Our Top Five Books to Make You Smile
Since it's International Happiness Day, we thought we'd bring you five books to make you smile!
Skelp the Aged, by John Duignan and Ian Hopkins

Mungo and Ethel live in genteel poverty in the decaying family villa. In one moment of madness out of many in his life, Mungo borrows from loan sharks to fund the dream of a little place in the sun, fortified by warm nights of samba-ing and even warmer tonic wines. Placing their trust in an estate agent - another moment of madness - their home is put on the market at a knock-down price, and new sets of sharks - hunting in pairs and scenting blood (inspired by all those daytime TV programmes) - circle our aged heroes. Meantime the loan sharks demand their money with menaces - or the interest on the interest on the interest. But wait! Mungo has a plan and Ethel has a shotgun. If only it had been the other way about.
Today the elderly can be bad-mouthed with impunity. Politicians blame all economic travails on them for living too long. Sadly, some of the elderly have taken to believe this. Arise and skelp back!
A funny and tongue-in-cheek novel, Skelp the Aged will make you laugh, smile and question what your grandma gets up to on the weekend! One not to miss.
Donna and Dermot on the Move, by Hilda Kalap

Donna is always smiling - even when she falls off her bike, even when her older brother pulls her hair, even when the sky is full of grey clouds. Together with her dog, Dermot, by her side, the two explore the countryside around their home, having lots of fun.
Then one day Donna's parents move far away to the smoky city and everything changes.
A book aimed at children but appreciated by adults, Donna and Dermot on the Move teaches us that you are not defined by others or external factors. That you are free, and have the power to create your own reality at any given moment. And to shine your light as brightly as possible.
Apple Insider: An Englishman in New York, by C.T. Sullivan

When Chris accompanies his wife Deborah on her secondment to her New York office, it heralds ninety-one days of joy, frustrations and craziness.
As he uncovers this amazing city's history of surprises and seedy secrets, join him in his many adventures, from dicing with death in an elevator, entertaining a wacky wedding party and having a set-to with a mad traffic cop, to Deborah being arrested by airport security in Toronto.
Much like anything from Bill Bryson's travel humour, Apple Insider focuses on the craziness that the author experiences whilst he spends 90 days in New York. One to make you laugh out loud, you won't believe that some of his adventures are actually true.
The How to Do Stuff (Right) Book, by Glen P. Aylward

In this humorous look at everyday life, psychologist Dr. Wayward explains how to deal with everyday situations using findings from his extensive (and field-tested) research. Learn how to do stuff (the right way) with Dr Wayward's expert advice on everything from wine tasting and buying a car to raising toddlers and maintaining the perfect garden lawn that's sure to impress those neighbors when they peek out from behind the curtains.
Witty, smart and full of laughs, The How to Do Stuff (Right) Book will teach you to survive the modern world and its pitfalls, whether you're a technology-savvy Millennial keen on growing the perfect bonsai, or a Baby Boomer struggling to keep up with the advances of the twenty-first century.
If you're looking for advice on how to manage your life, then look no further! A witty and charming book, The How to Do Stuff (Right) Book will teach you everything you need to know about living in the modern world!
Does Butter Fly?, by Flick Jones

Does Butter Fly? is a charming collection of children's poems for young readers to enjoy. Coupled with enchanting illustrations, readers will be smiling from the very first page. Filled with delightfully imaginative characters, such as Monica Veronica, Slender Brenda and Paddy, the dandy cat, there is a poem in here for all to enjoy.
Although not one that will make you laugh out loud, Does Butter Fly? will certainly make you smile with its sweet characters and charming poetry. One to be enjoyed by both adults and children, this little book is one to pick up when you're looking for a little joy in the day.
Honourable Mention:
Yr Gobaith: The Dragon's Lair, by John Dawson
JustTin, by Steve 'Loopy' Newhouse
Harder Yet!, by Andrew Brasher and George Smith
Michaelmas Term, by Nicholas Barrett
The Buick Stops Here (Skelp the Aged, Vol. 2), by John Duignan and Ian Hopkins
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