing question "What's so funny?" Michael Cart makes a convincing argument for according humorous books the same critical stature as serious literature. In the process he not only celebrates some neglected talents (Walter R. Brooks and Sid Fleischman) but also takes a fresh and occasionally revisionist look at some established classics (the Moffats and Ramona Quimby, among others).